Comments on: A Group Build of Building Your Perfect Commuter Bike

By: Isolation Helmet

Isolation Helmet — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:04:16 +0000

I have already built the perfect commuter and have been using it for two years. I commute from Fairfax, CA to San Francisco and use the following:

Surly Cross check fixed gear (two speed)
42 and 38 chainrings with a Surly Dingle cog 17 X 21

Steel Surly fork. Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700 x 32 tires.

Use your fingers to move the chain for tough hill climbs no need to adjust the tension of the chain

Light and Motion Stella 200 and a blinky for the back along with reflective triangles on my panniers.

Planet Bike Acadia (sp?) fenders.
Tektro Road V Brake Levers and any shimano v brake you find cheap on the net.

Two pannier so you don’t get a sweaty back

The whole rig cost me less than $800 using ebay for frame, fork and cranks. Web for everything else. I have a Pletshcer rear rack that cost me $20.

I end my ride every evening with an 800 ft climb to my house so don’t tell me a fixed gear bike is not practical.

By: Gene

Gene — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 14:27:02 +0000

ac – Thanks. I’m trying to build folding handlebars something like a design I found on the web. Rather than folding, my handlebars will rotate 60 degrees to move them out of the way when entering buildings or riding on elevators. So far they work but look like something out of the junk yard. Well, back the drawing board.

http://craziestgadgets.com/2008/06/10/folding-handlebar-bicycle/

By: ac

ac — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 18:12:36 +0000

Gene – regarding your handlebars-in-the-office problem: Have you considered a folding bike? They usually result in a smaller, narrower package that’s easier to get through office hallways.

By: chi flat iron

chi flat iron — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 09:08:39 +0000

I can’t stand feeling like I’m doing a handstand on the front wheel! My current belief is that the best frames to start with are touring frames, because they tend to be stretched out a bit, and rugged enough to last.

By: Chuck

Chuck — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:59:30 +0000

I had the best luck and the blessing of security using the freight elevator. I go in early and leave late to avoid all the other personnel walking in the hallways.

Fortunately not much rain or snow in my area.

By: Gene

Gene — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:38:05 +0000

This is a great series. My bike build problem, handlebars. After an enjoyable commute to work there then comes the battle of navigating my bike through office doors, elevators, hallways, and yes, at times security. Handlebars seem to have a natural attraction to anything they can bump into or get hooked on including door handles, cubical corners, mail carts, and of course the stray person dashing down the hall who’s late for a meeting. My commute enjoyment meter would significantly increase if I can find an easy way to get my bike from the sidewalk outside my building and into my office without causing havoc and strained relations with my fellow employees. Help!

By: Tinker

Tinker — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 03:20:00 +0000

MY ideal bike is a Yuba Mundo, I’m afraid. The NU-VINCI hub is not recommended for that sort of load, either, I guess. Not bad in the price range of long bikes, but not so good as a regular bike either. Trek Cargo Bike? Felt Cafe 8 Deluxe looks primo, but cannot find it locally. Surly Pugsley? Not sure there is a local dealer, within about 20 miles or so, and its not a step thru frame either.

By: ac

ac — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:52:53 +0000

I agree – the Salsa Fargo is just about perfect. Expensive, though! Time to start combing craigslist for a used one…

By: Justanoldhobo

Justanoldhobo — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:44:58 +0000

Reading the comments on what most want in a commuter is a perfect match for the Salsa Fargo.

By: Bike Shop Girl

Bike Shop Girl — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:25:48 +0000

Yoshiyahu – thanks for the response! If you follow the above links under the steps it will go to the matching article, if there is one.

I do like the look and feel of a Swobo or Felt Cafe. No one local stocks them though for me to go drool at.