What type of bike do you commute to work on

mikesbytes

The stats on the type of bike being commuted on are pretty close to what I see on Sydney roads. Perhaps we are similar in first world countries.

For the record Giant OCR2 road bike and a 1980's steel frame road bike with modern 700c wheels, tyres, breaks, cleated pedals. Looks like a piece of s**t but actually goes quite well. In fact I rode it on a training ride yesterday as my OCR was in the shop getting a new cluster.

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Training Log

rek

After commuting on an MTB, then a road bike, then an MTB set up for pavement, I finally settled on a cyclocross bike as the base for building what I think to be the perfect commuter... well, if it had a front disc brake it'd be perfect, but close enough is good enough!

I like drop bars in and around traffic.. I find the lesser width, and having your hands at the extremities of the bike make it easier to judge which nooks and crannies you can and can't fit into.

Although the spec is rather modest (compared to my 'real' road bike and MTB) I love riding this thing. Which I think is important, if you don't like riding your commuter bike, you won't commute as often with it.



Cannondale Cyclocross frame with Ultra X front fork (25mm suspension with lockout)
Tiagra groupset (9 speed, 12-26T cassette) and cheapy compact crank (34/50)
Maxxis Overdrive 700x38c tyres, with a set of Mr Tuffys installed
SKS fenders, and Topeak rack and quick-release bag with expanding panniers
Light & Motion Commuter 10W halogen light

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Peter
Cannondale Synapse Carbon Scalpel Cyclocross Ultra

garage sale GT

Singlespeed full fender cruiser, very reliable.

I bought a bunch of foul weather gear prior to last winter and wound up using it very little because it was such a mild winter, but one piece of gear that enabled comfortable biking during a zero degree cold spell was a breath warming face mask. I actually had to ride with it halfway off because I got sick of breathing very warm, very humid air. (There was no snow during that particular cold snap.)

In the summer I am still riding the same bike along with an assortment of old 3 and 10 speeds. My 2001 Raleigh trail bike works great too, because you can climb hills without perspiring.

Trojan Badger

Hey, that's a great idea for winter - I spent 6 weeks last winter off the road with colds and chest infections from being a bit too enthusiastic when it was cold. That's definitely something to try.

I do a 20 mile round trip on a Ridgeback Genesis - Hybrid with racing-weight frame and flat handlebars. The Shimano wheels it came with were rubbish, I had to change the back one for a handbuilt one after a few months (and it's much better now)

Loving it this summer - I started cycling 2 years ago fater a 12-year break (!) and my life is transformed. I'm under 200 pounds for the first time in living memory for a start...!

chuckchunder

Steel 10 speed, then Shogun Metro (hybrid) then LOGO 'bent now Greenspeed GTR 20/20 with Rohloff..........

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poweredbysweat

I responded once to this thread, but things have changed. I now have a Bike E recumbent. I've been riding it through the Summer, and prefer it. In slick conditions, I'll go back to my old mountain bike though.

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Jim
Make a BOLD statement while cycling.
www.oilfreeandhappy.com

e0richt

Can I ask what brand/model of bike? (not a snob, just curious...)

OldSoldier

Trek Madone 5.9 SL. 30 miles each way 3 x a week plus Centuries and Double Centuries. The commute is 14.5 miles of rolling hills and 15.5 miles of mostly flat riding. The 5.9 is not about racing, but about long distance.

xroads

Specialized crossroads (entry level) with full mudguards, rack and clipless spd pedals. A joy to ride, reliable, quick and no annoying rattles/noises yet. The wide 700*38c tyres are comfortable and good for canal tow paths. Only done a few hundred miles over the past month, no regrets on choice.

DaemonLee

The '06 Novara Fusion, that's currently in the shop because it has a issue with it's generator lights.

garage sale GT

What do you guys think of this for a foul weather commuter? go to Amazon and search on "cadillac AV-8". That's not a bad price just for the wheels.

e0richt

well, it looks ok but I have to wonder about a couple of things. The backrest for example, it doesn't look like it would do anything and I have a perfectly good hybrid from an LBS for less that I would trust more than what I see in the pic...

I also wonder about the quality of something with the name given by a car manufacturer... it kind of implies a cheapie give away gimmick to sell cars.

garage sale GT

Sure, but this thing has drum brakes front and rear, and a Sturmey 8-speed internal gear hub.

e0richt

yeah, I re-looked at the description and it does have drum brakes and internal gear hub which is good. Not only that, there are some good reviews about the product (which would make me feel better about it...)

can you put fenders and/or a rack without the seat stays?

it seems like a good deal. If you get it, I sure would welcome a "review" post from you...