Has anyone here who commutes ever thought about "downgrading" the bike they use for commuting? I feel so conflicted! I'm riding my favorite bike - a Trek road bike - which is "My Bike" and I do club rides, centuries, fitness rides, commute, *everything* on it. I never once sat on my old hybrid once I got this road bike. I love showing up at work on this bike.
BUT... It has a couple downsides as a commuter. Doesn't take racks, for one. And I HATE hate hate carrying weight on my back (backpack or messenger). Also, the narrow tires get really dodgy on part of my route in downtown Austin where sand and mud comes up from the creek occasionally. Plus if the weather isn't perfect I have no options for fenders. And I'm looking to become an all-weather commuter.
The other option is my heavy unnecessary-suspension-fork-having hybrid (Giant Cypress) that can take racks, fenders, and anything else. Can't afford to buy a third option.
What's a roadie to do?
BUT... It has a couple downsides as a commuter. Doesn't take racks, for one. And I HATE hate hate carrying weight on my back (backpack or messenger). Also, the narrow tires get really dodgy on part of my route in downtown Austin where sand and mud comes up from the creek occasionally. Plus if the weather isn't perfect I have no options for fenders. And I'm looking to become an all-weather commuter.
The other option is my heavy unnecessary-suspension-fork-having hybrid (Giant Cypress) that can take racks, fenders, and anything else. Can't afford to buy a third option.
What's a roadie to do?