Commuter/wet weather bike

[pfc]

I commuted on an old, heavy (20 kgs!!) mtb hardtail for 10 years. Then smashed bike and self up in an accident.

As I had recently started doing longer rides of c40kms at the weekend I replaced the old bike with a flat bar road bike.http://www.gtbicycles.com/aus/eng/P...oad/Sport/#2615

I've been enjoying this bike on the longer rides but on the commute (8kms) I'm feeling a bit less stable than on the mtb. There's a bit of toe overlap and I'm also a bit jittery on the 28 tyres in the wet.

Had the idea of buying a commuter/wet weather bike and then got the idea of a SS because I hate cleaning the cassette and also I'd get the added bonus of a better workout on the short commute. 3 options.

1) SE Lager. Cheap, will carry 32's. http://www.sebikes.com/2008/bike-detail.asp?id=46

2) Mongoose Sabrosa. SS mtb but set up for road. Larger wheel, fat tires (but I'd probably run 35's), disc brakes, 42/16 gearing. http://www.mongoose.com/mtn/Product...2361&enc=mtn%7C

3) Stop whingeing, ride current bike more often, get used to the thinner tyres and clean and lube more often.

Any input welcomed on either of the above options. Also any views on whether wider tyres, disc brakes and mtb geometry are safer in the wet.

Thanks in advance for any help rendered.

 

[garage sale GT]

How about a balloon tire 3 speed? You said it's only 8 kms.

 

[Powerful Pete]

1. Suck up and deal. The flat bar bike in your link is absolutely fine for an 8 km ride. Remember that, once you are used to it you will have trouble going to a slower heavier bike... Cleaning and lubing your chain should not take more than 15 minutes per week. Come on. You know you have the time.

2. Having said all that, I think the Mongoose looks cool. Have you considered some of the other urban SS type bikes out there? I really like the look of the Specialized NYC taxi cab paintjob, or the Felt. Buy one, ride it and tell us how it is.