Using a touring bike for commuting- need help with selection
08-29-11 | 07:06 AM
#26
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From: Far beyond the pale horizon.
08-29-11 | 09:39 AM
#27
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From: Chicago!
I found an older used Trek 620 at a bike shop here in Memphis. It had a tall frame, with the top bar about an inch clear below my crotch. Wheels are true. I took it out for 15 minute ride, don't see any real issues except these:
Handlebars are a little narrow for me, they are drop bars, they look original. Could I switch these out easily to wider bars?.
There doesn't appear to be room enough for full fenders. For commuting and light touring, this is an issue. I looked around online, there are some that could work.
The store wants $350 for it. I don't know the year, I would need model # I guess? Not sure if this is a good deal. I'm not experienced enough to know if the components are good. The derailleur said Shimano 105, as did the brakes I think.
Otherwise, I'm probably going to spring for a new Surly cross check.
Any suggestions?
Handlebars are a little narrow for me, they are drop bars, they look original. Could I switch these out easily to wider bars?.
There doesn't appear to be room enough for full fenders. For commuting and light touring, this is an issue. I looked around online, there are some that could work.
The store wants $350 for it. I don't know the year, I would need model # I guess? Not sure if this is a good deal. I'm not experienced enough to know if the components are good. The derailleur said Shimano 105, as did the brakes I think.
Otherwise, I'm probably going to spring for a new Surly cross check.
Any suggestions?
In Chicago, $350 for a 105-equipped 620 would be gone in a heartbeat. Not sure what the market prices are where you're at.
08-29-11 | 09:25 PM
#29
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08-29-11 | 09:26 PM
#30
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Take a look at the Salsa Casseroll. I got one for commuting in April and love it. I had been commuting for 2 years on a touring bike but it was heavy, slow and stiff riding. The Casseroll is better in every respect for commuting and light touring. Get a touring frame if you really intend to do loaded touring. Otherwise a sport touring frame will be much faster and more fun to ride on a daily basis.
08-29-11 | 10:50 PM
#31
aka Timi
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From: Gothenburg, Sweden
Bikes: Bianchi Lupo & Bianchi Volpe Disc: touring. Bianchi Volpe: commuting
A bike with 132.5 mm rear drop outs would allow you to put a road wheel (130mm hub) with thin tires (e.g 23 mm) for good weather commuting, and change to a 135mm mtb hub wheel with stronger rims and wider tires for touring.
08-30-11 | 05:55 AM
#32
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I agree with this from my experience. My LHT is so comfortable but I get so paranoid about leaving it. The Cannondale with the IGH is much easier to shift and operate in traffic and my fear is eased when I leave it.
08-30-11 | 08:02 AM
#33
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From: Grand Jct. CO.
Bikes: Kona Sutra , Seven Axiom
This is what i commute on ......... https://www.konaworld.com/road.cfm?content=sutra
09-01-11 | 05:07 PM
#34
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Trek 620 pics
I'll try to attach pics here of used Trek 620. I've ridden it, it runs well. I wonder if I will have trouble finding parts? They'll give me new tires. 25.5" frame, 35" standover. I remeasured my standover, I'm at 36" without shoes.
They want $329 for it.
I'm down to about the same 4 bikes.... this one above,
Raleigh Sojourn
Surly Cross Check
Bikes Direct Windsor Touring
Most of you have recommended the Surly, having trouble coughing up the cash without seeing the bike, the LBS has to order it. They said they will "work with me" if it doesn't fit well.
Any suggestions welcome.
Last edited by mello velo; 09-01-11 at 05:31 PM.
09-01-11 | 05:36 PM
#35
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From: Northern California
Bikes: Raleigh Grand Prix, Giant Innova, Nishiki Sebring, Trek 7.5FX
I belong to a Touring Club. The most forgiving bikes for long trips are the Trek 620's and 520's, IMHO. The Surly LHT is right up there too!
However, my favorite of all times is a Soma Saga that's got Shimano Deore Derailleurs, Shimano 8 speed V-Brifters, with 700cc Weinmann wheels, and 700 X 32 Panaracer Crosstowns. Rides like a Dream.....
There's a Casseroller in the group too who swears by Salsa!
PS.
Commuting on a Trek 620 is like driving a Bentley to High School.
However, my favorite of all times is a Soma Saga that's got Shimano Deore Derailleurs, Shimano 8 speed V-Brifters, with 700cc Weinmann wheels, and 700 X 32 Panaracer Crosstowns. Rides like a Dream.....
There's a Casseroller in the group too who swears by Salsa!
PS.
Commuting on a Trek 620 is like driving a Bentley to High School.
Last edited by SlimRider; 09-01-11 at 05:44 PM.
09-01-11 | 05:46 PM
#36
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From: Chicago!
You shouldn't have any trouble at all finding parts for the Trek. At 1/3 the price of the other bikes on your list (1/2 in the case of the Windsor Touring, though that's obviously another one you can't ride before buying), to me it's a no brainer - get the Trek. Of course I'm cheap, and partial to 80's Treks. Interesting that someone replaced the cantilever brakes with sidepulls, though it does look like there's enough clearance for fenders/fatter tires. Pretty easy and cheap to switch back to cantilevers if you want maximum tire and fender clearance.
Of course, if you really want a brand new bike, you should just do that. These 1980's sport/touring bikes are great commuting/touring/road workhorses though, and at a much cheaper price.
Of course, if you really want a brand new bike, you should just do that. These 1980's sport/touring bikes are great commuting/touring/road workhorses though, and at a much cheaper price.
09-01-11 | 07:18 PM
#37
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From: Maryland
Bikes: Hollands Touring Bike, Schwinn mountain bike, folding bike, tandem and triple
Hello folks,
I'm thinking of commuting 7 miles to work, in Memphis, TN, USA. It's hilly but not extremely so. I want to also use the bike for exercise, and maybe light touring. I will want full fenders and a rear rack for panniers. My budget is $1200 or so, but I'm fairly frugal. I'm 6'-3" with about a 36" standover height with shoes, so I need a tall frame.
I'm thinking of commuting 7 miles to work, in Memphis, TN, USA. It's hilly but not extremely so. I want to also use the bike for exercise, and maybe light touring. I will want full fenders and a rear rack for panniers. My budget is $1200 or so, but I'm fairly frugal. I'm 6'-3" with about a 36" standover height with shoes, so I need a tall frame.
09-01-11 | 10:38 PM
#38
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You shouldn't have any trouble at all finding parts for the Trek. At 1/3 the price of the other bikes on your list (1/2 in the case of the Windsor Touring, though that's obviously another one you can't ride before buying), to me it's a no brainer - get the Trek. Of course I'm cheap, and partial to 80's Treks. Interesting that someone replaced the cantilever brakes with sidepulls, though it does look like there's enough clearance for fenders/fatter tires. Pretty easy and cheap to switch back to cantilevers if you want maximum tire and fender clearance.
Of course, if you really want a brand new bike, you should just do that. These 1980's sport/touring bikes are great commuting/touring/road workhorses though, and at a much cheaper price.
Of course, if you really want a brand new bike, you should just do that. These 1980's sport/touring bikes are great commuting/touring/road workhorses though, and at a much cheaper price.
Having had 3 bikes stolen I'm inclined to go cheap, but the little kid inside of me does get more excited about a shiny new lean machine.
