Commuter Purchase Dillema

[Melalvai]

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 am lucky that when the hospital (including the med school where my lab is) went no smoking, they converted the old smoking shelters into covered bike racks. At home I keep the bike in the garage.

Going places besides work, she just gets left out wherever the bike rack is. If it is raining, I tie a plastic grocery sack over the seat, protects the brooks leather saddle and also keeps my butt dry when I get back on the bike.

But in the winter, with the salt and sand on the roads, the drivetrain (chain & gears) requires a LOT of attention. My chain was constantly rusty this winter, sometimes I was cleaning it every night.

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

She's an old bike, 15 years, and I have replaced everything over the past two years except the frame, the fork and the stem. The saddle is one thing I'd strongly recommend spending money on. I begged my parents to give me a brooks saddle last year ($84).

3) Do you use clipless pedals on your commuter? I'm considering an spd/platform pedal (spd on one side, platform on the other).

I wanted to, but it was a low priority, and eventually I decided I'm glad I didn't get them. Maybe if some day I have 2 bikes, one for recreation and one for commuting, the road bike could have spd pedals. But the commuter bike just has toe straps, which means I only have to worry about one pair of shoes. Otherwise, I'd have to bring an extra pair of shoes to work, or keep a pair, and only wear clothes that matched the pair that lives at work, or something else complicated.

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

Like everyone else said so far, I don't know. I hope someone knows, I'm curious too.

I have learned to do a fair bit of the maintenance myself. Get yourself a good friend in the bike shop. I think most of the mechanics are really happy you take an interest and don't mind letting you use their stuff and showing you how to do it if they're not busy. Some places you might have to pay a fee but it would be worth it.

It is certainly far less than maintenance costs on a car.

[tulip]

I keep my commuting bike in good shape by keeping it clean (wiping it down after rides) and lubing it kindof regularly (monthly for me, your situation may be different). I also keep it indoors.

I actually liked my saddle but it eventually got a hole in it. If it's comfy, use it. If not, change it.

I use campus pedals--platform on one side and SPD on the other. That way, I have a choice.

Maintenance costs depend on how much you ride. You'll want to consider replacing tires when they need it, extra lube, another tool kit to keep on your commuter bike, a bell, a light, high-visibility clothing, panniers or some sort of bag to haul your stuff in.

You don't mention how long your commute is, and through what kinds of conditions. Some questions to consider:
1. Will you ride year round (extra $ for winter and rain clothing)?
2. Will you ride at night (lights)?
3. Will you need to lock your bike outside or can you bring it inside to a secure location (like your office)? You'll likely need a chain or U-lock anyways if you go to the grocery store on your bike.
4. What will you need to carry (office clothes, laptop, groceries)? Panniers are my choice, but some folks like messenger bags or backpacks.

Commuting by bike is really great. I commuted for 6 years in DC 28 miles round trip year round. I don't do it anymore since I started working from home, but I do use my commuting bike for errands and groceries.

[tulip]

Oh, and you might be able to get a used bike, depending on the distance of your commute.