Commuter Purchase Dillema

[Trek420]

I'm having trouble justifying spending $400 on a bike that is going to be left outside to be rained on/snowed on, etc. I know I would use it and I currently live and will move to a place where I can store it inside while at home.

OK, now I'm confused. You currently live in and will move to a place where you can have the bike inside when at home.

And you say you might be able to keep the bike inside at work. Why would it be outside in the snow?

Keep your bike inside Rain, snow, salt if they salt the roads .... all the enemy of your bike. Sure, you can leave it outside but much more work and cost to keep it in shape.

1) How do you keep your commuting bike in good shape?

I keep it inside Also regular routine maintenance, cleaning & lube, lube and clean. A tune up about once a year.

2) Did you replace the stock saddle on your commuter bike?

Yes. But the ancient POS saddle the bike came with was comfy. I kept it for 10 years. Finally began wearing out so I replaced the seat and seatpost.

3) I'm considering an spd/platform pedal (spd on one side, platform on the other).

That's what I use on the commuter, good choice My freewheel has BMX pedals. I love them. If I was replacing the pedals on the commuter or had another commuter, that's what I'd get.

4) Is the maintenance cost for a commuter bike comparable to that of a road bike?

Yeah. I think so. A good bike is a good bike

[kfergos]

Welcome to the wonderful world of bike commuting -- it really is the best way to travel.

1) How do you keep your commuting bike in good shape? I might be able to keep my bike inside while I work, but what about commuting to other places?
I bring mine inside both at home and at work, although I have in the past left it outside but covered. I routinely wipe the whole thing, chain and all gears included, and will occasionally wax it if I'm feeling ambitious.

It helps to clearly lay out your expectations about how good of shape your bike will be in: Do you want it pristine? Is some cosmetic gunk/rust acceptable? Is lots of rust acceptable? Rust looks bad, but it isn't a real problem except in a few places (particularly you'd want to avoid a rusty chain), so if you're willing to compromise and accept some cosmetic rust, which is almost inevitable if you live in a place where they put down salt on the roads during the winter, probably leaving it outside won't be too bad. If you want it pristine, you'll have to bring it inside and wipe it down after every single ride.

2) Did you replace the stock saddle on your commuter bike?
You bet I did! If you're expecting to spend a lot of time commuting here and there, it's well worth finding a saddle that's right for you and going with it. Be warned, though: Saddles can be remarkably spendy.

3) Do you use clipless pedals on your commuter? I'm considering an spd/platform pedal (spd on one side, platform on the other).
Yes, I have eggbeaters on mine, but my commute is mostly long stretches without stopping. You definitely can get a lot more power from using clipless shoes, although they take a lot of getting used to, and they, too can be pretty expensive. The spd/platform ones seem like they could be a good option for you.

4) Is the maintenance cost for a commuter bike comparable to that of a road bike?
I can't say, because although I have a road bike, I use it for commuting in the summer, so both my bikes are commuting bikes. I know for the winter commuting bike, I have to replace brake pads, the chain, and every occasionally (eep!) the rear cassette after a bad winter.

I guess in short this depends on you: Your riding style (you can avoid putting undue wear on the chain/cassettes by riding a certain way) and your ability to do minor adjustments and repairs yourself.