MTB ~~> Commuter Help

[Andrea]

I'm just waiting on my new tires and seatpack to get here!

Other stuff- new chain, a water bottle cage, and eventually a rack/pannier (I am ordering the Delta megarack supersherpa since it's pretty light, not too expensive, and I'll never get close to its carrying capacity as well as a Detour Toocan pannier to go with)

[mimitabby]

the tulips are a nice touch


so is that saddle!!

[Irulan]

fenders?

[tulip]

the tulips are a nice touch

Yes they are !

Wow, Andrea, you don't mess around! I like people who have an idea and then go for it. Congratulations. Your bike already looks fantastic, and with the new tires and a rack, you'll be good to go anywhere!

You've got me thinking about those trekking bars for my Jamis Coda. I inquired about getting drops, but it's very expensive and complicated. What was the complexity of changing to the trekking bars (in terms of brake cables, shifters, and brake levers?)

Fenders are great if you expect to ride in wet weather. I ended up taking mine off my Coda because they wouldn't stay put and rattled around alot. But if you want to stay relatively dry and clean, they can't be beat.

Keep the pics coming as you continue to make improvements. Univegas are great, sturdy frames.

-Tulip

[Melalvai]

You've got me thinking about those trekking bars for my Jamis Coda. I inquired about getting drops, but it's very expensive and complicated. What was the complexity of changing to the trekking bars (in terms of brake cables, shifters, and brake levers?)

When I got the trekking bars on my bike, a bike mechanic friend showed me what how to do it. When I got trekking bars for my husband's bike, I was able to do it at home by myself. Later, I got albatross bars for my daughter's bike, and because I'd done the other 2 bikes, I was able to switch out hers with no problem.

It was not complicated at all, but I am glad I had guidance the first time.

The trekking bars make some interesting bends, so it did take me a few tries to get it in right. I held it above the bike in the position it needed to be in, and figured out from there which way I needed to slide it through the stem to get it to end up in the right place.

[Andrea]

They were a cinch to convert from flat bars! The MTB style levers slide right onto the ends. I didn't have to adjust cables or anything. If you have road-style integrated shifters/brakes, I imagine it'd be pretty tough to get them in a functional spot. They're very comfy, and grabbing the sides of them gives you a ton of leverage for hills.

As for fenders, I'm pretty used to the roadie mentality- just deal with getting dirty and clean up later

Thanks for all of the encouragement... I'm pretty excited! When I order the rack, I'm also going to look for a steer tube extender. It won't be pretty, but after taking it for a quick spin around the 'hood yesterday, I decided that I want to be more upright (even with the sharp stem angle, my hands are still about even w/my butt). The extender would be much cheaper than getting a new fork that hasn't been cut down so much

If my tires arrive before the weekend, I'll be rockin' the 2-wheeled ride to work on Monday!

Update: The tires came in! I installed those, a new chain, and adjusted my shifting a bit. I even rode down the the bike shop a few miles away to show off my new "car" The Kendas are very nice. Much better ride than the knobbies.

[Melalvai]

One thing I like about fixing up a bike, instead of getting a new bike, is that every time I get something fixed up, I get excited again. Whereas if I had just gotten a new bike, I'd just be excited once and then it would be over.

There are many other advantages too. Like learning your way around your bike. I know what needs done to my bike, and I can't do it all, or most of it, but when I take it to the shop, I know they are doing what needs to be done and not stuff that doesn't need done.

Because I'm comfortable with the parts on my bike and I can use words like derailleur and true and chainring, and I know how to change a tire properly, I feel very secure on the road. I could forget my cell phone and it wouldn't be a big deal.

[Tri Girl]

I LOVE the trekking bars you put on there. The bar tape looks so good! Nicely done! What a great bike it turned out to be. I'm sure you're thrilled with the results!

[bikerHen]

I have to say that I thought fenders were a geeky idea too. I rode with them on my bike last fall, winter and now spring. I LOVE my fenders! I can't think of riding a bike without them. I have to send my Surly, with the fenders, back to the factory and I'm having major issues riding my road bike with NO fenders. They keep you dry. They keep you clean and they keep your tires from flinging mud at other riders. If you ride in the rain get fenders. You would regret it. bikerHen