Show us your commuter! Inspired by Andrea's thread...

[VeloVT]

Here's mine:

5805


I use a backpack. (I think it affects handling less). I take my fenders off when the weather gets nicer (took them off last weekend actually... but they attach by quick-release, so if it's raining and I must ride I can throw them on in about two seconds).

Show us your commuters!

[divingbiker]

My commuter, Miss Gulch (she of the multiple flat tires this morning:mad:)

5806

[KnottedYet]

Surly Cross Check with moustache bars, Brooks B67, Crank Bros 50/50 BMX pedals, fenders, mudflaps, Vittoria Randonneurs with reflective sidewalls, Ortlieb pannier.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m21/KnottedYet/DSCN0522.jpg

42 mile round-trip commute. So far I've only been doing one way (home: 21 miles).

[Trek420]

1987'ish GT Outpost trail, powdercoated bright, visible, screaming TdF yellow. Mavic Crossride wheels, slicks, cute little brass bell.

[Harley]

My mountain commuter... Marin Palisades Trail
I was going to buy a hybrid/crossbike, but decided to just fix up the mtn bike. I have road tires on order 26x1.75. I like these for the sandy roads and the occasional non-direct route home... and would like a stronger rack, but having trouble finding one that works with disc brakes and a small frame.
Love the Novara bag, fits my laptop, and more, has a functional rain cover (for east slope rains).
The bike fits me great, I can ride it 20 miles, used it for early spring riding.
Have no idea how I can attach a fender to the front??
I have a short 2 mile commute, plus use it for errands, groceries etc.

and love the bell/compass and leather grips.:cool:

[Becky]

An Ebay-found steel Nishiki, built up with parts from the collection in the basement and a pair of donated 7-speed wheels. The only new parts are the handlebars & tape, tires, lights, and panniers. Everything else came from Ebay or from the stash.

I love those 28c Panaracer Pasela tires, but I'm still trying to figure out how to shoe-horn fenders in there, particularly for the rear tire. How much clearance do I really need for a fender (between tire and brake caliper)?

Edit: Anyone know where I can get leopard-print bar tape to match the saddle? :D

[Andrea]

I stick The Mule in here as well so we can keep them all together :)
Early 90's rigid Univega MTB frame (21 speed converted to 7 speed when the left shifter broke!), Harris Cyclery trekking bars, 70 deg stem w/delta stem riser, Kenda Kwick Roller Sport (26 x 1.25") tires, Delta Supersherpa Megarack, and the Detours Toocan Pannier

Will probably get a new Brooks in the near future, too...

[tulip]

My Jamis Coda Comp with Arkel laptop pannier (and IFJane's schnazzy pink saddle!)

[Voodoo Sally]

Here's mine. She's a 2008 Soma Delancey. I use a backpack. I'll be removing the fenders soon. And I'll be putting on some tougher tires. The blue ones are so cool, but they don't hold up well, especially on the "mt. biking" part of my commute. Oh, and I have ordered a white saddle. That should make 'er complete.

[GLC1968]

This is my old commuter that I rode in NC (she awaits me in the garage - I'll use her again once we buy a house here and my commute is a little longer than it is now). She's a 2004 Terry Classic that I've turned into a 'frankenbike' by adding drop bars and one bar end shifter on the wrong side. ;) She's also got fenders and lights, but I didn't have them on when the photo was taken.

http://www.tranquilitysystems.com/gallery/files/4-IMG_0618.JPG


And this is what I am riding now for my 1.75 mile commute (as she was when I bought her). A 1979 Schwinn Le Tour IV mixte with a few parts added after market by a previous owner.

http://www.tranquilitysystems.com/gallery/files/4-IMG_0007_736664_original.jpg

(She's now got fenders, a different saddle, a front basket, a bottle cage and new tires...I'll post an updated photo once I take one)

In both cases, I carry my laptop in a backpack.

[mimitabby]

Here's my bike, Cavalletta

http://www.sersale.org/bike/cavalletta.jpg

[Trek420]

Question: what are all our beautiful commuters doing at home? Let's see some pix out on the road, at the store, at work :p

[7rider]

Question: what are all our beautiful commuters doing at home? Let's see some pix out on the road, at the store, at work :p

Sorry...no can do. It's hard to photograph myself on my morning commute! :p
Here's my buggy. He's a 2005 Felt SR-81. Aluminum frame, carbon fork, triple crank and a mish-mash of components. No fenders, but I do have the grung-guard on the downtube to keep the detritus off my waterbottle. Oh, and a bell at the bitter end of the tree-hooker (um, bar ends). On the rack usually hangs and Ortleib back roller or (lately) my Deteurs Toocan (yes...I've moved back to the carpet bag!).

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z85/7rider/Craigslist/IMG_0345.jpg

[mimitabby]

aw, Trek, when we're commuting we're not thinking about posing for photos, we're going to WORK!

[Andrea]

Question: what are all our beautiful commuters doing at home? Let's see some pix out on the road, at the store, at work :p

My pic was taken immediately upon returning home from the store... In that Toocan bag, there's a bottle of Kefir, a loaf of bread, a birth control prescription, a pound of coffee, some fuji apples, and a can of black beans!

[tulip]

My pic was taken immediately upon returning home from the store... In that Toocan bag, there's a bottle of Kefir, a loaf of bread, a birth control prescription, a pound of coffee, some fuji apples, and a can of black beans!

Sounds like a party!

[Andrea]

Sounds like a party!

Yeah, I should have picked up a bottle of wine while I was at it!!

[Ana]

Not as easy on the eyes as some of your bikes (sooo beautiful) but I love it :D

[Jen-Jen]

This is my TREK commuter:

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r302/Jenntick/039.jpg

As you can see I got this during the winter, but I am using it it now. It save me from the gas monster.

[Trek420]

Jersey hung up behind the desk :)

[shootingstar]

I'll show mine...but I gave up after 15 min. of rumaging around in my photo collection. Sigh.

[kfergos]

You asked for a pic at work, so here it is, taken with a cell phone camera:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/2454508092_927c3914f7.jpg

Depressing fact about parking there: Although this is inside a card-swipe entrance, I have come down to find that people fiddle with my bike, turning lights on or playing with the rotating front light. I also suspect, but cannot prove, that somebody stole my bike tool from my bag one day. Grrr. Hence the "Leave my bike alone" sign.

A nicer version, taken at home right after I got the white bar tape (which is now turning pretty black at the places where I put my hands most):
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/2371446852_9b37e5fa57.jpg

[SouthernBelle]

I'm looking for a commuting bike, so I hope I'll have a pic soon!

[GLC1968]

Question: what are all our beautiful commuters doing at home? Let's see some pix out on the road, at the store, at work :p

Hey! My first pic shows my bike at a historical estate in NC that we rode to in order to take a tour (hence the lack of lights and fenders...it was a beautiful day). That's about as 'in action' as you're gonna get...it's hard to take a photo of my bike while I'm riding it! :p

[VeloVT]

Hey, KFergos, is that a Poprad? How do you like it??? I was THIS close to buying that bike (well, the 2006 version in pumpkin orange) instead of the Bianchi pictured on this thread. Actually had a deposit on it. Really hard decision -- the Bianchi ultimately felt snappier to me and I liked that -- but the Poprad steel is sooooo smooth...

I think the Lemond is actually much prettier than my Bianchi too ;)...

Be curious to hear what you think of it...

[applegum]

Wow I hope you guys with the super nice commuters aren't locking them up outside. I wish I could use my road bike to commute. It'd take no time at all to get everywhere. I do have my mom's old hybrid that I stuck some stickers on with me though :) (no pictures of it though). A friend of mine just got a 27 year old cruiser that used to be her boyfriend's mom's and I fixed it up a little for her today, but now I want to go buy one. It rides so smoooooth. But I already have two bikes and that just seems unnecessary :(.

[kfergos]

Hey, KFergos, is that a Poprad? How do you like it??? I was THIS close to buying that bike (well, the 2006 version in pumpkin orange) instead of the Bianchi pictured on this thread. Actually had a deposit on it. Really hard decision -- the Bianchi ultimately felt snappier to me and I liked that -- but the Poprad steel is sooooo smooth...

I think the Lemond is actually much prettier than my Bianchi too ;)...

Be curious to hear what you think of it...

Your Bianchi looks pretty sweet, seriously... Do you feel minty fresh when you ride on it? :D

Now that you mention it, yes, it IS a Poprad. I don't see many other people on LeMonds at all, and I've never seen anybody out on a Poprad, so it's exciting somebody else at least thought about it! I picked it because it seemed like a good compromise between the comfortable-yet-tough bike I wanted commuting and the somewhat zippier bike I thought I might want for longer rides. Things I like about it:

1. It has a very smooth ride, thanks to the steel frame and the carbon fork, but it's super tough too. I've hit some tremendous potholes without any trouble.
2. It serves very well as both a commuter and training for longer charity/club rides (STP, here I come!).
3. It's amazingly comfortable even over long distances.
4. My model also has disc brakes, which are totally unnecessary on a road bike, but that do stop outrageously well in wet or yucky weather and they're easier to clean than regular brakes -- less to wipe off. Plus mine lasted 3500 miles or so. (Although the pads cost a fortune to replace, which I didn't know when I went with this one, and I don't know how to do the replacement myself, so having my LBS do it also was expensive. I don't expect to pay in the $100-range every time I need new brakes!)
5. It handles alright; I don't have the best-ever sharp-turning skills, but I've had a few times where I had to swerve sharply to avoid a pothole or something and it took those types of maneuvers well.
6. It's pretty! I admit, I really love having a red bike. It just FEELS faster.

My only complaint with it is that the frame is actually a little too big for me. This isn't the bike's fault, of course :) I'm on the shorter side (~5'3"), and although I got the smallest size frame, when I got it fitted we still had to make some compromises to get it close to the right fit. For that reason I'd probably go with a women's-specific or smaller-size bike if I was doing it again, just so the fit would be perfect rather than simply good enough. But if it was the right size, I'd highly recommend it for commuting. It's zippy enough but doesn't give up toughness you want.

[divingbiker]

Wow I hope you guys with the super nice commuters aren't locking them up outside.

Nah, we've got a fantastic bike room in the parking garage where I work. It requires a key fob for access, and only those who use the bike room have their fobs activated. There are wall hooks for probably 40 bikes, and great locker rooms with four showers. Here's what it looks like.

588558865887

[Blueberry]

Wow! And just think - I'm sure that costs less than a massive parking garage:D:D

What an incentive to commute:)

[KnottedYet]

Wow! what a totally fabulous bike room! :eek:

[tulip]

But I already have two bikes and that just seems unnecessary :(.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! "Unnecessary," that's funny!

I'm down to just three active bikes now: my lovey Luna road bike, my go-anywhere and very neat Bike Friday road bike, and jammin' Jamis Coda urban bike. I also have one classic mountain bike ('85 Specialized Stumpjumper) that needs some fixing up.

I had three more, but the divorce took them: 1950s JC Higgins 3-speed (awesome chainring), my crashed '83 classic French Vitus that was too big for me anyways, and my 1989 Bridgestone MB2 mountain bike (another classic that would make a great single speed urban romper!). Oh well, such is life.

[KnottedYet]

Two? Only two? :eek:

(more bikes, more better!)

[DebW]

Here's my bike in my office today. The fenders are off at the moment but will return when needed.

[mimitabby]

Deb, 1st of May and you don't need fenders?!

[7rider]

Nah, we've got a fantastic bike room in the parking garage where I work. It requires a key fob for access, and only those who use the bike room have their fobs activated. There are wall hooks for probably 40 bikes, and great locker rooms with four showers. Here's what it looks like.



Wow, DB! I had no idea you had such a slick arrangement! :eek: That is great! Makes my measley bike locker look like nothin' compared to that.
I'd show it to my bike commuter team, but I wouldn't want to make them jealous! ;)

[Grog]

Wait a minute - is that a green tandem or an extracycle at the back of the room?

Really cool room indeed. It must cost A LOT LESS per parking spot than a garage.

[DebW]

Deb, 1st of May and you don't need fenders?!

Only when it rains. March and early April they are useful even sans rain because of snowmelt on the roads, but all the snow is gone now.

[divingbiker]

Wait a minute - is that a green tandem or an extracycle at the back of the room?

Really cool room indeed. It must cost A LOT LESS per parking spot than a garage.

The green bike is a custom tandem. It's ridden by a guy who's about 6'6" and his wife is about 5'. He drops her off at another of our buildings about a half mile away, then rides to our building.

We still have a parking garage, but it's about half empty. To qualify for a spot in the building, you have to have a carpool of at least two people, and it costs about $80 a month (as opposed to $12/day at the garage next door.) There are apparently a lot of fake carpools, as most of the people seem to drive in by themselves.:(:mad:

[kfergos]

Wow! what a totally fabulous bike room! :eek:

I second this. Wow!

DebW - is that a Planet Bike 3Beamer you've got on the front there? Do you find it lights up the road very well, or do you use it just to be seen?

[Ana]

Every workplace should have those! :)

I know I want one! :D

[DebW]

DebW - is that a Planet Bike 3Beamer you've got on the front there? Do you find it lights up the road very well, or do you use it just to be seen?

Yes. I just use it to be seen. Doesn't light the road well at all as it has a very narrow beam. I use a helmet-mounted MiNewt to light the road after dark.

[sundial]

It's kinda my multi tasking bike. It's a doggie exerciser, commute to the play area, haul stuff to remote locales. I somehow lost my front fender thingy so I can't clip it on. :o

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/2dogcrew/Rockhopper-1.jpg

[surgtech1956]

WOW what a great bike/locker room.

Here's my commuter, my Trek 7100. I need to get a bag for the back/rack.

5890

[surgtech1956]

SouthernBelle - saw your Blog - is that your Wrangler?

[applegum]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! "Unnecessary," that's funny!

I'm down to just three active bikes now: my lovey Luna road bike, my go-anywhere and very neat Bike Friday road bike, and jammin' Jamis Coda urban bike. I also have one classic mountain bike ('85 Specialized Stumpjumper) that needs some fixing up.

I had three more, but the divorce took them: 1950s JC Higgins 3-speed (awesome chainring), my crashed '83 classic French Vitus that was too big for me anyways, and my 1989 Bridgestone MB2 mountain bike (another classic that would make a great single speed urban romper!). Oh well, such is life.

Ah that's a shame about losing all those bikes! I guess three isn't unnecessary. I probably should have rephrased that. Another bike seems unnecessary when I have to leave it in storage for three of four months while I'm in Richmond for the summer and won't be able to ride it anyway. I fully intend to buy a cruiser when I get back to Toronto :D! Haha assuming I can afford it what with me working in a bike shop this summer (and consequently spending all of the money I earn before it even gets out the door).

[madscot13]

Two? Only two? :eek:

(more bikes, more better!)

haha only one but what a beast it is!

[SouthernBelle]

SouthernBelle - saw your Blog - is that your Wrangler?

No, that's Meg McKilty's. I have, however, backed into it.

[surgtech1956]

I just got myself a Wrangler - and saw the one on your Blog - thought there was another Jeep lover.

[spokesnwheels]

I don't post here often, but wanted to share my little commuter.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c282/spokesnwheels/HPIM1595-1.jpg

Converted my Specialized Hardrock MTB with new commuter-friendly tires, a new rack, and some paniers. I have some Blackburn lights, that I haven't mounted yet.

[TahoeDirtGirl]

Pretty commuters! I need to get mine up here. Nothing special on it yet. Anyone know where I can get a hamburger bell? I saw one on ebay but I just didn't want to get into a bidding war!

BTW Jeep lover here. I have a 97 Wrangler 2 door and just bought a 2008 4 door jeep (nuclear green aka rescue green). It leaks like a sieve and the radio doesn't work. Needless to say, the 97 Jeep never had a leak and it was a canvas top! Unless it was down of course! Sigh...they don't make em like they used to

[surgtech1956]

TahoeDirtGirl - I just bought a 2008 Wrangler X - 2 door - RESCUE GREEN :D:D:D. I got the hardtop - doesn't leak yet(keeping my fingers crossed).

[NbyNW]

This is what my Dahon Speed Pro TT looks like under my desk at work. The handlebars can also fold flat, but I leave them up since they make such a nice shelf for my helmet.

I will probably put fenders & rack on soon, but I'm a fair-weather commuter at the moment. And I also figure if I do get caught in a downpour, my commute is short enough that I wouldn't mind getting wet & grimy for a short distance. Sure beats working out in my basement or my PT's office.

[HillSlugger]

My Jamis Coda Comp

[Beane]

My Jamis Coda Sport minus rear fender. It's really noisy so I took it off for the summer. I figure the rack will work in a pinch.

[hermitclub]

I just started commuting to work last week and it is liberating!!! My commute is 10 miles each way. I've already started stretching the ride in and/or the ride home out longer, schedule permitting. Fortunately I have a great gym and shower at work. My ride is pictured in the gym, where she waits for me while I work.

[HillSlugger]

One of my other bikes is a Sequoia. I prefer the Coda for commuting since it can more easily take racks.

[wackyjacky1]

This is what gets me where I'm goin'. I finally got the handlebar conversion done, and I love it! The moustache bars are so fun, and don't leave my hands in agony after ten minutes like the original straight bars did. I am a happy camper! :) :) :)

[Trek420]

Here's Bradley at work :)

[emaline]

Here's mine! The Novara Pulse. I use a lumbar pack with an over the shoulder strap. The commute is 9 miles there and 4.25 miles back (I use the bus part way home) We also have an indoor bike area with racks and a shower. Thank goodness for awesome employers! Happy Bike Month! :)

[hipersons]

I just bought my commuter. Actually, it's my first bike as an adult! She's currently getting some extras put on her today and I pick her up tonight. I'm really excited to be getting into commuting to work. I'll post pictures soon!

-shawnna

[GuitarRiderGrrl]

Hey hi,
heres mine, ummmm I took the fenders off already.... probably pretty dumb for the Pacific Northwest... my skunk stripe will be back :eek:

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i38/redravensounds/Bike%20Stuff/Sirrus_Small.jpg

[quiltingmick]

I ride a 14 km round trip to work at least twice a week on this:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1019/1230781389_ca138e6c39.jpg

It's a bit different from the other bikes posted here, but it's comfy and I love it!

[uforgot]

My Nishiki mixte at school. Detours panniers and a topeak trunk and rack. If I have more to carry I have a Trek Grocery bag for the other side, but the Detours keeps everything secure and dry.

[Melalvai]

That is so cute, your bicycle is learning!

[redrhodie]

Uforgot,

What's that in your waterbottle holder?

[SouthernBelle]

Looks like a thermos.

Quiltingmick, go down to the Electra thread and see what I eventually bought for commuting. Makes yours look racy!

[uforgot]

Uforgot,

What's that in your waterbottle holder?

Yup, a thermos from Starbucks. Can't face my physics class without my morning coffee.

[redrhodie]

Yup, a thermos from Starbucks. Can't face my physics class without my morning coffee.

You're my kind of gal!

[activediva]

I love it so much, it inspired my tattoo. I will start riding (partly becuase of the price of gas and partly due to the SEATTLE DANSKIN TRI coming soon! I CAN'T FREAKIN WAIT!
6030

[HillSlugger]

Is your tri bike going to be your commuter bike?

[TahoeDirtGirl]

OMG! I have a thermos just like that! There are no 'bucks here, and I just don't want to do Dunkin :( Green tea anyone?

Surgtech- you are probably very safe with a 2 door hard top. It's the dumb four door tops (Freedom top aka Freeflow top)that are leaking like a 1980's trans am T-top (Remember THOSE!).

Rescue green rocks! Hey if you are ever in Mass, we can take pics- momma Jeep and baby Jeep!

[frnz]

There are no 'bucks here

There's a place where Starbucks hasn't penetrated? Amazing.

[uforgot]

There isn't a Starbucks within 100 miles of here either. I just have the thermos!
I liked the leather cover on it It's really nice. However. there is a grocery store with Carnatiion's flavored creamers so I make my own.

[Beane]

OMG! I have a thermos just like that! There are no 'bucks here, and I just don't want to do Dunkin :(



are you crazy? i would kill for a DD in madison. our closest one is a good 45 mins away. having come from RI (most donut shops per capita in the world and a DD every 2 miles or so) it's really tough. everyone i talk to around here who has ever lived in new england totally feels the lack of DD pain.

[7rider]

are you crazy? i would kill for a DD in madison. our closest one is a good 45 mins away. having come from RI (most donut shops per capita in the world and a DD every 2 miles or so) it's really tough. everyone i talk to around here who has ever lived in new england totally feels the lack of DD pain.

Same here.
I was up in MA recently with a D.C. native friend of mine. We were driving from the Manchester (NH) airport to the North Shore (Gloucester) and she kept remarking on the DD's around. "There's another one!" "And another one!" "Oh wow! Another one there, too!" :o

[Blueberry]

We just got a DD near my house (there has been one near my office, but it's impossible to get in and out of). I LOVE their coffee. I shouldn't drink coffee - I always pay for it. But theirs is GOOD! The donuts are safe from me. Almost always (don't think I've had one in more than 2 years), but the coffee...

[Tri Girl]

Same here.
I was up in MA recently with a D.C. native friend of mine. We were driving from the Manchester (NH) airport to the North Shore (Gloucester) and she kept remarking on the DD's around. "There's another one!" "And another one!" "Oh wow! Another one there, too!" :o

That's funny, because when I went to Boston 2 years ago my DH and I were amazed at all the DD. We had to get a picture of us in front of one just for laughs. Man, those New Englanders eat a lot of donuts. ;)

[hipersons]

I live in Boston, and it drives me nuts when people try to use DD as a landmark. 'you walk down Treamont and turn left at the dunkins' 'um, do you realize there's about 6 on that street?!?' Not helpful.

[hipersons]

And I almost forgot to post my commuter!
I just got her on friday.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/hipersons/SCT1Qy52fqI/AAAAAAAACX4/8uiRL2GlXZE/o2008.05.SpecializedDolce%20001.jpg?imgmax=512

[Blueberry]

Hey hipersons-

Is that a saddle bag under the front of your saddle? Does it hit you when you pedal?? I have a rack that interferes with my ability to carry a saddle bag, and that looks like a creative solution!

Sweet bike - what is she?? I can't quite read the top tube (I got the specialized part:):))

CA

[hipersons]

Yeah I've since taken the wedge off... it was a problem. My seat is too low to be able to put it on properly. But she's a Specialized Dolce; found out at my fitting on Tuesday that the reason why I liked the bike so much is because it fit me perfectly as is!

[Blueberry]

Yeah I've since taken the wedge off... it was a problem. My seat is too low to be able to put it on properly. But she's a Specialized Dolce; found out at my fitting on Tuesday that the reason why I liked the bike so much is because it fit me perfectly as is!

Glad she's a great fit - that's everything. I've been using a bento box plus stuff dumped in a pannier on my bike with a rack. I want the arkel tailrider, but haven't splurged yet.

CA

[Ana]

And I almost forgot to post my commuter!
I just got her on friday.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/hipersons/SCT1Qy52fqI/AAAAAAAACX4/8uiRL2GlXZE/o2008.05.SpecializedDolce%20001.jpg?imgmax=512

What size is she? :D There's one on sale at my LBS I've been drooling over....I wish I had a bigger bike budget! :p

[Trek420]

hipersons,

To carry extra stuff have you considered panniers off the rear rack? Or:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=14883

These available on TE could install on another bottle cage and carry at least as much as an under seat bag.

Sweet bike!! Welcome to TE :)

[hipersons]

Thanks for the welcome! My bike is a 48cm, and for some reason my LBS (Wheelworks, for those in the know) sells them for way less than anyone else in the area.

The cage rocket is a neat idea, I might just look into that option. I have definitely though about getting panniers, but I've already surpassed the budget I set for myself for 'extras'. My birthday is in a few months... so it's going on the list. I think I want an Ortlieb, heard great things about them. For my first ride yesterday, I used my favorite messenger bag, and it definitely didn't work out. It kept sliding to my front and interrupting my pedaling motion.

[Ana]

I just can't resist...how tall are you? :) I want to try a Specialized 48cm but it is not in my budget at this time :p

[GLC1968]

are you crazy? i would kill for a DD in madison. our closest one is a good 45 mins away. having come from RI (most donut shops per capita in the world and a DD every 2 miles or so) it's really tough. everyone i talk to around here who has ever lived in new england totally feels the lack of DD pain.

OMG, I would kill for a DD!!! I grew up in New England and the last 3.5 years of living in the birthplace of Krispy Kreme was pure torture (NC)!! I had NO DD's around and a KK on every corner. :eek: Then I move to the Portland area and the closest DD is 43 miles away! :mad:

Starbucks sucks. At least I've got a Peet's within biking distance. :)


hipersons - can you get a very small wedge to put under the seat in front of the rack? That's how I have a wedge on my classic and it works to hold emergency stuff that you don't need easy access to all the time (spare tube, tire levers, etc).

Edited to add: you can see it in the photo of my commuter on page one of this thread...

[hipersons]

I'm 5'2" and I've been told I have a well proportioned body structure i.e. my legs don't look long but don't look short on me. My inseam is about 29".

The only reason why I got a wedge in the first place was because I thought it would be a good solution to hold my tools and tubes, and I can barely fit what I want in there now, so I don't think a smaller one would work out too well. Thanks for the tip, though. :)

That said, I have thought about attaching the one that I have to the upward part of my rack right below my seat. I'll have to try that when I get home tonight.

[HillSlugger]

Will your wedge fit inbetween the seat post and the rack supports if you velcro the front end to the seatpost and the rear end to the rack itself? Maybe a bungee to hold the back end into that nice space?

[F8th637]

For my first ride yesterday, I used my favorite messenger bag, and it definitely didn't work out. It kept sliding to my front and interrupting my pedaling motion.

I don't like using messenger bags either but I've figured out that the key to not having it slide out front if you don't have one of those extra straps around it is too make sure the long strap is short so that the bag sits high on your back and is close to your body. It took me some adjustments but I finally figured it out. HTH!

[TahoeDirtGirl]

The very first coffee I ever drank was in college. 1999. Starbucks. I never had coffee before, a latte with two sugars. Ahhhh...so that's my staple. That or a capp. I make my own at home, but I loved going to one of the 5 'bucks in S. Lake Tahoe, I think it's a morning tradition because the baristas are so chipper. No wonder, they probably slip a shot of the crackbucks every once in a while. DD is amazing. All over the place. There is a 'bucks in Plymouth.

Wheelworks! AH! I went there during the SUPER sale and I got scared out of there. I did 'order' a bike but I need to get my cash back, because I bought something else. I did note they had a great selection on everything else, but they were just way too busy. AND they had some really good deals 'round the corner on used bikes. I didn't get a really good bike guy either, he didn't know the bikes that well :( I like the one I have down here (pre cape) for tuneups and I ride with them, but they don't have much of a selection. I guess thems the breaks.

And messenger bags. I laughed when I saw that one. I tried one out that I had brought out on the plane from Calif and I went to do that 'sling it to the other side' and there I went. Into the ditch. I think I'll stick to the backpack. I'm just not that coordinated :( Pretty bike Hiperson! almost tempts me to take a ride up to wheelworks and see what they got. I'm around 5 ft 3 ...no I must resist. I have 5 bikes in this house right now and other scattered around the USA. Oh my. Do I have a problem?:D

[Blueberry]

So....what do you use to make you cappuccino or lattes at home (when you do)? Inquiring minds have exploded many machines in the kitchen and had many rather spectacular failures:)

CA

[hipersons]

MDHillSlug and GLC1968, this is exactly what worked, only I had turn it sideways. Hurray!


and there I went. Into the ditch.
omg that was my biggest fear!

Wheelworks is great, but you definitely have to hit it at not busy time. IE not the weekends, especially on a sunny day. I tend to go weeknights. The same goes for the sales people. During my quest I must have talked to about 10 people there, all with a varying range of knowledge.

Good luck on that bike addiction. I hear it's contagious.

[madscot13]

My Nishiki mixte at school. Detours panniers and a topeak trunk and rack. If I have more to carry I have a Trek Grocery bag for the other side, but the Detours keeps everything secure and dry.

great looking bike. Also I can't face any class without 16 oz of caffeine.

quick question: how short is your stem?

[madscot13]

are you crazy? i would kill for a DD in madison. our closest one is a good 45 mins away. having come from RI (most donut shops per capita in the world and a DD every 2 miles or so) it's really tough. everyone i talk to around here who has ever lived in new england totally feels the lack of DD pain.

haha I have some friends that I have to bring some DD to every time I go home.

[activediva]

Is your tri bike going to be your commuter bike?

Ya, I only have a 6 mile commute to work so it's perfect for pre-training for my tri's.

[kfergos]

That's funny, because when I went to Boston 2 years ago my DH and I were amazed at all the DD. We had to get a picture of us in front of one just for laughs. Man, those New Englanders eat a lot of donuts. ;)

I'm from WA and now live in MA, and the DD phenomenon has puzzled me since I moved here: They call it Dunkin Donuts, but they sell like 100 cups of coffee for every donut they sell.

What is so great about DD coffee? Why do people think it's better than Starbucks? (I don't drink coffee at all, but this is a matter of curiosity, since Seattleites seem to think Starbucks is the epitome of the coffee experience.)

[Blueberry]

I don't drink coffee much (it doesn't agree with me). But...many people say that Starbucks effectively burns their beans, and that this makes their coffee bitter.

I see the DD coffee as good, relatively smooth, plain coffee.

CA

[TahoeDirtGirl]

In Tahoe I have a Saeco super automatic or something like that, it's all automated but it gets stuck once in a while. In Mass I just use a Keurig, which makes regular coffee. I had a Krups. I blew it up. The Saeco was kinda pricey. But I saved up for a year. And bought it I did! I'm too afraid to ship it out tho. I whip my milk with this frother thing I got from IKEA. It's just a little beater thing but it works well.

I think the burnt bean thing might be from some of the baristas that make the shots too strong. I had one that was horrible. I turned around and gave it back to them. I like Peets too, but there are none here.

I think I got used to it being strong tho. So going to DD is a weakness, bc who can't leave without a munchkin in their pocket?

Yes, the ditch and the messenger bag. I didn't see it coming at all.

Was going to go for the big commute to work but there is the threat of rain. I'm not into rain gear. I'm in the market for a rain jacket but not sure which. I have a flimsy windbreaker that is mostly good for color, but not sure what to do for rain.

[Crankin]

OK, haven't really been following this thread, but re, the DD thing in MA. Yea, people here think it's a coffee place. I'm a native who lived in the SW and FL for a good portion of her adult life. Been back 18 years on June 6th. I hate DD. The coffee is OK, but their ads make me angry. Like people who speak Italian are "snobby" (the ad making fun of ordering Starbucks type drinks). I just don't care for all the leering construction workers who tend to be in there at 6:30 AM.
There are Starbucks in MA. Where are you? There's one in Concord, one in Acton, and in quite a few of the towns in the NW suburbs. I don't usually go there, because I patronize small, independent coffee places where they know me. There are a lot of those around here.
In high school I used to cut class, hike through the woods to go to "Dunkies."

[HillSlugger]

On Long Island we had Dunkin Donuts. No Krispy Kreme. I left before Starbuck came along. DD was where we went for doughnuts! I was rather amazed when people started talking about how good their coffee is. I'm not sure I've ever tried it.

[la bicicleta]

I read that asking for your latte "extra hot" also contributes to the "burnt" taste for the next customer.

[Aggie_Ama]

Here is my new commuter- Hilda. The KHS stands for Keep Hilda Spinning. :D Right now she is a little Frankenbiked since she stole my Cannondale's front wheel. The stock front wheel is rubbing the fork and I didn't have time to fidget with it.

I am lucky enough to have a large back cubicle to keep my bike in. Our bike racks are in a dark corner of the parking garage, no place for the newest member of our bike family.

[Beane]

I see the DD coffee as good, relatively smooth, plain coffee.

CA

Agreed. But I think they put crack in it so that even though its not super flavorful, you must have more, more, MORE!




haha I have some friends that I have to bring some DD to every time I go home.

My mom is coming to visit from RI in a few days and we will definitely be requesting that she bring some coffee and donuts. It can't be that big a pain to shlep a dozen donuts across the country...

[hipersons]

My friend is studying in Florida. His dad buys the donuts, puts them in foodsaver bags, and ships them down there. I hear the honey dipped ones loose their texture completely, but the taste is still delicious!

[GLC1968]

It's not the barista that makes Starbucks coffee so 'burnt' tasting...because their espresso drinks are usually fine. It's the actual coffee (the drip stuff) that's gross. I've gotten it as a gift, and it's just as gross when I make it at home.

DD coffee is just plain old smooth coffee. It's got a good flavor, but it's nothing fancy at all. Perfect for those days that you really do need your coffee by your side all day long. :o It also makes AWESOME iced coffee. Plus, their donuts are WAY better than Krispy Kreme. KK's are too sweet and greasy for my tastes.

[mimitabby]

my bike is the second from the left; orange.
This is the bike rack i had installed last year at my office. It's full now

http://www.sersale.org/bike/bikerack.jpg

[uforgot]

Mimi, That rack is a terrific idea. And full!

[HillSlugger]

What kind of rack is that? It doesn't look like the bikes are locked in place; is that true?

[Ladyrunner]

Oh!! What a fun thread!

Here's a picture of mine. The furthest I have to go is 7 miles and that's only sometimes. Otherwise, most of my riding consists of 2ish miles to the gym and back. I recently got the basket for those trips to the store when I run out of milk, etc. That store's near the gym. Also, there is a Subway restaurant almost exactly a mile from me. I LOVE living close to stuff!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v365/luvtocraft/commbk_l.jpg

[Ladyrunner]

hipersons,

To carry extra stuff have you considered panniers off the rear rack? Or:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=14883

These available on TE could install on another bottle cage and carry at least as much as an under seat bag.

Sweet bike!! Welcome to TE :)

THAT is about the coolest thing EVER!

[mimitabby]

What kind of rack is that? It doesn't look like the bikes are locked in place; is that true?

most of the bikes are not locked because our building is secure. but if you look carefully there is a double bar next to each bike which you can lock it to.

Yes, the rack IS full, and it's all commuters, some coming from over 30 miles away.

here's a link showing this bike rack system:

http://www.bikeparking.com/vertirack/index.html

[wackyjacky1]

Those racks are really cool. I think it's awesome that they're filled up. (It almost looks like an art exhibit. :) )

Ladyrunner, your bike looks like so much fun to ride. Love the basket!

[Blueberry]

Yes, the rack IS full, and it's all commuters, some coming from over 30 miles away.

Wow! That's impressive! Is that all biking, or a hybrid commute?

[mimitabby]

Wow! That's impressive! Is that all biking, or a hybrid commute?

All biking. the guys who are taking buses and biking I would never include in a description of a "30 mile commute"
the guys putting in the miles are on a winning team for the cascade bike to work month challenge.

then there's me with my 4 miles each way.. :D I have the shortest commute of all of them.

and it is a work of art! second from left, custom Davidson, furthest right, De Rosa, third from right, a Marinoni.

[Tri Girl]

It's a terrible picture (taken with my phone), but here's my workhorse. I use it for all my errands (grocery shopping, library, pharmacy, etc), and I've commuted on it before, and will do more in the fall. This is also my touring bike that I'll do some touring on this summer. It's kind of an all purpose ride, and I LOVE it! :D I've put some silly stickers on it to hopefully deter theives since it's definitely not shiny and new (although it performs like a brand new bike). Best $40 I ever spent. :)

[gnat23]

Mimitabby, that is AWESOME!!! Nice work!

It reminded me of the Coolest Office Ever (http://www.becausewecan.org/Office_interior_with_custom_desks) and what they did with their bike storage room. :D

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1128/1352356297_52875f5e73.jpg

-- gnat! (If I can't have that room, how about the one with the octopus couch, then?)

[TahoeDirtGirl]

Mimi if you were trying to make me jealous it worked!!!! I love that rack. I love the fact you have a rack indoors that you can put your bikes in. I wonder if other places are going to catch on. The place I am consulting at right now was 'contemplating' showers for their renovation but it got canned. Oh please. A cubicle size shower room. What could it hurt? There is a guy that used to run at lunch. He would shower in the woods with a 'camp shower'. No. We won't be doing that.


No, you don't don't drink the drip coffee at crackbuks. Only the latte or capp for me. Beyond that it turns into Dairy Queen with all the whipped stuff and syrup.

You know what cracks me up? People that think there are no calories in that stuff. I was reading this one website where this woman said "I had no idea it had 600 calories" about one of the whipped cream extravaganzas. Uh. Whipped Cream. Caramel? No? hahaha...

I just can't deal with DD because when I go in there I want to give all those lonely donuts a home. SOOO LONELY.

Can't you get the coffee in the store? They sell DD coffee in some of the grocery stores out west, I believe I saw it in Safeway. There is are not many DD out west. I think there's like 10 in CA!

And where can I find a cup holder for my bike? Seriously, there was a guy at a bikeshop in Tahoe that had one. Now I have a need. And a hamburger bell.

[Beane]

Can't you get the coffee in the store? They sell DD coffee in some of the grocery stores out west, I believe I saw it in Safeway. There is are not many DD out west. I think there's like 10 in CA!



We do have the coffee in a few stores here, but its not the same. Maybe its the styrofoam cups (i know, horrible for the planet) or maybe the crack they put in, but ya hafta get the stuff from a DD.

[jenk]

I'm sooo sad I don't have my newest commuter built up yet. She's a sexxxy steel dark green Soma double cross and will have moustache bars, brooks saddle, drive train from my old univega carbolite... I will bump this thread and post a pic when she's alive. For now I ride a trek 7.5fx disc (aka the cop bike). she gets the job done.

[Blueberry]

I'm sooo sad I don't have my newest commuter built up yet. She's a sexxxy steel dark green Soma double cross and will have moustache bars, brooks saddle, drive train from my old univega carbolite... I will bump this thread and post a pic when she's alive. For now I ride a trek 7.5fx disc (aka the cop bike). she gets the job done.

Yes - please post:) Would love to see a double cross pic - DH has been looking (drooling) at them recently...

CA

[F8th637]

Ok, I THINK I'm finally done putting stuff on her, at least for every day things. Here's an updated pic:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v442/f8th637/IMG_1895-1.jpg

[jesvetmed]

F8th: I'm having commuter envy! She's gorgeous!

[Ana]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v442/f8th637/IMG_1895-1.jpg

Is your rear rack designed that way or do you have some sort of extension thingy? :) What make/model is it? I love how it's level and elevated :)

Btw, she's a beaut :)

[F8th637]

Is your rear rack designed that way or do you have some sort of extension thingy? :) What make/model is it? I love how it's level and elevated :)

Btw, she's a beaut :)

I actually just installed that rack this weekend. I bought it via Amazon.com from Niagara Cycle Works. It is the Sunlite Bicycle Welded Spring Rear Rack, Black. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AO3HJ2) The directions that come with the thing are a waste of time. If you read the comments someone left about how to install it and especially the pictures someone added on that site you will save yourself A LOT of time. It actually comes with two lengths of those metal bars that attach to the bike. The higher elevation is nice for pedal and wheel clearance but it makes finding a place for your saddle bag rather difficult. The rack was a great investment though. It replaced the one I had before that was just attached via zipties around the seatpost. Same height and everything but this Sunlite rack is definitely made for bikes like mine with the proper eyelets. Hope that helps!

[Aggie_Ama]

I must take a picture tonight of DH's new Kona Jake. It is such a lean, mean commuting maching. I wish I had bought one for me- shhhh don't tell my commuter. ;)

[jennrod12]

Here's my new custom commute bike. I got a custom road bike last year and it made such a difference that I ordered a commute bike from the same builder. Also included a pic of the two bikes together.

Jenn

[Tri Girl]

BEAUTIFUL bikes, jenn! Who made them? They are both stunning!

[mimitabby]

oh i like those red cranks. who made those bikes? they ARE beautiful.

[jennrod12]

Thanks, they are made by Steve Rex in Sacramento, CA. The yellow one is painted by his painter, Russ Pickett of Air Art in Chico (awesome job!!), and the red one is powdercoated - I sent him the cranks to have powdercoated at the same time.

Jenn

[jennrod12]

You cant' see it in the first picture, but Russ painted butterflies on the yellow bike on the front end of the top tube and down tubes. There are a couple of "lost" butterflies on the seatstays, too! :)

Jenn

[Tri Girl]

Oooooo, I love the bikes even more now that you showed the butterflies painted on there. Too cool! :)

[F8th637]

Those bikes are DARNED beautiful! Breath-taking even! How long is his wait?

[jennrod12]

I'm not sure how long his wait is right now, because he just had to move his shop after 17 years in the same location.:mad: But he found a property nearby, fortunately. I think his usual wait time is about four months (that's what it was for both of mine, I ordered in October each time).

Jenn

[elk]

Here's mine....I just wish I could actually commute on it!! Plus I think she might be a bit too..?? I 've never been as comfortable here as on my Aurora.

[jennrod12]

Here's mine....I just wish I could actually commute on it!! Plus I think she might be a bit too..?? I 've never been as comfortable here as on my Aurora.

Cool looking commuter! I love the matching saddle and handlebar ends. Looks like a very purposeful bike.

Jenn

[KnottedYet]

Elk, your Globe is just beautiful!

[Trek420]

OOOh there are some puhrty bikes here. :)

[elk]

thanks! i really like the internal gearing too....

[yauchzee]

This was my first road bike, a Lemond Big Sky S, turned commuter when I upgraded to a Madone this year:
http://users.moscow.com/yauchzee/commuter_small.jpg

[uforgot]

Here's a commuter I just recently finished. Originally purchased on craigslist. I added moustache bars, a rack, basil quick release basket and a Terry Butterfly purchased from anakiwa.

[elk]

pretty!

I like that angle at which you have your moustache bars with the height of the seat...looks comfortable

[uforgot]

pretty!

I like that angle at which you have your moustache bars with the height of the seat...looks comfortable

I actually had to sit more upright when I installed that basket on there, so I've been raising and lowering and experimenting... The basket is right at the edge of the seat, but I love it. It just comes right off and into the grocery store with me.

[Bluetree]

My new commuter... MASI Soulville steel single speed/fixie 16" w/700c wheels
(Got tired of commuting on my road bikes and having to change clothes/shoes)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3161/2602153632_9c8f851470_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/2602153670_16b01b264c.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3181/2602153636_515b1fffb3.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2602153686_b5961b514d.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/2602153648_217744f76e.jpg

[xeney]

Wow, that is gorgeous!

[Bluetree]

I love the lines!

MASI is going to be releasing a mixte version in a few weeks and their smallest size will be a 14". My LBS manager mentioned that getting the smaller sizes have been hit-or-miss and there is no guarantee the 14" mixte could be delivered immediately. (We went over the same hassle with the manufacturer/distributer when trying to get my tiny Pinarello)

So he went over the specs and discovered the eff TT in the 14" mixte would be the same as the 16" unisex version – the only difference in virtual geometry was the seatpost height. So he took the lone 16" fixie/SS he had in stock, cut down the seatpost and it fit fine (plus, I liked the Pea Soup Green color better than the antique beige that the mixte would come in!)

[dex]

Sooo pretty. I was admiring one of those in a shop a couple of weeks back, but they only had it in big sizes. And by big, I mean too-big-for-my-short-legs. But now I've gone and looked up the mixte version, and I'm in lust. I blame you! :D:p:D

[Bluetree]

Ha! I'm such an enabler. Lust away... :D

http://commutebybike.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/soulville2.jpg

[dex]

I'm just going to sit over here and keep reminding myself that I just bought a commuter and that I live on a hill and that seven speed might not get me home everyday. Yep. That's what I'll keep telling myself. It'll make it easier to resist. (But, I really really love the look of both of those.)

[BBsw]

This is my old girl. She is an early 90s Bianchi Nyala. No frills but she gets the job done.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b127/Sunchild1986/nyala.jpg

[Harley]

Here is my new upgraded Dr Dew... I call her Dr Artsy Fartsy
I have a short 2 mile commute, use a shoulder bag to carry lunch and will use a backpack to shop. I can't stand to cover up the pretty wood fenders with a rack.
Sold the Marin Mtn bike on page one of this post, was going to buy a Surly but my LBS gave me a great deal on this Dr Dew, and then I started looking for parts... found Rivendel's (ouch, that's a dangerous place) from this forum and Woody's Fenders on a google search.
She is a functional piece of art.

[elk]

the Dr. is lovely...:D

[HillSlugger]

Love the fenders!

[uk elephant]

Finally got my bike spruced up and ready for a photo shoot. she is a Specialized Tricross Sport from 2005. Just added the red bar tape this week and its almost like having a new bike :D

[KatiePickle]

Here is my commuter. Luckily, my commute is only 4 miles each way and is relatively flat, so I can get away with having a single speed (hooray for less maintenance!).
The fold up Wald baskets are both heavy and noisy. I sound like a shopping cart going down the road. However, convenience has long since won over style in my life and they are gloriously convenient.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/katiepickle/SJEpXajmIeI/AAAAAAAABDw/LStBA-CJOTo/P7300008.JPG?imgmax=512

[xeney]

Do you have your Wald baskets attached with the little metal clips it came with? If so, try using zip ties instead (or in addition). We switched to zips and my baskets are nearly silent now.

[mci021]

This is my lovely itty bitty Trek. I've had it since May and it needs a name. Any suggestions?

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e188/Meggieb00/bike.jpg

[kfergos]

This is my lovely itty bitty Trek. I've had it since May and it needs a name. Any suggestions?

I vote that you name it after the month you got it -- May.

[wackyjacky1]

Grey Goose? (Only if you're a vodka lover, I guess.) :D

I gotta say, this is one of my favorite threads on TE. I think I have actually drooled on my keyboard over some of these bikes!