Don't know if this has been asked before, so I'll give it a try.
Indicate the type of bike you mostly use for your commutes.
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Me, I like my Trek 520 touring bike. It takes a beating with no compaints and has air-cheating drops. The only problem is it's heavy !!
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Converted Torelli Racing bike. I don't want to drop the coin to get a more comfortable commuting bike, and the torelli is about 8 or so years old. If it breaks I'll upgrade, but the steel frame feels pretty solid and it has a nice smooth ride.
But with all the crap on it, it no longer looks like a racing bike. I have 28's on the wheels, rear rack, panniers, light system, my wedge mounted under the stem/handlebars so I can move my rear light higher on the seatpost, cycle computer, downtube fender mounted to the back end of my rack to keep any spray off my back, and keep one of my taillights clean. Also lots of reflective tape.
I am thinking of swapping out my stem for one that angles slightly up to get a slightly more upright position.
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During late spring, summer, and early fall I mainly use my road/cyclocross bike, 2001 LeMond Poprad with slick tires and use a Timbuktu bag.
During the late fall, winter, early spring (and any really yuckie weather) I use an old MB that I've converted into a commuter bike with slick tires. It's an old GT Outpost (circa early 1990's). Put a rack and panniers on it, plus fenders front and back.
Both bikes have clipless pedals.
About the only thing I wish i could change is the drivetrain on the MB so that it had higher gearing. I have no problems riding in the highest chainring and smallest cog on flat terrain. I mostly forget about pedalling down steep hills. Unfortunately, I'm planning on using this MB until next spring, and then I'm going to build a new commuter/offroad bike from scratch. Thinking about a Seven frame.
PBW
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I have two 1999 Trek 6500 Alum MTBs I use. I bought a 15" new and then picked up a second one a couple of months ago. It is a 16.5", which was left over and finally put on ebay by a Mass bike shop. Both have SKS fenders and Serfas RX seats. I also added Burley's alternate hitch/hub for pulling my dlite to work. A picture of the 15" is attached.
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Heavily customised MTB -
semi-slick tyres, 28-38-48 gears, rack etc.
Richard
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I very rarely commute since I have need to travel about the area during the day. Though when I do, I use the road bike. It's only 4 miles to work.
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I mainly use my roadie. My MTB(s) mostly just sits in the shed gathering dust now! I rode my clunker MTB to work today though, just for something different.
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My trusty steed Alphonse is a Specialized Sequoia cross bike, just put $300 in a major overhaul (first in 12 years) and its like having a new bike again I also have an antique Bianchi San Remo road bike ('86) that I was riding quite a bit in the summer, but I broke the rear axle and decided that due to its age and parts are getting harder to find that I will reserve it for fun rides and good weather. I have been told by several bike friends that I am long over due for an upgrade. I was looking for a good sturdy commuter bike as well as a mountain bike, we have many soft pack trails around here, but they eat up the Bianchi and the specialized just doesn't have the same traction. Almost none in a couple of spots on the John Wayne trial going over the pass (Snoqualime Pass). I settled on a Bianchi Grizzly (02 model) put a down payment on it at my LBS should have it sometime after the holidaze! Since I don't single track I was looking for speed and comfort over all and strength of course I put 100 miles a week just in the commute. I have always been impressed with Bianchi comfort as well as its agility and response, a true sports car like bike! (锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
I've commuted with my road bike for a week or two at a time, but there's just too many curbs to hop, shortcuts through the grass and/or trails and bumps on the road. These are all aggravations on the road bike, just part of the ride on the MTB. The lift bridge grating is nightmarish at best with the road bike, barely noticable on the MTB. I don't like to walk when I'm riding!!
