Rigs: Searching for the right commuter bike – Part II
The search for a commuter bike continues. Actually, I’m starting over.
I came close to buying a couple rigs from the last list. The LeMond titanium frame nearly had me seduced, and the seller was a cool guy who seems really devoted to cycling. But I just didn’t want to sink all the extra money into it to build up the frame. I just had to blow $1,000 on light fixtures, and I might have a costly plumbing job ahead of me.
I was also close to buying the Gitane touring bike and started fantasizing about loading it up and riding to Quebec next summer. But I’m too worried about the Huret components. I never want to rely on parts made by a defunct European brand. The seller, who is also a cool bike fanatic, said there’s plenty of old Huret spare parts floating around in the cycling world, and I believe him. But still, I’m uneasy about rolling with defunct gear.
So I’m back to monitoring Craigslist again. Here are three possibilities:
1. A classic Dutch bicycle from Gazelle
Pros: This is exactly what I had in mind when I started my search. A simple machine with some Old World flare. The Dutchophile in me has always wanted to own one. It has fenders and a sturdy rack on the back. The price is right at $175. It would look really cool with milk white tires.
Cons: The seller didn’t list the bike’s size, so I’m not sure it will fit me. It looks plenty big, though. The seller also didn’t provide a phone number and isn’t answering my e-mails. It might be sold.
2. A Novara Randnee touring bike
Pros: Now, this is a bike that could get me to Quebec! It has cantilever brakes, so maybe I could sneak it into a ‘cross race. The Shimano components would be easy to fix or replace on the road if disaster strikes.
Cons: The $455 price is a tad high, and the 57 cm frame is a bit small for me. It’s also an entry-level bike and I generally avoid entry-level gear.
3. A Gary Fisher Aquila
Pros: Rugged and reliable. Snow or sleet won’t stop this machine. I’d never have to worry about the weather. Powering up the 3 km climb on my trip home won’t be a problem with the gearing. The $375 price fits the top end of my budget. The frame size seems about right. The simple black color is cool and practical.
Cons: If my friends knew I was riding this, would they all be asking me, “Hey, I thought you said mountain bikes were for wankers unserious people.” I guess I would have to answer: “No, you misheard me. I was talking about FOLDING BIKES!” The ad says, “Could use minor rear derailleur adjustment.” This might mean: “I bent the derailleur hanger and you’ll have to spend $50 replacing it.”
After my last post, I received some great suggestions and advice. Many thanks and please keep them coming.
Go Gazelle!
You should never make blanket pronouncements about bikes, Bill, just riders: they’ll turn and bite your ass. The Fisher is the best choice. Slap some fenders and a Blackburn on that puppy, ditch two of the chainrings, redo that ridiculous stem, bar, bar-end abomination, and slap some Tom Slicks on and you are laughing. I used a banger frame like that with six cogs for years as a messenger and it was fine. Remove your foot, eat your words, and get on with it.
On another note, with idiots paying $600 for a Flying Pigeon, you wanna import some Five Goats for commuter bikes?
Don’t worry Malcolm. With folding bikes, you’re the exception who proves the rule. I’ll never forget how I witnessed you attack the Guangzhou Bridge on your commuter bike.