Second Bike?

[Crankin]

I have a carbon road bike that i use for most of my rides, well, on the road. I also have a full susp. mid range Norco mtb. It doesn't see the trail too often, but that's a goal for this year. I have tried riding it on the road for short hops into town, but I hate the way that feels. So, right now I am in the beginning stages of modifying my old hard tail mtb for commuting/errands. It was really my husband's bike a long time ago. I rode it for about a year and a half when i first got into cycling, so I guess it sort of fits me, even though it's a bigger size than my other bikes. I am going to put a rack and small panniers on it. Right now it has semi slicks, which I probably will keep. Oh, and i am getting a light. I am only going to be working until June, but I will probably try and use this to commute to work a few times before I quit. It probably will take me a much longer time to do the 15 or so miles on this steel bike, but that's why I'm getting the light; so I can leave when it's still dark. Realistically, I probably would be happier with a cross bike for this purpose, but I can't spend the $ for that. I also am thinking about getting a Bike Friday touring model that I can use when we travel. My husband has a BF road bike that he takes on business trips. He would like to trade it in for more of a touring type bike, too.
The list is endless...

[Triskeliongirl]

I also like to have a travel bike as my second bike, but I like my latest travel bike so much it has become my first bike (i.e. bike that I choose to ride most). I used to have a bike friday that was stolen. I quickly replaced it with a terry titanium isis as my 'go fast bike' and used an older terry classic touring bike for commuting. Then a terry steel isis frame on ebay caught my eye (2003 reynolds 853 never been built) which I picked up for a song. The catch, it had no fork and no commercial forks were available, so I sent it to a framebuilder, who not only built me a fork, but installed s/s couplers to make it a travel bike, and canti bosses so I could use a wider range of tires (23-32c). I absolutely LOVE this bike. Since she has sport geometry and is made of light steel she is funner to ride with than my touring bike, but the reynolds 853 steel is so stiff she feels faster than my titanium isis despite being heavier (I also think she fits me better, she just really agrees with me). So, now I have the titanium isis set up as a commuter and my steel travel isis is set up for fast club riding, and of course packs in a suitcase for travel. For the story of my travel bike visit: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...hlight=feronia

[xeney]

I have an embarrassing number of bikes but the ones that I ride the most often are older steel road bikes converted to single speeds and outfitted for around-town comfort. I live in a place without hills so I don't really need gears most of the time, but I do need a way to carry stuff.

[MomOnBike]

The three bikes I have use of couldn't be more different.

Chronologically, then:

Walter, my 1978 Raleigh. DH bought him for me on our first anniversary. The bike doesn't fit me very well, but I take him down every now and again for a short spin. I may do a commute or two on him this summer to keep life interesting. I really do like that bike, but not for long rides.

William, the 'bent. A long wheel-base Cadallic of a bike, and surprisingly fast, considering the engine. My main ride for everything from nights on the town with DH to quick shopping runs, to cross-state tours.

...and my daughter's el-cheepo Schwinn mountain-style bike. We don't get along very well, but it handles snow and icky roads better than the other two, so I've been commuting on it this winter. Yes, Daughter did give me permission.

[Trekhawk]

Two road - one for winter and hill rides, the other for good weather and moderate climbing.

One mountain - for all the beautiful single track that is around here.

I am also thinking about getting an Amsterdam from Electra for cruising around town.

[SadieKate]

There's still one at B&L in Davis - at least as of last Thursday.

[Starfish]

I am also thinking about getting an Amsterdam from Electra for cruising around town.

Let us know if you do. I LOVE the look of them, from the ads. We have a lot of hills here and I am not very strong (need all of my triple), so I have a hard time imagining I could use one for running around to the latte shop, but I would like to hear how it goes for you if you get one.

[Trekhawk]

Let us know if you do. I LOVE the look of them, from the ads. We have a lot of hills here and I am not very strong (need all of my triple), so I have a hard time imagining I could use one for running around to the latte shop, but I would like to hear how it goes for you if you get one.

I sure will. I have the same thoughts about hills and this bike. I want to look at the Breezer Uptown that is in Bicycling 2007 Buyer's guide as well. Lucky for me it seems that a bike shop near SadieKate sells both so I will probably make a trip down there and try to compare the two with SK's help.