Commuter Bike
A friend asked me for advice about what type of bike she should get for commuting through Baltimore city and occasional rides through the country. She said that every bike shop she went to the sales people told her to buy a “regular” road bike and make additions to make it more commuter friendly, lights, panniers, etc. A friend recommended that she should buy a bike that’s already be designed for commuting.
I’m guessing that by a commuter specific bike he meant some of these.
Since the only road riding that I’ve done has been the rambles organized by this site, I’d suggest a touring bike. Something with a beefier wheel set to handle dirt road and the crappy Baltimore city streets, and obviously fenders, racks, lights (generator?), laser guided missles, etc.
Obviously you can commute on pretty much anything, the guy with the bike of doom proved that and bike messengers bike it through the city on fixed gears everyday. But since she is looking for a road bike anyway I thought we’d skip over the idea of just using any bike.
Suggestions, thoughts, Johnson style lists with complete bikes speced out?
Surly LHT full bike is the best deal going for new bikes. Kona Sutra, Raleigh Globe for more bling. Crosscheck is a pretty good deal too. Maybe look for an older Trek 520 is price is more of a concern. Check out frames too. The Kogswell P/R can be bought in 26″, 650b or 700c and is an awesome frame.
She should buy my Castro Valley for $300 and she’d be set. It’s got the 36 hole wheels from the Volpe on it and can handle any racks and fenders she’d ever want…plus it’s steel and geared perfectly for commuting or a country ride. I can email her pictures. The Castro is a 52cm frame.
RobQ
Thanks for the input guys. I guess I’ll have to wait until Johnson gets back from VT to get a detailed parts list. According to a drunken voicemail on my phone this morning from one of the locals, the shanty isn’t hooked up for the internet.
yes, gotsta wait. typing in the car in the rain sucks