Gushing about my commuter

[ShadyLady]

I bought a new bike somewhat recently and just had to gush about it. I'm new to this forum (been lurking for awhile) but I figured bike reviews were always a nice thing.

My commuter is a 2012 Trek 7.2 FX. I was torn between that and the Jamis Coda. Every day for a few weeks now I have commuted to work with 2 panniers on the back and a child seat (the iBert Safety Seat) on the front, taking my 1 year old to daycare. This bike has handled it all. There's a decent hill on my commute but the gears make it a breeze. The bike feels stable and solid even with all my gear (and passengers!). After dropping my son off, I even do some curb hopping and the tires and everything are fine. What a fantastic bike!

Just wanted to share- feel free to gush about your own awesome commuters!

[bmccasland]

Great to hear you have a commuter bike you're in love with. I've been thinking about getting a commuter for my stable - passing my 3-speed on to someone else.

We do appreciate photos. Let me restate that, we really love photos of bikes

ShadyLady, welcome to the TE club!!

[Melalvai]

My commuter (my only bike) is a 2008 Trek 7.2 FX. My only regret is she can't take disc brakes. For that reason I will be replacing her someday, after I have brought her some friends (perhaps a road bike, a tandem, a folding bike!) She just hit 10,000 miles.

[Tri Girl]

Yay!! Gush away over your new steed! We all understand the passion.

Sounds like you picked a perfect ride for you and your passenger! Would love to see a pic of it.

Welcome to TE and to commuting! It's simply the BEST!

[ak2outside]

that iBert is awesome!
I had the back seat rider a bagillion years ago and my son would have LOVED the view from the front!

[ShadyLady]

Here's my lovely commuter. This is before my Brooks saddle arrived

I do have one concern: lately my left hand- particularly the pinkie & ring fingers- have been tingly. Have people had success with the ergo-type grips? I'm thinking of trying that out. I also might be switching to a rear seat for the little guy- my knees keep bumping the iBert! Any recommendations?

Thanks! I've been commuting every day now for almost a month and really love it!

[ShadyLady]

Here's an updated photo of my bike, now with the Topeak child seat. I thought it'd be helpful to post a review of sorts for others trying to decide between seat options.

When I was actually pedaling I much preferred the iBert Safety Seat. The bike felt sportier and more agile with the weight up front. However, every time I stopped I felt like I was going to tip over, b/c on my bike there wasn't room for me to hop off the saddle, so instead I had to lean the bike over and catch myself with my foot. My commute involves some stop lights, etc. so I eventually decided I felt unsteady and unsafe enough that I would try the back seat (luckily I bought both seats from places with great return policies).

If my bike felt like a station wagon before, with the back seat it felt like a minivan. Kind of unwieldy and cumbersome, but solid and safe. I've decided to stick with this set up. The panniers on the front help balance out the bike- without them the front wheel feels a little squirrely. I think my son preferred the front seat for the excitement-factor, but he also seems more relaxed and comfortable on the back seat (even if the view is boring!).

Anyway, thought the comparison might help.

[Melalvai]

Great review, thanks.
I hadn't thought of the problem that the iBert would prevent you from dismounting properly. That seems like incredibly poor design!

[TrekDianna]

I commute sometimes with my Trek 7.3FX WSD disc and I love it. I don't get to do it as often as I like since I have a 13 mile one way and various work related events after work.