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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Hillsboro, OR
    Posts
    5,023
    Emily - that looks like a nice bike! I could never ride a single speed on my longer commutes because the one I used to have had a lot of big hills and the one I'm going to have starting next month is going to have a mountain!

    Having a single speed does sound MUCH more fool proof..which is great for a commuter.

    My long distance commuter has drop bars, but it actually came with flat bars and bar ends. I rode it like that twice and HATED it. Not only did I want more hand positions, but I had a few parts of my commute where I was crossing wide open spaces where wind was an issue. I really liked having the more aero position option if I needed it.

    That said, conversion to drop bars is pretty easy, particularly on a single speed, so you could try it and convert later if you don't like it.
    My new non-farm blog: Finding Freedom

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Denver Metro
    Posts
    834
    Quote Originally Posted by GLC1968 View Post
    Emily - that looks like a nice bike! I could never ride a single speed on my longer commutes because the one I used to have had a lot of big hills and the one I'm going to have starting next month is going to have a mountain!

    Having a single speed does sound MUCH more fool proof..which is great for a commuter.

    My long distance commuter has drop bars, but it actually came with flat bars and bar ends. I rode it like that twice and HATED it. Not only did I want more hand positions, but I had a few parts of my commute where I was crossing wide open spaces where wind was an issue. I really liked having the more aero position option if I needed it.

    That said, conversion to drop bars is pretty easy, particularly on a single speed, so you could try it and convert later if you don't like it.
    Yeah, I figured if I hated the flat bar I could convert to drop bars. I'm in south florida, so the only uphill I will have is 2 draw bridges, which are on the smaller sides for down here, so the only other issue is the wind(which can get bad!). So I figure I can spin for 18 miles no problem, get a little bit stronger this way:-)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    somewhere between the Red & Rio Grande
    Posts
    5,297
    I debated a flat bar for my commute, but ultimately decided I would hate it. I sometimes ride my mountain bike to the pool in the neighborhood and I feel squirrelly on it.

    I just picked up an entry level road bike for my hilly commute. One of the LBS has several drool worthy single speeds, I wish I could justify the single speed Salsa Caserole. I love the argyle Felt!
    Amanda

    2011 Specialized Epic Comp 29er | Specialized Phenom | "Marie Laveau"
    2007 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Road | Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow | "Miranda"


    You don't have to be great to get started, but you do have to get started to be great. -Lee J. Colan

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Posts
    123
    I'm so jealous of all your commutes.

    My drive is about 32 miles each way - so while it's doable, my husband also drives 31 miles in the opposite direction. He as access to a shower etc and as of now, I do not -but hypothetically, if I did, I would love to each take 1 day a week to commute. 4 hours out of the day is a long time - especially while we have a dog at home and we really try to limit her to being alone no more than 8 hours a day.

    so anyway congrats to you all!!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Folsom CA
    Posts
    5,667
    I have to admit, my 15 mile ride each way is about the max distance I'd want to commute by bike, especially in the morning.

    2009 Lynskey R230 Houseblend - Brooks Team Pro
    2007 Rivendell Bleriot - Rivet Pearl

 

 

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