Road bike commuter suggestions

[jessef]

Right now, I take the bus to/from home/hospitals but would like to start commuting via bike.

I've hopped on the wvo train on both our diesels and would like to make that footprint even smaller by cycling instead of bus'ing it.

I'm a downhill/tech rider but don't know much about commuter bikes. There's so much out there now ranging from $150 cnd tire to $$,$$$ Italian bikes.

I'll be riding through the year/seasons and will ride between 10-25 km's daily.

I would appreciate any suggestions/experience from commuters out there in the Delica community.

The most important factor : price. I'd like to keep it under 1,000 with rack/panniers to carry gear.

[Mr. Pistachio]

Jesse!

a good mountain bike (one suspension in the front - none in the back) with slick tire offer a very interesting gear ratio for frequent stop & go in the city. Let say a normal 27 speed. The large handlebar give you manuverability to zig-zag, jump curbs, etc... Most important: brakes. If you're carrying a load, you want to be able to stop on a dime and that's for your on safety!

On Broadway, there's a used bike shop at Balsam? and they have ia lot of bikes. Mud flap for Raincity is a must. I'd suggest you invest more in accessories like quick attach rack, a good pair of wheater proof bags, etc...

I've transformed my Trek 6000 with slick tires and it make a world of difference!

Cheers Mate
Antoine

[White Mule]

Trek 520.

[nxski]

I would suggest getting a used one no matter what kind of bike you decide on. You can get some great deals!

[thedjjack]

I use a old GT bike I built up years ago (my old cross country bike):

100PSI slicks about 1.25 wide

Front disk with NON-Suspension forks

I run a 8 speed cog set with single front chain ring (I would go internal 8 speed if I had $$$$).

I run fenders for the rainy season (sometimes).

I worked for years a bicycle mechanic (including team Canada). High end parts make all the difference in durability.

MEC has a nice internal speed commuter so does Brodie, Kona (if I remember right). Cycle-cross bikes make for a nice ride out of the box.

Light, durable, no suspension if you want to get somewhere fast!!

Cheers

[jessef]

I tried out a kona dr dew and a Giant Seek 2. Both felt very different but fast.

Is it best (like with downhill rides) to start with a good frame and build up from there or get an average already built frame w decent components ?

[thedjjack]

Depends on your parking spot....going to good and too flashy is an issue in Vancouver.

I have inside locked parking, plus a look.

A decent frame with good components is all you need for commuting.

[jessef]

at home I'll sleep with it
at St. Paul's and Vancouver General I have access to an employee locked bike area.

A friend has an old Santa Cruz chameleon with some good gear on it. I may go that route, hardtail and get a fork that I can lock out. The panniers/rear rack is the most important. I need to carry quite a bit of gear with me.

[thedjjack]

Santa Cruz chameleon would be good...Personally Front forks are just weight....and unlocked suck up forward moving.....

I would just throw some slicks on it and get riding....dial it in as you go!

[jessef]

I may prod you for upgrades when I get the ride. Be prepared !

[thedjjack]

For sure....talk soon...

Off camping for the week with the awesome new family!!

[bassnailer]

I used my cyclo-cross for commuting for some time. I think it's a good way to go. I did put slicks on it. It had a smaller gear ratio than than a road bike, but bigger than a mountain bike, you could still get going pretty good, It was an Opus Spark. It had all 105 group on it, so it was good quality. Sold it when I got my race bike.
It's hard for me to ride to work because I need to bring my tool belt, work boots, change of clothes and lunch. So I park my van at work and ride to and from, mid-week.
I'm looking for a commuter ride now as well. But I'm looking for an older (80's) steel frame road bike. I like the geometry of the road bike versus the mountain bike. I think the road bike is more efficient.

[jessef]

The market for commuter bikes is massive. I can't believe that it may have a larger market share than norm mtn bikes.

Used commuters for some reason are going for an average higher price than a brand new one with similar components.

After searching through kijii and craigslist, I've found that people here in Vancouver overprice used bikes compared to back east and down in Seattle by a lot. May as well buy a new bike which I plan to do. Thanks for the tips folks.

[gtexjunkie]

Maybe one of these
http://derringercycles.com/

[speshul_deli~very]

I commute to work by bike too on a Kona Paddy Wagon, 1 speed with a flip-flop hub (I.e. fixed or freewheel option). it's a steel frame with braze-ons for racks and fenders, and just the right gear ratio for cruising speeds and climbing the city hills. geometry similar to a cross bike, which is perfect for bombing around the city. I'm not much for panniers, and use a seal line backpack to take my clothes, lunch and work files/laptop if needed.

I agree that used bikes tend to be overpriced, but you can get a solid bike for 700-1000. the beauty of one speed bikes is you have less drivetrain components to maintain and replace. they're not just for hipsters, they're for working schleps and dads too.