The Chainlink

Road Bike to All-Around Commuter - Thanks Chainlink!

Since the Chainlink was great helping me build up my bike into a better commuter, I though I would share my experience here in case others are looking for something similar or have questions.  Briefly, my old commuter was an awesome Xtracycle, so awesome it was stolen one day in front of my office.  My only other bike is a 2001 LeMond road bike which I have used for general recreational rides and triathlons.  I'd love to buy another cargo bike, and buy a Surly Cross Check for commuting, and buy a dedicated tri bike, but, ya know, money and city living and stuff.  So, I "built up" the LeMond to be a commuter and still be able to go on training rides and serve limited triathlon duty (within 15 minutes I can have everything off and aero bars on).  Basically an all-around bike so long as we're talking pavement. Crappy cellphone pics at the very bottom.

Fenders - This was the toughest for a number of reasons.  My LeMond doesn't have eyelets; I didn't want fenders that attach to the stays; I wanted full fenders; and I had to get the fenders to fit with my brake calipers.  I went with the SKS Raceblade Long Fender.  Clearance is TIGHT with a 700x23 tire under the brake caliper, but there is no rubbing.  These definitely would not clear a larger tire.  The attachment to the wheel skewer is pretty straight forward and the fenders have been secure and not moved over the past month.  If I had to do it again, I would buy these fenders without question.  I haven't had any flat tires yet, but its easy enough to disengage the fender clips and pull the tires out (except for the rear rack, see below) while leaving the fenders in place.
Rear rack - Again, my frame doesn't have any eyelets.  Following recommendations from the Chainlink, I considered racks that attach to the skewer and also racks I could mount using P-clips.  I went with an Axiom Streamliner Disc DLX Rack.  The rack mounts to the rear skewer, and I used p-clips to secure the top of the rack to the frame.  After a month of use I'm happy with the rack and don't have anything negative to say about it.  Then again, I haven't had a rear flat to change.  If I get a flat, it's going to be a B to pull the tire out with the rack and fender.
Panniers - I stayed with Axiom and purchased their LaSalle DLX panniers.  I know Ortlieb panniers have a large following and are highly recommended, but I found the LaSalle panniers for relatively cheap online ($60).  I also like the addition of a front pocket to stow some miscellaneous gear and the bungee cord top for more carrying options.  They aren't waterproof, but they come with a rain fly.  Since I have an Axiom rack, they mount solidly and I have no "heel clip" issues.
Pedals -  I've used Speedplay pedals for the last 8 years and I wanted to keep them on my bike.  However, this being an all-around set up, I had to address some issues. First, the Speedplay cleats don't like pavement/concrete/sidewalks and wear down quickly when walking on them.  My short walks from the bike rack to my office (10 yards) or in to the gym (5 yards) have really worn down the metal plate.  The solution, if I want to wear my bike shoes and I know I'll have to walk at some point (versus a training ride where I'll just return home), is cleat covers.  They just slide on the Speedplay cleats and provide solid footing.  When I was searching Home Depot for p-clips for the rear rack, the covers worked as they should, and it was much better than walking like I was on ice on the store's floors.  The other issue was what to do if I was just running a quick errand, or I was meeting friends and didn't want my bike shoes.  After some searching, I found that Speedplay sells platforms that attach over the pedal.  I've used them a few times so far, and they work like any other platform pedal.  That I can have Speedplay pedals, and quickly convert to platform pedals is just awesome versatility.
That's about it for my build story.  Hopefully my experience can help out others.  Thanks, Chainlink.
For those TL;DR - SKS raceblade fenders work great if you have a road bike and not a lot of clearance under the brake caliper; Axiom Disc DLX Rack is a great option if you don't have eyelets to mount a rack; Axiom LaSalle panniers are high quality inexpensive panniers; Speedplay pedals offer great versatility with just a few accessories. 

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Permalink Reply by Joza 7 miles on March 12, 2013 at 8:19pm
Nice write up.
Permalink Reply by David 4.0 on March 12, 2013 at 10:56pm

I agree...nice share and good pictures.

Permalink Reply by dan brown on March 13, 2013 at 8:41am

+1.

thanks for all the details.

I swear by cleat covers (I use Look pedals and cleats; and even though I lose 2-3 on average per year; that is still better than the alternative (replacing cleats more often and sliding around everywhere).

 

Where did you find the panniers online ? I am going to be shopping for some soon.

 

DB

Permalink Reply by JMinHP on March 13, 2013 at 8:53am

Thanks for the comments, everyone.  I found the panniers from Tree Fort Bikes.  Amazon had the Axiom LaSalle DLX panniers for over $90, and Tree Fort Bikes had them for $60.  Plus, if you're in Chicago, Tree Fort Bikes is located in Michigan and shipping only takes a day.

I should also add that the Axiom panniers fit an Eagle Creek Pack-it 15 perfectly.  I swear by the Eagle Creek Pack-it folders for keeping my work clothes look like I didn't just bike in to work.

Cleat covers are great!  I'm even more happy with the platform adapter that fits over the speedplay pedals.

dan brown 4.4 miles said:

+1.

thanks for all the details.

I swear by cleat covers (I use Look pedals and cleats; and even though I lose 2-3 on average per year; that is still better than the alternative (replacing cleats more often and sliding around everywhere).

 

Where did you find the panniers online ? I am going to be shopping for some soon.

 

DB

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