City Commuter

[Wahine]

I have turned my old cross-country racing MTB into a commuter. It is very light, has only a front end suspension and is very responsive. It's got a fairly aggressive geometry but I like that. Then I put on thinner/slick tires and I was good to go. The reasons why I liked it 1) I never worried about potholes 2) I could jump objects if need be to stay out of traffic or even onto the curb for quick evasive moves 3) it was lighter than most commuters but one should note that it was a $3000 bike new in 1998, so quite high end.

I would recommend looking for a high end used MTB, front end suspension or rigid and making the appropriate modifications.

Having said that, I have never ridden a hybrid so I can't really compare.

I like the idea of using a cross bike as well and switching out the handle bars.

[NJ Jess]

Mtb with slicks is a great commuter. Shocks really help in the city. Try craigslist.com for bikes too, lots of older inexpensive bikes.

[bikerHen]

I let my husband try some thinner (1.3) slick tires I got for my Surly. I don't think I'm getting them back! He rides an older rigid frame mtb to work and said the slick tires make the bike feel like a new ride. bikerHen

[MuttNut]

Thanks for all the tips/ideas- I'll keep you all updated on what I go with.

[obie]

I commute on a Specialized Hard Rock from 1994, with rack and fenders and slicks. It has front shocks which I like. It's a really bombproof bike for city-riding, and I see a lot of others around and they have a good reputation for being indestructible. So if you're going used, look for early/mid 90s Specialized bikes - they were still steel then.

For new bikes, I've been recommending the Specialized Sirrus a lotfor urban commuting. It's light in case you have to bring it upstairs!

I have a cross bike which I've considered commuting on, but I'm too lazy to add fenders to it SDER

[MuttNut]

Yes- I will definitely be hauling this bike upstairs! Thanks for bringing that up, a very good point. I'm excited, as soon as I get my bonus from work I'll begin bike shopping/scouring craigslist in earnest.

[kfergos]

I commute on a Specialized Hard Rock from 1994, with rack and fenders and slicks. It has front shocks which I like. It's a really bombproof bike for city-riding, and I see a lot of others around and they have a good reputation for being indestructible. So if you're going used, look for early/mid 90s Specialized bikes - they were still steel then.

I have a cross bike which I've considered commuting on, but I'm too lazy to add fenders to it SDER

Ohmygoodness, you just described almost my exact commuting bike situation, only my Hard Rock is from like 2000, and it's an aluminum frame. That thing is a beast to haul up stairs, though. I even have the cross bike, but I did put fenders on it and use it in the summer.

Let me contribute my own anecdotal evidence the indestructible thing. I rode my Hard Rock all winter last winter in Massachusetts, never once wiping off the road crud, cleaning the chain, or otherwise maintaining it. I left it outside (covered) every day. It has a few little corrosion spots, but otherwise, it's in great shape. Amazing.

[bruiser]

My BF has the Globe and loved it (he has since switched to a fixed gear for his commutes). If you have to lug stuff around and aren't interested in it being attached to your body, the Globe is a great set-up for a rear rack.

I switched from a traditional road bike with drops to one with arc bars. I like that it retains the lightness of a road bike, but isn't quite as aggressive. I can still go super fast, but I have slightly better traffic awareness since I'm more vertical.

If you want to go fast and are used to a road bike, a mtb might not make you happy. I feel like a sluuuuug when I ride one on the streets, and you might benefit from thinner wheels. Try looking at some different bar combos on your road frame, And maybe some cyclocross tires if you want the knobbies.