Thread: Bike Commute Questions

So I'm sorta having second thoughts on the bike I'm picking up today. I'm going with a 2011 Kona Jake the Snake for my 12-15 mile commute.

Bullet list of what's going on:

• It will predominately be roads unless I want to add a few miles and find some dirt on the way back and forth.
• I won't be riding everyday, but hopefully about twice a week.
• I liked the way the bike rode, but I don't think I can put fenders on it, and know I can't do a rack (unless there's a way to put one on that doesn't use mounting holes?).
• It was wicked light and felt fast and the fit was great, so it helped me make up my mind between it and a few others. I tried a Bianchi Volpe for the steel feel, but it was much much heavier.
• I haven't ridden anything with drop bars before, so I'm not sure how its gonna be. A kid at the shop was saying he took a cross bike and put flat bars on it and changed over to regular shifters and brake levers. Is this a moronic idea?

My surprisingly good tax return this year is covering everything, including a bag I'll need to buy to throw work clothes, shoes, and lunch in, so that made my decision a lot easier.

I guess I'm asking for a sanity check on:

• The bars idea.
• Experience from riding with a commuting pack (I'm looking at these Chrome Romer, Chrom Soyuz, and Chrom Soma. Any suggestions are welcome, and I'm gonna pick my way through this this thread.

stock up on gold bond if you don't have a shower at work.

You don't need racks unless you are carrying a ton of crap. You can get a rear fender that connects to the seatpost and a front splash guard that straps to the downtube if you are that worried about it. There are also racks that will connect to the seatpost but these don't hold as much weight and would look kinda dumb on a fancy cross bike.

Personally, I'd keep the bike as is, maybe strap on a rear splashguard on shitty days to keep your ass dry, and wear whatever pack you decide on. Keep it simple and don't try to A-team a nice bike into some weird over accessorized commuter.

Haha, I guess I shoulda mentioned that, but we do have a shower here. I recently moved (peace out 45 minute minimum car commute!), and we moved offices down the street too and there's a shower.

Thanks for the reassurance shred, I guess I just needed someone else's opinion to match my own.

I commute almost daily. Usually just about 10 miles but up to 30 a couple times a week. If you live in a place where you can drive when it's wet, and only ride in nice weather (and still get a couple days a week), do that.

Riding in bad weather sucks. There isn't really any way around it. If you have a masochistic personality though, might not be so bad. Having a shower at work would make the situation pretty good tho.

I like your bike though. Riding more aggressive bikes (IMO) is definitely more fun. And faster too. If you are riding that kind of distance be sure that you know what the wind is doing before you leave. I live in a super windy area, and some days the tailwind on a 12 mile ride makes my commute 30 minutes, and then an hour 15 on the way back.

And you can always put fenders on. Google "race blade" I think. Fenders for race bikes with low clearance. And I run a cetma rack on my singlespeed commuter (80's road frame) that is awesome. Fits any bike, even my track bike. The half rack mounts to your front brake bolt, and on the quick release. Not cheap, but made in the USA.

And I agree with shred about the aesthetic. I think a front rack doesn't look anywhere near as goofy as a rear, especially a gaper post rack.

I'll probably be doing a few days a week. I can't really get home to grab my enduro to ride trails with and make it on time to meetup with people for post-work rides.

I don't mind riding in the woods during a light drizzle, but drowning while I'm pedaling isn't my idea of fun. One of the routes I'm thinking about could get a lot of wind (long straight road), but I have a few other routes I could do I think.

There are rack options that should work on that bike - something like an Axiom Streamliner Road or a Bontrager Lightweight should work with minimal modifications. You could either use a Monostay adapter, a seat clamp with threaded rack mounts, or get creative with some P-clamps on the seat stays to support the rack.

Forget style - if you're riding your bike 10-15 miles to get to work and are taking things with you, a rack and pannier(s) will make your ride a lot easier/more enjoyable. Takes the pack off your back, so you can look over your shoulder a lot easier, helps eliminate the sweat-soaked back from the pack, it's cooler (temperature wise) on a warm day, and a rack allows you to make stops on your way home to grab some quick groceries, etc.

Cyclocross bikes can make for great commuters; if you're thinking you might want a bike with flat handlebars though, you're likely better off buying one that comes as close to what you're looking for as possible. Take a look at some fitness hybrids as well - they wouldn't be my first choice for a 15 mile commute (you simply lose some efficiency compared to a road/touring/cross bike), but they'd make a great option for a 5-10-miler.

You can put racks/fenders on just about any bike if you really want to, some are just more graceful than others. While the Jake is a good bike, if the primary purpose of this bike is to be a commuter, I'd get something that has rack / fender mounts.

For a normal commute, carrying everything you need in a backpack is usually pretty easy. That said, it's an awful lot nicer to have the bike carry the load and to not have to wear a pack.

The flat vs. drop bar thing is just a matter of preference. If you buy a bike with drop bars, it's probably going to be expensive to switch it to flat bars; figure out what you want ahead of time, and buy a bike that's setup right from the start.

just keep it simple. have you thought of just buying a singlespeed for yer commute? like a kona paddy wagon or jamis sputnik? super simple, not too heavy, and cheap.

my commute is 13 miles each way and i use my 8 year old indy ti 29er set up with 700x35c kenda kwest tires and a 42x17 gear. i have a rear fender that clips to the post and a front fender that wedges up into the head tube and the front and rear of the fender clip on/off with ease when not needed. for a pack i use a fully water proof aquapac backpack that holds my clothes/lunch and any other items i need. it seals up like a drybag and is very light.

once winter comes my indy gets the mtb tires and the 33-18 back on for mtb use as i only really mtb in winter.

keep it simple, go single. more quiet, less to fuss with/go wrong.

rog

I never dislike the dropbars, its just going to be different I guess. One of the guys at the shop mentioned he did it, so I had to mention it. Plus, there are multiple places to put my hands, so I can ride on the inside when I feel like I need to move my hands. I didn't look too much at hybrids, because like you said, you lose a lot of efficiency.

So it looks like I have options to put a rack on if I feel like I want to. I'm not going to be carrying a whole lot, so I'll see how it goes with a bag for a bit and then change it up if I feel like I need to. The plus to the bag is that I can use it off the bike as well.

I thought about going with a singlespeed, but I don't have the legs for it (yet). I'm getting a commuter to force myself to drop a few more pounds, get out of the car, and if I'm suffering right from the get-go, I probably won't be too happy about it and lose interest.

EDIT

Just looked at the CETMA stuff. Seems pricey, but if she comes with it I wouldn't mind:

That looks like a fun bike and could certainly be a great commuter. IMHO as you consider the various rack, bag, fender and clothing options, your goal is to minimize or eliminate reasons not to ride. Having a shower means you've already eliminated the number one excuse.

Looking at the bike, if I were to set that up for commuting I'd put on a rack and get some sort of simple pannier. P-clamps should work fine though of course braze-on or pre-drilled mounts like nicer. You could keep your stuff in a backpack or book bag and just drop it in the pannier bag (see some examples here: http://www.theclymb.com/brand-event/...inov8%20Hestra) Having weight on your back sucks and makes you sweaty, whether it's a backpack or messenger bag, and unless you enjoy being helpless or having your bike stolen you're probably carrying a small repair kit (mini-pump, tubes, etc.) and lightweight lock (leave the heavy chain or U-lock at the office). I use a trunk pack but a pannier is probably more versatile.


Other changes:
-- If you might see wet weather, fenders and a decent goretex layer or equivalent - rain is no reason not to ride.
-- Lights and/or reflective tape -- dark is no reason not to ride.
-- Tires - something smoother rolling but still tough like Continental Gatorskins. This is not in the excuse-killing category but road tires ride better on the road. Save the knobbies for dirt.

If you don't want all this crap on a beautiful new cross bike then get something simpler, older, cheaper ... singlespeed or fixed gear is not a bad idea and certainly would accomplish your conditioning goals. (As with skis, the correct answer is N+1 ...)

Setting up a bike commute is an investment but once you do it, there are obvious and enjoyable returns.

Originally Posted by ts01

That looks like a fun bike and could certainly be a great commuter. IMHO as you consider the various rack, bag, fender and clothing options, your goal is to minimize or eliminate reasons not to ride. Having a shower means you've already eliminated the number one excuse.

Looking at the bike, if I were to set that up for commuting I'd put on a rack and get some sort of simple pannier. P-clamps should work fine though of course braze-on or pre-drilled mounts like nicer. You could keep your stuff in a backpack or book bag and just drop it in the pannier bag (see some examples here: http://www.theclymb.com/brand-event/...inov8%20Hestra) Having weight on your back sucks and makes you sweaty, whether it's a backpack or messenger bag, and unless you enjoy being helpless or having your bike stolen you're probably carrying a small repair kit (mini-pump, tubes, etc.) and lightweight lock (leave the heavy chain or U-lock at the office). I use a trunk pack but a pannier is probably more versatile.


Other changes:
-- If you might see wet weather, fenders and a decent goretex layer or equivalent - rain is no reason not to ride.
-- Lights and/or reflective tape -- dark is no reason not to ride.
-- Tires - something smoother rolling but still tough like Continental Gatorskins. This is not in the excuse-killing category but road tires ride better on the road. Save the knobbies for dirt.

If you don't want all this crap on a beautiful new cross bike then get something simpler, older, cheaper ... singlespeed or fixed gear is not a bad idea and certainly would accomplish your conditioning goals. (As with skis, the correct answer is N+1 ...)

Setting up a bike commute is an investment but once you do it, there are obvious and enjoyable returns.

well said. Jake is a great option. get some 28-32 slicks or semi slicks are you will have a quality machine to commute on that will be fun to ride( gatorskins are a great choice but not the cheapest). also remember to put air in them every couple of days cause getting a flat on the way to work sucks. Get sks 'race blade' fenders (for your appropriate choice of tire size). Everything else that doesnt go in to a hole sucks and will fall off or break at some point. (I've seen many broken, lost fenders and had to listen to my fair share of customer complaints). I've had my race blades for 4 years and they're great. They're more expensive, but you get what you pay for and no swamp ass during rainy weeks is worth the extra 20-30 bucks.

if you want flat bars and shifters don't get the jake. unless you feel good about your wrenching abilities or have a friend that will do it for beer because it will end of being expensive + drop bar brifters are expensive so you'll get better value going flat the first time. that being said, i'm all for drops for commute because they offer 2 extra positions on the handlebars and depending on how much you're carrying in your pack, how hungover you are, and how much of a rush you are in the options are nice and work well. Also, if you find you really don't like it, you can get a dirt drop bar, not change your shifters and be fine.

I think rog is right on with the SS

I converted a 70's raleigh to SS, and similar to mtb SS it has it's ups and downs, but i only seem to notice the "ups".

And I would think drop bars are a must, or try a mtb drop bar.

Clip on fenders suck. Better than no fenders, but they're nowhere near as good as full-wrap fenders, which are what you want if you're actually going to be riding in conditions that warrant fenders. Even better if you can find a front fender with a skirt that hangs very low to the ground so your feet stay dry(er).

+1 on the rack and panniers if you're going to be carrying shit. Riding 10+ miles with a bag ain't much fun.

Awesome advice guys, thanks!

I'm starting to lean toward getting a rack going in some way. I have a regular old backpack from college that I can use for the moment until I figure out the mounting and pannier situation. I can also stash a pair of work clothes at the office, which I'll probably do the first few times so I don't have to worry about anything.

Losing the knobby tires was in the plan already, thanks for the suggestion of the gatorskins.

If/when I go for fenders, the race blades will be the one I go with. Thanks for the suggestions!

Singlespeed will be a goal for the future. Getting out on a bike is the goal right now.

Why don't you just go with a road bike to begin with? If you are planning on dropping cash for slicks and you are pretty much only riding pavement.....

When I was asking some riding friends, they suggested CX bikes for their slightly friendlier geometry (seat isn't crammed all the way up your ass) and I could run wider tires.

Light and fast is great. I don't miss fenders and a rack on my commuter on most days. I just wear a pack with my computer and papers plus my change of clothes. And I really think single speed is great, too, provided that your commute is flat, not too long, and has a shower.

Originally Posted by Anospa

When I was asking some riding friends, they suggested CX bikes for their slightly friendlier geometry (seat isn't crammed all the way up your ass) and I could run wider tires.

i wouldn't necessarily say that cx bikes have more friendly geo. some may, others not so much, like the jake. cx bikes do have higher bb, something that is totally useless for your purpose. the running wider tires part is very nice, but a nice touring bike with taller headtube, longer wheelbase, with plenty o room for fat tires and fenders would be much friendlier and have tons of options for racks and bags.

the jamis satellite comp or aurora would be two very nice affordable, great riding options in the thousand dollar range.

example, ya it's a bit heavy, but so are you, so.........http://jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/r...12_aurora.html

i've built these up and ridden them. they do what they do very well and are priced to get you moving. no brainer.

rog

I bike commuted for 20 years. Unless you need to haul a ton of stuff look into a fanny pack. Backpacks suck on a bike and putting the load on the bike just makes it feel slow. I could put a change of clothes in my fanny pack, have a pair of work shoes left there and have all I needed. You don't even know it's there.

Originally Posted by icelanticskier

...

the jamis satellite comp or aurora would be two very nice affordable, great riding options in the thousand dollar range.

example, ya it's a bit heavy, but so are you, so.........http://jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/r...12_aurora.html

i've built these up and ridden them. they do what they do very well and are priced to get you moving. no brainer.

rog

In the same vein: salsa casseroll: http://salsacycles.com/bikes/casseroll/ - available as a full bike or just the frameset to build as you like. This would be my choice for a geared commuter - 1 x 9 setup. And because it has horizontal dropouts it could also be set up as a singlespeed.

Another way to get a lot of clearance for wider tires and fenders on a nice riding bike is to use 700c wheels on an older steel frame meant for 27" wheels. Obviously not an off-the-shelf solution but there's a lot out there on Craigslist, ebay, etc.

I ride a cx bike as my commuter, and like the versatility a lot. it is fun to go off on little singletracks, or bust thru dirt alleys on my commute from trax -> west of the airport.

keep a nice pair of shoes at work, a polo shirt or 2 as well.

Above all else, I would just choose something that you want to ride regardless of practicality. You can commute on anything. May as well have a fun bike, or a utilitarian bike depending on what your slant is.

A little late to the party....

If you only plan on commuting a couple days a week, you can get by with anything. i have a buddy with a Jake that he uses for roading, the odd cx race, and credit card touring. He gets by...but then in his case ignorance is bliss.

You may think you're only going to ride in a couple days a week but then find that kicking ass just two days a week is not enough...so then it's 3 and then you come to conclude you need to kick ass and ride all the time. I say choose the right tool for the job: fender mounts and rack mounts. You seen the Kona Honky? Or Honky Inc for true commuter radness?

You get more leverage with flat bars and I commuted with them for years but now ride only drops; far more hand options and narrower; the power output when in the drops is higher for the majority of cyclists...plus you look infinitely radder as a cyclist snaking traffic rather than a courier.YOMV.

I will echo some of the above that riding with a pack sucks. I did it for years on a full roadie many years ago. i was also too cool for fenders on the roadie. I didn't care so much then, but now I don't even want to consider the weather except for what jacket I'm going to wear.

It's awesome to just drop on the pannier(s) as needed and not worry about the rain or spray up your ass crack. I'm in Vancouver, so not having fenders and commuting is not really a consideration. Your location may allow you to choose otherwise. As I grow older I appreciate the function and thus appearance of a fender+rack clad tourer/commuter with drops, plus it can go ANYWHERE and is so practical. Sure it's a bit of a chunker compared to my carbon road bike, but the roadie is good for one thing only. And, it's the motor, not the bike.

Just pick something you're excited about, and start tweaking it. You'll arrive at a good solution for you and your situation pretty quickly. I used to year-round commute 30+ miles, and I would never do it again without full fenders, rack, and panniers. Weight on your back and water in your shoes is torture on a longer ride. Now I commute about 6 miles on nice days only (take the train otherwise), and I'm happy riding whatever with whatever bag/pack I felt like stuffing clean underwear and a lock into.