Ask Scrod
#6528
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
The Kilo (with it's lack of clearance for fenders or bigger tires) isn't going to make a very good bad weather bike. I say find an old road bike, use whatever existing parts you can and and throw some used/cheap parts at it to finish it off. My scrap-heap Raleigh is a blessing.
Thoughts anyone?
#6529
basically, any bike with track geo is gonna be a crappy commuter (depending on your commute obvs).
to me a commuter should have rack mounts, comfortable geometry, clearance for larger tires (>28cm), and possibly fenders.
you can hop on a track bike wearing a backpack and ride to work, but that doesn't qualify it as a commuter.
to me a commuter should have rack mounts, comfortable geometry, clearance for larger tires (>28cm), and possibly fenders.
you can hop on a track bike wearing a backpack and ride to work, but that doesn't qualify it as a commuter.
#6530
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
True. I rode a Schwinn Madison with fenders and 23c tires to work daily for the past 3 years and was very comfortable. I'm in Chicago and weather can be an issue, but climate change is making my commute easier lately. I still want a nice looking ride and being shorter, someone in the 50cm C-C range. I was considering the Wabi Classic, as it can fit a 32c tire without fenders, or 28 with, but the top tube is a little long.
Any recommendations are appreciated.
Any recommendations are appreciated.
#6531
basically, any bike with track geo is gonna be a crappy commuter (depending on your commute obvs).
to me a commuter should have rack mounts, comfortable geometry, clearance for larger tires (>28cm), and possibly fenders.
you can hop on a track bike wearing a backpack and ride to work, but that doesn't qualify it as a commuter.
to me a commuter should have rack mounts, comfortable geometry, clearance for larger tires (>28cm), and possibly fenders.
you can hop on a track bike wearing a backpack and ride to work, but that doesn't qualify it as a commuter.
(since my Devil was stolen, I've ridden a Felt for the last month and I can say, even though it is a very commuter-specific bike, it sucks for anything but DWI-style cycling. Nothing snappy, quick or fun about it. It's the equivalent of driving a Ford Focus).
#6532
I do it every day, 10 miles a day. Fenders are nice and even a relaxed geo - but in the end, there is nothing noteworthy about riding something slow and crappy when you're trying to enjoy the ride to/from work.
(since my Devil was stolen, I've ridden a Felt for the last month and I can say, even though it is a very commuter-specific bike, it sucks for anything but DWI-style cycling. Nothing snappy, quick or fun about it. It's the equivalent of driving a Ford Focus).
(since my Devil was stolen, I've ridden a Felt for the last month and I can say, even though it is a very commuter-specific bike, it sucks for anything but DWI-style cycling. Nothing snappy, quick or fun about it. It's the equivalent of driving a Ford Focus).
5mi each way is do-able on a track bike, if you have a 20+mi commute, you might want a legit commuter.
my .02
#6533
I do commute that much and it has been made much more enjoyable to have fenders and a pannier even though I'm used to goong it with a road bike and messenger bag. My commute time is still the same because of all the traffic and lights. A light touring bike with 28mm tires is a great compromise.
#6534
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Parma, Ohio
Bikes: Mercier Kilo TT Pro,Scatantte X330
It also depends on your areas weather. I commute 14 round trip around crappy Cleveland streets and the TT pro is an amazing ride. I use a messenger bag and lug around snacks and lunch to work. Even after a long 12 hr shift at the factory I have a blast going home on my kilo. I'm building up a foul weather bike because of the snow. Until then I'm slapping some Sks raceblade longs on it and riding the crap out of it
#6535
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
That's all good feedback. I guess either a Jury with an 80mm stem is in my future, or the hunt continues for road geometry, a "normal" top tube length, and wide tire friendly.
#6536
Scrod,
Would I have any issues running a compression plug instead of a star-nut with a steel fork(as in the one that will be part of the Mr. Pink I'm going to purchase)?
Would I have any issues running a compression plug instead of a star-nut with a steel fork(as in the one that will be part of the Mr. Pink I'm going to purchase)?
#6537
Thread Starter
Your cog is slipping.



Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
Likes: 100
From: Beverly MA
Bikes: EAI Bareknuckle
Nope. I'm using one on my BK and I've had to trouble.
#6539
:)
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,420
Likes: 3
From: San Jose, CA
Bikes: Cannondale CAAD12, Specialized Rockhopper, Norco Fluid FS1
Do you think I can get bottle bosses on my 722 frame with the weird downtube shaping? I'm tired of keeping my bottle in my jersey.
#6541
my aquarack is also serving me just fine, just put some blue loctite on the screws so they dont come loose
#6542
I hated that one of the screws holding the cages on my aqua rack kept coming loose so I took it apart and put the cages on my my roadie. I'm glad you posted that's rod because I was about to ask for a more traditional alternative to the aqua rack.
#6543
Thread Starter
Your cog is slipping.



Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
Likes: 100
From: Beverly MA
Bikes: EAI Bareknuckle
#6544
Brown Bear, Sqrl Hunter
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,244
Likes: 28
From: San Jose, CA
Bikes: CAAD 10 4, Dolan DF4, Fuji Track Classic
I can't find a thumbs up picture of you scrod.
Needs to have the text "That's Rod"
Somebody make this happen.
Needs to have the text "That's Rod"
Somebody make this happen.
#6545
Thread Starter
Your cog is slipping.



Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
Likes: 100
From: Beverly MA
Bikes: EAI Bareknuckle
#6546
Brown Bear, Sqrl Hunter
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,244
Likes: 28
From: San Jose, CA
Bikes: CAAD 10 4, Dolan DF4, Fuji Track Classic
#6547
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Parma, Ohio
Bikes: Mercier Kilo TT Pro,Scatantte X330
#6548
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Parma, Ohio
Bikes: Mercier Kilo TT Pro,Scatantte X330
Anyways.......I have a dilemma. I wanna get new tires for the bike. I currently have Gatorskin Hardshells in 25mm and wanted to go with a 23 buuuuut probikekit has the GP4000 S for super cheap. I have heard nothing but great things about the Gp 4000S should i get them? FWIW I weigh 200lbs
#6550
Thread Starter
Your cog is slipping.



Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
Likes: 100
From: Beverly MA
Bikes: EAI Bareknuckle
Anyways.......I have a dilemma. I wanna get new tires for the bike. I currently have Gatorskin Hardshells in 25mm and wanted to go with a 23 buuuuut probikekit has the GP4000 S for super cheap. I have heard nothing but great things about the Gp 4000S should i get them? FWIW I weigh 200lbs





