Commuting Bicycles
Working Velo
Any bicycle can be put to work and remain a pleasure. Still, there are some designs that work better than others.
Today, in a good part of the world, the common “hybrid” has taken the place of the workaday Raleigh three-speed, that carried generations to and from their jobs, and, depending on quality, perform well enough.
At the higher end of the scale, there are some new and innovative arrivals in the working velo category, such as the Surley Big Dummy and Kona Ute. These truly are modern workhorses, made to carry a load!
Unless you have secured parking, though—a bike cage or locked garage—it may not be wise to invest a great deal in a commuter bike.
A smart approach to the commuting bicycle is to look for a well-maintained vintage bike—an old Peugeot, Gitane, Raleigh, Nishiki or Apollo will fit the bill—then restore or convert it. There are also many quality 1980s steel hardtail mountain bikes that convert reasonably well, if care is taken to raise the stem and replace the common straight handlebars with practical upright alternatives. If converting a mountain bike, replacing knobbies with road tyres is the first step. A good LBS will be happy to help.
Many gems are waiting to be given some TLC. Word is getting ’round however, that lugged steel frames are often better than modern counterparts. Accordingly, they can fetch a good price on used lists.
Women should be particularly interested in “mixte” frames—once common, now a collector’s item or expensive custom option. Many companies built these in the 70s. Grab one if you can! Check out VeloWeb’s Readers’ Rides page for some examples of budget transportation options.
Regardless of the bicycle you choose or have available, minimal accessories are: mudguards (unless you live in the desert), lights, and the ability to carry a load, be that on racks, in bags or both. Of course, you should be comfortable on the bike. See the Bike Fit page for more info.
Be here soon
Are you a bicycle commuter? Veloweb wants your story. Send us a brief description of your commute and what you enjoy (and what you don’t) about your commute. Send a photo too, of you and/or your commuting bike. We’ll publish it and your story, on the Readers’ Rides page.