Light, Fast Commuter Road Bike -- Does It Exist?

In article <[email hidden]>,

James said:

Does any bike manufacturer make and sell a light, fast commuter road
bike? Here's what I want in a commuter-road:

- actually be a road bike
- eyelets, front and back, for fenders in winter
- brakes that can clear fenders
- fairly lightweight (18 or 19 lbs without fenders)
- 700 23 tires
- reasonably fast geometry (in 56cm wheelbase under 1000mm)

You're describing pretty much the normal road bike up until roughly 15
years ago.

Quoted message said:

Can't seem to find anything like this here in the United States. The
audax bikes in the U.K. seem to match my specs (
http://www.setavento.com/img/AudaxBike.jpg )

"Audax" bikes (also called "randonneuring" bikes in the US, although
properly the term is "randonneuse," woul dbe just what you're describing.

Quoted message said:

I'm surprised commuter-roads are so rare. All of the commuters I see
in the shops are either hybrids or 25 lbs tourers.

There are some options, cyclo-cross bikes being probably the most
readily available. You'd really tend to have to mix and match and build
up the bike yourself, though. If you take that route there are many
options- frames from Soma, Rivendell, Surly spring to mind.

James said:

Does any bike manufacturer make and sell a light, fast commuter road
bike? Here's what I want in a commuter-road:

- actually be a road bike
- eyelets, front and back, for fenders in winter
- brakes that can clear fenders
- fairly lightweight (18 or 19 lbs without fenders)
- 700 23 tires
- reasonably fast geometry (in 56cm wheelbase under 1000mm)

Can't seem to find anything like this here in the United States.
The audax bikes in the U.K. seem to match my specs
(http://www.setavento.com/img/AudaxBike.jpg)

I'm surprised commuter-roads are so rare. All of the commuters I see
in the shops are either hybrids or 25 lbs tourers.

Redline has currently got some rather typical al/carbon road bikes
that use standard reach brakes and have some tire/fender clearance.
The most expensive one (http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/
R760.html , I think it's around 1200US, could be wrong) is 105-ish
and probably down around 19 or 20 or 21 and comes with cheap deep rims
that are probably at least 200g heavier in total than light rims, and
the tires it comes with are probably wire. there's also numerous
higher end cx bikes that could match what you want, although many/most
won't have eyelets.

there are also berthoud carbon fenders, which have a 25mm wide profile
that's designed to be somewhat shortreach friendly and can apparently
fit many/most typical idiotic modern road bikes.

In article <[email hidden]>,

James said:

Does any bike manufacturer make and sell a light, fast commuter road
bike? Here's what I want in a commuter-road:

- actually be a road bike
- eyelets, front and back, for fenders in winter
- brakes that can clear fenders
- fairly lightweight (18 or 19 lbs without fenders)
- 700 23 tires
- reasonably fast geometry (in 56cm wheelbase under 1000mm)

Can't seem to find anything like this here in the United States.
The audax bikes in the U.K. seem to match my specs
( http://www.setavento.com/img/AudaxBike.jpg )

Quoted message said:

I'm surprised commuter-roads are so rare. All of the commuters I see
in the shops are either hybrids or 25 lbs tourers.

You consider 'commuter-roads' rare? I suspect it's because you'd like
to commute on a race bike rather than a road bike. Perhaps it would be
more realistic to opt for a pure racer (sans eyelets) and outfit it
with SKS race-blades or consider a CX bike.

[ http://www.habcycles.com/cross.html ]

James said:

Does any bike manufacturer make and sell a light, fast commuter road
bike? Here's what I want in a commuter-road:

- actually be a road bike
- eyelets, front and back, for fenders in winter
- brakes that can clear fenders
- fairly lightweight (18 or 19 lbs without fenders)
- 700 23 tires
- reasonably fast geometry (in 56cm wheelbase under 1000mm)

Can't seem to find anything like this here in the United States.
The audax bikes in the U.K. seem to match my specs
(http://www.setavento.com/img/AudaxBike.jpg)

I'm surprised commuter-roads are so rare. All of the commuters I see
in the shops are either hybrids or 25 lbs tourers.

http://www.waterfordbikes.com

All Waterfords are made to order, with all things you mentioned, like
eyelets, long reach brake options, etc, easy...We had one on the floor
that weighed 17 pounds, nothing exotic..

James said:

Does any bike manufacturer make and sell a light, fast commuter road
bike? Here's what I want in a commuter-road:

- actually be a road bike
- eyelets, front and back, for fenders in winter
- brakes that can clear fenders
- fairly lightweight (18 or 19 lbs without fenders)
- 700 23 tires
- reasonably fast geometry (in 56cm wheelbase under 1000mm)

Can't seem to find anything like this here in the United States.
The audax bikes in the U.K. seem to match my specs
( http://www.setavento.com/img/AudaxBike.jpg )

I'm surprised commuter-roads are so rare. All of the commuters I see
in the shops are either hybrids or 25 lbs tourers.

Giant OCR

--
Phil

On Sat, 18 Aug 2007 06:32:20 -0400, Luke <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

You consider 'commuter-roads' rare? I suspect it's because you'd like
to commute on a race bike rather than a road bike. Perhaps it would be
more realistic to opt for a pure racer (sans eyelets) and outfit it
with SKS race-blades or consider a CX bike.

[ http://www.habcycles.com/cross.html ]

I used to have a 9 or 10 mile commute I'd do on a bike. I tended to
ride it vigorously enough to take a shower at the office, so I did it
on my racing bike with heavy tires. Never flatted on the way, bike
worked fine, fun to ride.
--
JT
****************************
Remove "remove" to reply
Visit http://www.jt10000.com
****************************

James said:

Does any bike manufacturer make and sell a light, fast commuter road
bike? Here's what I want in a commuter-road:

- actually be a road bike
- eyelets, front and back, for fenders in winter
- brakes that can clear fenders
- fairly lightweight (18 or 19 lbs without fenders)
- 700 23 tires
- reasonably fast geometry (in 56cm wheelbase under 1000mm)

Can't seem to find anything like this here in the United States.
The audax bikes in the U.K. seem to match my specs
( http://www.setavento.com/img/AudaxBike.jpg )

I'm surprised commuter-roads are so rare. All of the commuters I see
in the shops are either hybrids or 25 lbs tourers.

I don't think that these exist in the U.S. any more. I have the old
Specialized Sirrus, circa 1990 or so, that fits the bill, though I think
it's around 22 pounds without racks, lights, fenders etc., being made
before the trend to "stupid-light". It's perfect for commuting--much
more efficient and faster than most dedicated commute bikes.

I guess the U.S. market for a lightweight, narrow tire, road bicycle
that can accept fenders or racks is so small that no one bothers
importing them into the U.S..

You'll have to go to Europe to buy something, or get something custom made.

Tim McNamara said:

In article <[email hidden]>,

James said:

Does any bike manufacturer make and sell a light, fast commuter road
bike? Here's what I want in a commuter-road:

- actually be a road bike
- eyelets, front and back, for fenders in winter
- brakes that can clear fenders
- fairly lightweight (18 or 19 lbs without fenders)
- 700 23 tires
- reasonably fast geometry (in 56cm wheelbase under 1000mm)

You're describing pretty much the normal road bike up until roughly 15
years ago.

I was thinking the same thing. He's describing a vintage road bike.
Something from the 70's , 80's, maybe early 90's would meet the
requirements. Maybe a little high on the weight all dressed, but not
much. Wheelbase somewhat dependent on the intended purpose.

In article <[email hidden]>,

SMS said:

James said:

Does any bike manufacturer make and sell a light, fast commuter road
bike? Here's what I want in a commuter-road:

- actually be a road bike
- eyelets, front and back, for fenders in winter
- brakes that can clear fenders
- fairly lightweight (18 or 19 lbs without fenders)
- 700 23 tires
- reasonably fast geometry (in 56cm wheelbase under 1000mm)

Can't seem to find anything like this here in the United States.

I guess the U.S. market for a lightweight, narrow tire, road bicycle
that can accept fenders or racks is so small that no one bothers
importing them into the U.S..

That sounds like a Trek Pilot or Specialized Sequoia to
me. Wheelbase is a bit on the long side though. Rumor has it
that both models will be redesigned with quicker handling for
2008.

_ Booker C. Bense

Booker C. Bense said:

In article <[email hidden]>,

SMS said:

James said:

Does any bike manufacturer make and sell a light, fast commuter road
bike? Here's what I want in a commuter-road:

- actually be a road bike
- eyelets, front and back, for fenders in winter
- brakes that can clear fenders
- fairly lightweight (18 or 19 lbs without fenders)
- 700 23 tires
- reasonably fast geometry (in 56cm wheelbase under 1000mm)

Can't seem to find anything like this here in the United States.

I guess the U.S. market for a lightweight, narrow tire, road bicycle
that can accept fenders or racks is so small that no one bothers
importing them into the U.S..

That sounds like a Trek Pilot or Specialized Sequoia to
me.

cannondale and giant have "fast" road models with clearance for fenders too.

Quoted message said:

Wheelbase is a bit on the long side though. Rumor has it
that both models will be redesigned with quicker handling for
2008.

_ Booker C. Bense

James said:

Does any bike manufacturer make and sell a light, fast commuter road
bike? Here's what I want in a commuter-road:

- actually be a road bike
- eyelets, front and back, for fenders in winter
- brakes that can clear fenders
- fairly lightweight (18 or 19 lbs without fenders)
- 700 23 tires
- reasonably fast geometry (in 56cm wheelbase under 1000mm)

Can't seem to find anything like this here in the United States.
The audax bikes in the U.K. seem to match my specs
(http://www.setavento.com/img/AudaxBike.jpg)

I'm surprised commuter-roads are so rare. All of the commuters I see
in the shops are either hybrids or 25 lbs tourers.

Check out www.somafab.com . My husband got the Smoothie ES and he
loves it!

Jenn

Qui si parla Campagnolo-www.vecchios.com said:

James said:

Does any bike manufacturer make and sell a light, fast commuter road
bike?

http://www.waterfordbikes.com

All Waterfords are made to order, with all things you mentioned, like
eyelets, long reach brake options, etc, easy...We had one on the floor
that weighed 17 pounds, nothing exotic..

I think you're right, I'll have no choice but to go made to order or
build one up myself. Some other posters mentioned Giant and
Cannondale, but what I've noticed on the major manufacturers is that
fender eyelets are only found on the low-end heavy Sora type models.

You say you ^^had^^ one on the floor, which means it sold. See...
see... there's a niche out there needing to be filled ;-)

James said:

On Aug 18, 4:57 am, "Qui si parla Campagnolo-www.vecchios.com"

Quoted message said:

On Aug 18, 12:39 am, James <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Does any bike manufacturer make and sell a light, fast commuter road
bike?

Quoted message said:

http://www.waterfordbikes.com

Quoted message said:

All Waterfords are made to order, with all things you mentioned, like
eyelets, long reach brake options, etc, easy...We had one on the floor
that weighed 17 pounds, nothing exotic..

I think you're right, I'll have no choice but to go made to order or
build one up myself. Some other posters mentioned Giant and
Cannondale, but what I've noticed on the major manufacturers is that
fender eyelets are only found on the low-end heavy Sora type models.

You say you ^^had^^ one on the floor, which means it sold. See...
see... there's a niche out there needing to be filled ;-)

Take a look at Marcroft:
http://bikehugger.com/2007/01/pretty_custom_rain_bike.htm
He can get you a sweet fast-commuter for a price that won't break the
bank. You can get everything you want for probably something close to
"off the shelf" prices of other makers

I have a Trek Portland that I love. 21 lbs as pictured:
http://tinyurl.com/2sm7lx

landotter said:

James said:

Does any bike manufacturer make and sell a light, fast commuter road
bike?

And your problem is? 25# is what normal people consider a light
commuter, especially if it's equipped with fenders, a proper amount of
spokes, real tires, and strong rims. If it's slow, then it's because
you're a [censored]. 23mm tires on a "commuter bike"? Can somebody please
refresh the carbide in the stupid beacon? Thanks!

My only "problem" is that I like the feel of a light, fast bike and
when it rains I would like to keep my feet and backside dry. My
commute is on smooth pavement. The 2,000 miles I did on 23mm tires and
20-spoke rims last winter went just fine and nothing broke. You're
right, the conventional wisdom is that a commuter bike shall be 25
pounds with 28mm tires, how dare I not conform? Yes, I was stupid.
I'll have to undo all those breakdown-free miles.

James said:

landotter said:

James said:

Does any bike manufacturer make and sell a light, fast commuter road
bike?

And your problem is? 25# is what normal people consider a light
commuter, especially if it's equipped with fenders, a proper amount of
spokes, real tires, and strong rims. If it's slow, then it's because
you're a [censored]. 23mm tires on a "commuter bike"? Can somebody please
refresh the carbide in the stupid beacon? Thanks!

My only "problem" is that I like the feel of a light, fast bike and
when it rains I would like to keep my feet and backside dry. My
commute is on smooth pavement. The 2,000 miles I did on 23mm tires and
20-spoke rims last winter went just fine and nothing broke. You're
right, the conventional wisdom is that a commuter bike shall be 25
pounds with 28mm tires, how dare I not conform? Yes, I was stupid.
I'll have to undo all those breakdown-free miles.

Dude, you've been brainwashed. Seriously.

Greg

--
Ticketmaster and Ticketweb suck, but everyone knows that:
http://www.ticketmastersucks.org

Dethink to survive - Mclusky

If you are willing to spend the bucks, you can build the bike you
want. You posted a custom only bike. The bike pictured does not weigh
18/19 pounds even though it is titanium. Not with a Brooks saddle!

Quoted message said:

James said:

Does any bike manufacturer make and sell a light, fast commuter road
bike? Here's what I want in a commuter-road:
- actually be a road bike
- eyelets, front and back, for fenders in winter
- brakes that can clear fenders
- fairly lightweight (18 or 19 lbs without fenders)
- 700 23 tires
- reasonably fast geometry (in 56cm wheelbase under 1000mm)
Can't seem to find anything like this here in the United States.
The audax bikes in the U.K. seem to match my specs
(http://www.setavento.com/img/AudaxBike.jpg)
I'm surprised commuter-roads are so rare. All of the commuters I see
in the shops are either hybrids or 25 lbs tourers.

landotter said:

And your problem is? 25# is what normal people consider a light
commuter, especially if it's equipped with fenders, a proper amount of
spokes, real tires, and strong rims. If it's slow, then it's because
you're a [censored]. 23mm tires on a "commuter bike"? Can somebody please
refresh the carbide in the stupid beacon? Thanks!

I don't know that tire width is a problem, depending on the route. My
22mm tubs fit nicely under the steel mudguards of my 29lb commuter*.
Haven't found a better ride in many years of daily commuting. ?!

A rider in SoCal may not need mudguards. I do. Some riders can't use
tires smaller than 35mm. I can. Some need/want luggage capacity, I
seldom have more than a newspaper in a rubber band across my bars.
I agree about "18lbs". Surely weight is non-critical to a commuter in
most cases.

*my nearly 30lb bike's nimble and fun. Some 20lb bikes are pigs. As we
often note, YMMV.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

James,
Maybe a Redline Conquest from a LBS that will substitute 23 tires for the
cross tires.
Kerry
"James" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Does any bike manufacturer make and sell a light, fast commuter road
bike? Here's what I want in a commuter-road:

- actually be a road bike
- eyelets, front and back, for fenders in winter
- brakes that can clear fenders
- fairly lightweight (18 or 19 lbs without fenders)
- 700 23 tires
- reasonably fast geometry (in 56cm wheelbase under 1000mm)

Can't seem to find anything like this here in the United States.
The audax bikes in the U.K. seem to match my specs
( http://www.setavento.com/img/AudaxBike.jpg )

I'm surprised commuter-roads are so rare. All of the commuters I see
in the shops are either hybrids or 25 lbs tourers.

A Muzi said:

Quoted message said:

James said:

Does any bike manufacturer make and sell a light, fast commuter road
bike? Here's what I want in a commuter-road:
- actually be a road bike
- eyelets, front and back, for fenders in winter
- brakes that can clear fenders
- fairly lightweight (18 or 19 lbs without fenders)
- 700 23 tires
- reasonably fast geometry (in 56cm wheelbase under 1000mm)
Can't seem to find anything like this here in the United States.
The audax bikes in the U.K. seem to match my specs
(http://www.setavento.com/img/AudaxBike.jpg)
I'm surprised commuter-roads are so rare. All of the commuters I see
in the shops are either hybrids or 25 lbs tourers.

landotter said:

And your problem is? 25# is what normal people consider a light
commuter, especially if it's equipped with fenders, a proper amount of
spokes, real tires, and strong rims. If it's slow, then it's because
you're a [censored]. 23mm tires on a "commuter bike"? Can somebody please
refresh the carbide in the stupid beacon? Thanks!

I don't know that tire width is a problem, depending on the route. My
22mm tubs fit nicely under the steel mudguards of my 29lb commuter*.
Haven't found a better ride in many years of daily commuting. ?!

I'm sure it rides great--but you're a master wrench who can likely
change one in the pouring rain upside down while reciting quips from
Lenny Bruce's classic guide to life..

Quoted message said:

A rider in SoCal may not need mudguards. I do. Some riders can't use
tires smaller than 35mm. I can. Some need/want luggage capacity, I
seldom have more than a newspaper in a rubber band across my bars.
I agree about "18lbs". Surely weight is non-critical to a commuter in
most cases.

The only time I've wanted for a very light bike is when I lived in a
third floor walkup in the city. I used a 35# bike usually anyway,
because it was such a great beast, but did have a single speed that
weighed in at 20#.

I've got a 23mm tired bike beside me at the moment, and it's probably
going to get craiglisted soon. Indeed, it's light at 19#--but in the
end, it's all about the geometry, as you say. The thing rides way too
nervously with the silly amount of fork rake. Plus, I've taken to the
philosophy that a guy's gotta be able to cut into the woods
occasionally and jump curbs...and amusingly enough, the heavier ride
is faster, because it inspires confidence. Same thing with my old 35#
commuter--it inspired Jobstian cornering.