Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on March 12, 2016 at 3:48am

I would not assume that your decision is between a touring bike or a cyclocross. While either can make a great commuter bike, neither is ideal. You don't need more than a couple (or arguably more than one) gear(s) in Chicago and commuting upright - on a dutchie/townie can be a real joy. It also increases your safety - because you have a better view of your surroundings and other traffic has a better view of you. It also helps a rider get out of the racing mindset and shift to a slower and therefore safer style of riding.

It isn't that hard, especially in the age of the internet, to build your own bike, but unless you source a good number of used parts it is generally more expensive than buying a new bike. I recommend it to anyone who is interested, as you'll learn a ton along the way, but it is not necessarily the most efficient or frugal route to a "new" ride. I built the first version of my daily rider for about $200, but that was using entirely used parts. I've sunk another $400 or so into over the past several years, so that definitely stays under your $700-$800 budget,

but so would buying a new Linus Dutchie 3 which lists for $600:

http://www.linusbike.com/products/dutchi-3?variant=11583269316

My wife, who also commuted on an ancient MTB for many years past its prime and only recently allowed herself to buy a new bike, is riding a Linus Dutchie now and she absolutely loves it.

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Permalink Reply by Kat on March 12, 2016 at 6:26am

Thanks for the thoughts.  I'd love a Dutch bike, but I've been using Divvy the past month and I would prefer something less upright.  Not saying a Dutch is as klunky as Divvy, but if I can sneak in a little "training" ride on the LFP on my way home, I'd like the option to ride a little faster.  

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Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on March 12, 2016 at 4:06am

Hi Kat! This is exciting. I love new bike day and it sounds like you have a few different bikes you need to buy. First, I'd love to share this recent thread with you because Kelly has some similar needs. It seems like you both could benefit from connecting or at least reading the decision process she went through here: http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/questions-about-buying-or-...

Personally, I really love my Bianchi Volpe for commuting and touring. It's a versatile bike. I wish the disc brakes were available back when I bought it because I used to have a Kona for commuting that had disc brakes and I love how responsive they are. Boulevard Bikes sells Bianchi and they're a great shop to go to if you want to check it out. The may also have a few other, less expensive options. The owner, Kevin, helps run Kidical Mass and as a parent, he will probably have some great recommendations for you. 

The other option is to get a Surly Cross Check. Another great, versatile bike. I don't know that I would recommend a Cx bike - they are not all equipped for racks and that isn't necessarily their purpose. A steel bike would be a great bike for hauling a trailer so that's why I recommend either the Volpe or the Cross Check. I realize that's over your price range but that's what I'd recommend for an ideal bike.

P.S. I love Turin and Green Machine too. Green Machine will do a great job of helping you up when you are ready to get a cargo bike. 

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Permalink Reply by Irvin Steinert on March 12, 2016 at 4:36am

going 7 miles each way you probably want to be able to lean forward to cut the wind at least some of the time so a "cross check type" is basically the bike you are looking at. You are definitely looking at used one in that price range. I really don't see why you can't commute on a road bike, I've done it and know others that do too. A cyclocross bike is a weird category: either a racing bike for a contrived roadish/mountainsh course or something that resembles that type of race bike (at least in geometric proportions). A touring bike is stiff in order to carry loads and long (for some other reason) and many say are less fun to ride do to handling issues (but I can't confirm) and probably is fine for commuting. 

I would say optimally, any bike that will hold a "wider" road tire like Schwalbe Marathon Supreme. Buy or build a bike around that tire for urban commuting and you'll be happy. I would go for disc brakes but it's not needed. Steel or aluminum would be fine for that category of use and tire width.

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Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on March 17, 2016 at 3:37am

I'm not sure if you are aware but there is a shop that specializes in cargo bikes in Evanston and they carry the brand you are looking for (Yuba). Everyday Cycles and Motion is the name of the shop. Here's their website: http://everyday.bike/

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Permalink Reply by JMinHP on March 17, 2016 at 4:35am

I'm very hesitant to make this recommendation, since I think that visiting a LBS is a great idea and would help you make the optimal choice. That said, I was on a budget last year and went this route to save money, and I WILL be buying a Mundo v5 this spring, probably from Everyday Cycles that Yasmeen mentions (I've already had some great discussions with them).

Nashbar sells a steel CX bike with Shimano 105 components. If you wait for one of their "bigger" sales you can get something like an additional 20% off. I would confirm, but I believe that the geometry is similar to a Cross Check. I have the Nashbar single speed steel CX. I mounted a rear rack mounted to the axle (typically made for disk brakes) and fit fenders using p-clamps. It's been a trusty commuter for the past year.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Blumenthal on March 17, 2016 at 6:06am

Try Working Bikes on 24th and Western.  I work there building bikes from parts cobbled from other bicycles.  You can build any kind of Frankenstein Bike your heart desires if that's you cup of tea.  Fancy new bikes are a constant worry about being stolen.

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