Converting Mountain to Commuter

[TexanCzexican]

Heh, sorry, that would probably help, huh?

It's a stock woman's specific Boulder SE



I do have clipless pedals and a Serfas RX seat.

I'm planning on going to the local cycling shop in town, but want to make sure I don't get suckered into adding extra stuff.

I bought it when they first came out, but found that I feel oddly claustrophobic on the local mountain biking trails--trees feel awfully close to the trails.

Thanks again!

[mimitabby]

looking at that bike, just change the tires, you ought to be just fine! it looks like a nice comfy bike, should be perfect for that commute

[SadieKate]

Like mimi said. Just put on narrow slicks and go!

Will you be commuting in low light conditions or after dark? If so, you may want to consider something like the Michelin TransWorld City or the Continental City Contact as both have a reflective stripe.

[Cyclo Kitty]

Welcome to bike commuting! It's the best part of my day, and I hope it'll be the same for you. You don't need the following things to start, but I have found them handy over the past 10 months, adding in gradual stages as the weather changed.

If you are going to commute in the rain, I strongly recommend fenders--they really do cut down on the amount of water you get. You can wait and see how you feel about riding in the rain. I rode in everything this past winter and found that made riding in mild rain a lot harder to face, through precipitation fatigue.

A rear rack is handy, and can act as an intermediate fender if you don't want to go "all the way" right now. The wet & muddy stripe up your backside isn't too pleasant...

Riding at night? Lights. Lotsa lights. headlight, rear blinky, blinky for your bag, I even clip one to my jacket. Reflective tires are wicked cool and really are SEEN. I love them, but I don't have them.

I like the Jannd reflective trouser straps; they are very handy tying stuff down when I don't need trouser straps. But I got tired of catching the pants in the bike parts and these do help. I don't think they are great all day wear, from what my co-workers tell me

Lastly, panniers. Moving weight off my back was a big help. When they have reflective strips, all the better! there are lots out there to choose from at all price ranges. If you leave the bike out in the rain, make sure that the zipper flap is covered!

[MomOnBike]

Listen to Cyclo Kitty. She's spot on.

All I would add is don't get rid of the knobbies. They'll be useful in the winter when you are dealing with icky (technical term. see also: yucky) roads. For summer commutes, slicks are nicer.

Other than that, enjoy your commute. It could well be the nicest part of your day.

[sbctwin]

I commute with my mountain bike. I did switch out the really nubby tires for more sedate nubbies, but not slicks. I no longer enjoyed trail riding after I took a terrific spill in Park City, UT. I have a trek 6500. I have a rear rack and a set of panniers where normally, I only have to use one at any time. I have a blinky light off my pannier. I carry a camelback with a little bit of water and have another white blinky light hanging off it. I also have a halogen headlight, since I commute at 4:30 am. I take a trip up to work by car on the weekend and take my clothes and lunch for the week. My bike ride in the morning gives me the energy to make it through the rest of the day....Enjoy your commute. Mine is only 5 miles (uphill), but it really aids in my outlook for the day.

[stella]

ditto what mimitabby, sadie kate, sbctwin: slick tires.

if you plan on riding in the rain: fenders like cyclo kitty recommended.

I converted my mtn bike into a commuter/singlespeed. the only thing i've done is put on slicks b/c I still go off road on occasion.

do you have a backpack to throw your stuff in?

t