New Commuter

[5555624]

@consularrider 56751 wrote:

By the way, does the sailboat in the background come with the bike for that second mortgage? :p

Yeah, but the mast and sails are extra.

[mello yello]

@rcannon100 56757 wrote:

Anyone recommend a good Surly shop?

The Bike Rack DC carries Surly… I’m not sure how many models they have in-store, since their floorspace is pretty limited. It’s been a while since I’ve been in there, but I knew some of the mechanics and employees back in the day and they’re very competent.

I’m not sure if they still have a CX team, but they used to, and therefore had a drool-worthy array of excellent CX bikes and cx-based commuters.

My only gripe is they misplaced my Arabesque front derailleur when re-building my vintage road bike… but $15 on fleabay solved that problem!

[Greenbelt]

Here’s my choice for ultimate commuter bike. (Actually ultimate pretty much anything bike!)

[consularrider]

@Greenbelt 58424 wrote:

Here’s my choice for ultimate commuter bike. (Actually ultimate pretty much anything bike!)

Pretty good, but it needs longer fenders. :p

[jwfisher3]

@rcannon100 56757 wrote:

Anyone recommend a good Surly shop?

I bought my Disc Trucker at City Bikes in Chevy Chase (blocks away from me) earlier this summer, but also found the folks at BicycleSpace very helpful to talk to, though they didn’t have any LHTs or Disc Truckers in my size in the store, and it was going to take some weeks to get one built up to test, since they were undergoing some reorganization at the shop

Wayne, the manager at City Bikes CCMD, was helpful and knowledgeable – I took lots of test rides, he brought in different sizes from the Adams Morgan store, and got me the Surly rear rack I wanted, as well as did a nice job of installing the SKS fenders I supplied. Overall, I agree with Greenbelt (no surprise there) – talk to a shop you like and trust, and they can get a Surly for you to try, or build you what you want. The Konas and Bianchis are pretty sweet too, but I fell for the Surly’s long wheelbase, touring geometry, and steel feel. It also has a good mix of components in the factory build.

[culimerc]

Well, I’m half way there. I found a Salsa La Cruz on Ebay, and managed to get it for a reasonable price. Should be here hopefully no later than next week. Its Salsas Steel ‘cross bike from a few years back, it even orange (WIN). Once I get it setup with rack fenders etc, I’ll post a couple of photos. Thanks for all the suggestions.

[Bilsko]

@jwfisher3 58441 wrote:

I bought my Disc Trucker at City Bikes in Chevy Chase (blocks away from me) earlier this summer, but also found the folks at BicycleSpace very helpful to talk to, though they didn’t have any LHTs or Disc Truckers in my size in the store, and it was going to take some weeks to get one built up to test, since they were undergoing some reorganization at the shop…
…The Konas and Bianchis are pretty sweet too, but I fell for the Surly’s long wheelbase, touring geometry, and steel feel. It also has a good mix of components in the factory build.

As a fellow Disc Trucker owner, I approve this message.
(Although you wouldn’t know it was a Disc Trucker, or a Surly, or that Fatties Fit Fine, by the way the decals peel off)

[Popsicleian]

@culimerc 58493 wrote:

Well, I’m half way there. I found a Salsa La Cruz on Ebay, and managed to get it for a reasonable price. Should be here hopefully no later than next week. Its Salsas Steel ‘cross bike from a few years back, it even orange (WIN). Once I get it setup with rack fenders etc, I’ll post a couple of photos. Thanks for all the suggestions.

I’ve had a La Cruz for 4 years–great choice, you won’t regret it! Mine is currently set up with rack and fenders–I used hose clamps on the seatstays, and had to omit one of the rear fender struts to avoid the disc brake, but it’s still quite a sturdy setup.

[Steve]

@Bilsko 58495 wrote:

As a fellow Disc Trucker owner, I approve this message.

As a fellow fellow Disc Trucker owner, I too approve this message. You two want to start a gang together?

[dcv]

@Steve 58568 wrote:

As a fellow fellow Disc Trucker owner, I too approve this message. You two want to start a gang together?

but Bilsko and I are on the Cinelli gang

[Bilsko]

@dcv 58569 wrote:

but Bilsko and I are on the Cinelli gang

Awwwww yeah BOY! Finally, after years of getting picked last on the kickball team, karma comes around my way.

[Bilsko]

@Steve 58568 wrote:

As a fellow fellow Disc Trucker owner, I too approve this message. You two want to start a gang together?

@dcv 58569 wrote:

but Bilsko and I are on the Cinelli gang

Now I just need to figure out how to ride both bikes at the same time. And I’m not talking about ghost-riding one – that won’t cut it.

[flipdizzys]

OK, I have my front and rear lights, reflective vest, and I just attached a rack with a bag. I bought this one- http://thebikelane.com/product/bontrager-interchange-grocery-bag-179373-1.htm

My commute is only about 5 or 6 miles so I think I am going to add a few extra ones…This is the beginning of my “less car, more bike” lifestyle…..Reading through these forums have been a great help. Thanks!

Dave

[FFX_Hinterlands]

Is this your new frame? http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/bik/4096848174.html

[KLizotte]

@flipdizzys 59036 wrote:

OK, I have my front and rear lights, reflective vest, and I just attached a rack with a bag. I bought this one- http://thebikelane.com/product/bontrager-interchange-grocery-bag-179373-1.htm

My commute is only about 5 or 6 miles so I think I am going to add a few extra ones…This is the beginning of my “less car, more bike” lifestyle…..Reading through these forums have been a great help. Thanks!

Dave

Many warm welcomes to the forum. You are looking at about a 25-30 minute commute which doesn’t require a shower most months of the year. Very convenient! Just bring some baby wipes to clean up in the bathroom. Make sure you have a “to see” light not just blinkies that allow others to see you. You really want to see what is in the road in front of you; this is becoming important now that the days are getting shorter. Most people on the forum commute year round.

When I first started biking (commuting and for fun) I found the first six months to be a bit of trial and error in terms of equipment requirements and what works best for the commute (e.g., how to pack clothes, laptop). It becomes second nature with a little practice.

This is a great area for biking because you can do urban, suburban and country rides all within an easy distance.

[Author]

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