[EasyRider]

Thanks for the response. I’d like to build it up, and have the tools. It sounds like a 90s frame with a rigid fork, or a more modern hardtail frame I for which I can easily find a new sus fork on are my options. Of the latter, any particular models you’d recommend? I’m 5’7″ so a 29er isn’t appealing. My preference would be for 26″ wheels since I have a pair laying around, but I understand the size is a bit antiquated now.

[EasyRider]

Food for thought: http://m.thesweethome.com/reviews/best-hybrid-commuter-bike/

The reviewers give a slight edge to the trek fx2 over the jamis coda sport, saying that the coda sport is smoother and has slightly more aggressive rider position than the trek, but isn’t as maneuverable and is a bit sluggish. That evaluation is at odds with rider position and fact that the jamis has a touch steeper a head tube angle and shorter chainstays, which are central to the definition of agile handling … So my guess is that it’s just appreciation for a lighter aluminum frame. On the whole, a good and informative read, IMO.

[EasyRider]

When you started the thread you said you wanted something with riding position like the Dew, but that was not as much like a mountain bike. And something lighter, maybe. Here’s what I read: You are looking for something that feels less like a toodler than your last bike.

Forget about weight. All new bikes in the ~$500 range weigh about the same. But some are a bit better for toodling, and some are a bit better for going fast. What separates one budget hybrid from another is usually geometry and component spec. If you want sportier, try to find a hybrid that has a steeper head tube (~73 degrees), a longer effective top tube than your Dew (for the size that fits you). On such a bike you’ll be leaned over a bit more, which will let you use your leg muscles more effectively … to go faster. To quote the Potomac Pedalers site, “The most important difference between hybrids and road bikes is your riding position – how you’re seated on the bike and how you generate power when pedaling.”

This might help: http://www.potomacpedalers.org/?page=ridingposition

P.S. The Trek FX2 and the Kona Dew appear to be about identical in terms of geometry.

[EasyRider]

A mostly enjoyable, bracing commute. The only dicey part were cross winds going downhill on Columbia Pike between S. Courthouse and Washington Blvd. After one gust I experienced a slightly alarming front-end wobble, not quite a shimmy. I’ve noticed that the pavement on that stretch is pretty smooth but has what feels like tiny undulations, and I wonder if that contributed.

[EasyRider]

If ~$500 is the limit, I’d say scour Craigslist for something that cost $1200 new, but also put the Jamis Coda Sport on your test ride list.

It is very similar to your Dew – it’s an upright flat bar commuter/fitness bike. At a glance, the biggest differences are that some of the components are a bit higher quality (shifters and wheels), it has a steel frame and a steeper head tube angle (72 or 73 degrees vs the 70 of your Dew, so will likely feel a bit sportier) and comes with 32mm tires instead of 35mm. I would guess it could fit 35mm or 38mm. The Jamis costs only a little more, like $30. IMHO, the biggest thing the Jamis has going for it is that it’s very similar to say, a Surly Cross-check with a flat handlebar, except at half the cost.

[EasyRider]

IIRC, I found it difficult to keep the cups aligned as they entered the headtube, and they were a tight fit that required some force to seat. Back then i had no repair stand, no bench, was living in a studio apartment. I guess now that I have a heavy bench and clamp stand, a DIY tool would be easier to work with. Got a picture of the one your friend made for you?

[EasyRider]

When I moved here years ago, I’d see scooter messengers with DIY mitts like that, usually duct taped to the handlebars. I assumed that was so they could use a pen dozens of times per day without having to take a glove off. I remember seeing one that also used cut up gallon milk containers as windshields.

[EasyRider]

@netlawyer 150080 wrote:

if you didn’t notice the battery mounted on the seat post you’d probably never know I was riding an e-bike.

I dunno, I tend to notice cyclists who go 15 mph+ while sitting upright and wearing office clothes, and wonder how dey do dat

[EasyRider]

I’m sorry I missed this; I live at the top of Superman Hill. Did anyone suggest/is it feasible for the current Four Mile Run Trail to have an spur behind the Exxon on Shirlington Road? It would give a more direct route to the W&OD trailhead and the bike lane on Shirlington Road, though it is private property.[ATTACH=CONFIG]12905[/ATTACH]

[EasyRider]

If you can shrink a little bit, the world will be your oyster. Most riders 5’8″ and under are lucky to find STAs of 73.5 instead of 74 or even 75.

[EasyRider]

That’s pretty amazing, that a coupled custom Ti road frame that will fit the current “it” tires costs less than Surly.

[EasyRider]

I was just talking to a cowoker about this yesterday. He was quoted $1100 extra to add couplers to a custom Seven dream bike. I think that’s about what Bilenky chargest to retrofit an existing frame. If that’s the going price, $1100 for a new Surly Traveler’s Check seems like a bargain. Could a zero setback post help with the STA?

[EasyRider]

@Steve O 149640 wrote:

(psst – sandals)

OK, I’m ready for sandals. Which are the ones to get? I don’t use clips or clipless pedals, but would consider clipless cycling sandals. Durability matters most to me. The Keens with the rubber toe cap look neat but they look a little fussy to get on and off.

[EasyRider]

@SolarBikeCar 148934 wrote:

Occasionally I’ll pass someone who does a judgy hurump (and this post is sure to spark some of them to comment here, again) but most people seem content (perhaps even happy?) to share the road or trail with an ELF. To those, I say: thanks for being nice to me.

Out of curiosity, how many other ELFs have you encountered during your commute? Have you/would you be able to pass or be passed by one with more than a foot to spare? I’m curious what it will be like for other trail users in 10 years when a line of 6 of 7 ELFs traveling at 20mph+ passes them with inches to spare.

[EasyRider]

After you cross 50, you could take the immediate right onto the service road and then an immediate left on Fenwick or Garfield. Garfield is better. You can take south it past the jog on 2nd Street to Fenwick and that’ll dump you out on Walter Reed where the bike lane begins. This way you’re also skipping the light at Fillmore and 2nd street.

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