Bike Commuting Tip: I may have not stated this clearly enough in prior posts, but the best way to try bike commuting is to take the bike that's collecting dust in your garage (you know, the one you had to have all those years ago) and use it. Mrs Smudgemo has got just that type of bike (except she uses it.) This is her Specialized Crossroads hybrid circa late 80's. Purchased in college for getting around San Francisco, it's sturdy, steely, and much-loved. It could be used entirely stock, however there are a couple of things I did to make it more commuter friendly. Aside from the front wheel made for a tandem (I damaged the original), full fenders are a must-have in my book. Also, a rear rack which is useful for carrying panniers or a babyseat, but that's it. The bike you already own plus $50 of accessories. With gas prices doing their thing, it won't take much riding to earn it back.
And this proves that bike commuting needn't be gear-intensive or fashionable. Heck, pretty much everything that is best for bike commuting would be considered geeky to the non-cyclist. Screw them.
I say sacrifice! Be a geek, save some oil, bring a soldier home. Now get out there and give your bike some love!
On the Xtracycle front (back?), the build has started. Here we see what the NY Times is often only good for (well, maybe birdcages too, but I hate pet birds more than clowns.) Keeping my driveway clean from Framesaver was a far better fate than sitting in my neighbor's recycling bin, no?
The Xtracycle frame mated to the Surly 1X1. The installation of this thing is almost too easy. Basic knowledge of bike wrenching plus a moderate aptitude for mechanical things makes you just a hair over-qualified to do it to yourself.
Oops, not perfect, but I was warned. The chainstay bridge is mounted too close to the bottom bracket shell so the tongue isn't resting fully on the bridge. I used some metal strapping wrapped in electrical tape to try to secure it better, but I guess I need to purchase another Front Attachment Plate. I could probably fab something, but my time is limited right now and I want this thing up and running.
Frame and wheel attached for a quick few photos and a chainless coast down the street. No noticeable handling differences. I also installed the big and granny rings. All I need now is a bolt-on cablestop to operate the front derailleur.
I couldn't resist a few shots with the bags and snapdeck attached. I think I'm going to get a PeaPod for the oneyearold. I've got a used childseat that I'm dismantling and chopping up to hold the threeyearold behind her.
8 Important Comment(s):
Next you'll be telling us how you damaged her original front wheel...
I sold my 89 Specialized Rock Hopper to a friend for $50 a few years go. I still see it around, as he uses it for a commuter now! I say hello to my old bike sometimes too...it was my very 1st mountain bike after all!
For me, the ultimate commuter bike would not work out. I need to ride something I can go shred the trails on at lunch too. But since my commute is only 2.4 miles one way, just about anything works. So far, the On One Single Speed is my favorite.
Let's just say the wheel issue involved a not well-thought out bicycle hook mount and proximity to the garage door and leave it at that. It isn't wrecked, but I think it's not worthwhile to save.
You should mate an Xtracycle and a cruiser. That would be a cool setup being that it's flat in your town. You could carry all sorts of gear, stop for groceries on the way home and carry your preferred lunch ride bike.
Looking good! My much loved Specialized Rockhopper, was given to me for free, was my main commuter for years. And now it's my Xtracycle. I think those old mtn bikes are great commuters.
I like it. I see something like this in my future. Near future.
Right on. Thanks for the update and look forward to more. Cheers.
an Xtra FAP should be used there. The tongue is barely on the chainstay bridge. Maker sure the bolts are tight in the Bosshog. I could see catastrophe if not.
My wife had a bike. I bought her a GT commuter 12 years ago. She never rode it and last week I sold it to a buddys wife who rides it everyday.
So I kinda feel good about it.
Thanks for the tip, Clancy. It's actually on the bridge a lot more than it looks, but I'm not comfortable with it as it. I'll probably pop for the FAP until I devise something better. The FAP is not as wide as I'd like for where it has to sit, but should work fine for awhile.
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