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[cadence90]

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[jtakeda]

Originally Posted by cadence90

Off the top my head I would say:
1) Relatively inexpensive; not a thief-magnet.
2) Quality-built and fun/good to ride; not some kind of tank.
3) Used and local (Los Angeles Craigslist, etc. or PL Classifieds) would be easiest.
4) Simple, unobtrusive paint; nothing flashy.
5) Capacity for racks, fenders, lights.
6) Mechanical shifting, rim brakes, etc., would be completely fine.
7) Size: I typically ride a 58-59 ETT; are commuter bikes sized like road bikes, or like mtbs?
8) Probably steel; possibly alu. Ti would be great of course, but "beater" ti is probably not so easy to find.

I'll certainly have further questions; a point in the right direction(s) would be greatly appreciated, to start.

TIA.
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As someone who rides in the city all day everyday I've purposed a few bikes to accomplish all these goals.
The first question is how much stuff are you carrying and whats the terrain? This will determine whether youre going to want a MTB or Road.

Once you know what type of bike youre looking for you can start to search CL I really like to find vintage 80s-90s steel frames with something wonky (missing fork, dent, excessive paint chip etc)
If you want a rack and lights I would recommend a porteur rack or cetma rack.
Downtube shifters or bar end are nice for ease of maintenance and availability of parts.

If it were me searching I'd be looking for an old specialized sequoia or expedition, a handmade steel frame missing a fork (I've found fusos-landsharks-guerciotti etc)
or if youre going mountain an old stump jumper--or 26'' wheel frame

Install locking skewers instead of quick release and presto--if youre really nervous you can throw a tile in there.

[cadence90]

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[soupless]

If you're locking up in the same spot pretty regularly, I'd leave a big intimidating chain, like an Abus, on the rack so you don't need to lug something massive all the time.

As far as the bike, how far are you riding? if it's like two miles find whatever and do that.

As far as Craigslist, search brands you know were probably decent at some point: Trek, C'dale, Spec, etc. Also searching component names (ultegra) is useful.

[jtakeda]

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/ws...345764272.html

this would be perfect.

You can spruce it up with some lighter parts if you find it sluggish but for a commuter this is excellent.

A tile is a little piece of plastic you can hide in your seat tube and if your bike gets stolen theres an app that helps you track it.

tileapp.com

[Clean39T]

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/ws...345769348.html

Plastidip spray the frame and fork while commuting some ugly color - peel it off and resto-mod when the time comes...

[beeatnik]

If you'll be near RR Medical Center or the Med School (Biomed Library) almost any bike will be safe. I locked up bikes near those buildings for a few years and never saw evidence of a stolen bike. Whole campus is not generally targeted. USC on the other hand...

[cadence90]

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[weisan]

Do you really want to ride 10 miles home after an intensive heart workout at the rehab? In lesser conditions (night time, city riding, heavy traffic, unfamiliar area) no less... How long do you think you can keep this up?

If I live close enough, I would gladly drive you there and pick you up afterwards.

[cadence90]

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[cadence90]

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[cp43]

Originally Posted by cadence90

In looking at some of the bicycles recommended here, I see that the vast majority have neither rear nor front eyelets.

When one buys a rack, do they come with some sort of hardware that would attach to say the seatstays, or would that be a d-i-y deal?

Also, how does one ballpark size these frames, in order to know if it worth going to see one/test ride?
The same TT as one's road bike?
A bit less than that for a more upright position?
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If you'll be using a rack, you want eyelets. You can make it work without (p-clamps, and/or attaching to the skewer) but, if you're getting a bike specifically to use with a rack, I would try to find one with eyelets.

That said, if you'll only be carrying a few small things, on an easy ride, a backpack might be the way to go.

For sizing, I would look for something that's pretty close to your road position. Maybe a little less bar drop and a little less reach, but nothing drastic.

Hope this helps.

Chris

[azrider]

Originally Posted by cadence90

In looking at some of the bicycles recommended here, I see that the vast majority have neither rear nor front eyelets.

This is good write up on installing rack where no eyelets exist:

http://bostonretrowheelmen.bostonbik...omment-page-1/


This is how I solved the issue From your short list of things you'll need to carry this will more than suffice.

[IMG][/IMG]

[classtimesailer]

Go get this.
https://images.craigslist.org/00101_...2_1200x900.jpg
I recently got an 86 Ironman to match my wife’s. It is a fine city bike. And for 100 bucks. Go today. Pretty sure that is Shimano 600(Ultegra) well cared for.

You don't really want a "commuter". It is about time you got a "Beater" road bike for just these circumstances.
I commute into west L.A. 4 times a week from the South Bay on one of several road bikes. Santa Monica to Westwood could be done in a fun way on a Raleigh 3 speed if there is no wind after 9pm which is usually the case.

[beeatnik]

Originally Posted by cadence90

The issue is driving/parking there from my house at +/- 4:00 is really horrendous. The bus is an alternative but very slow. I don't know, I thought riding a bicycle up/back would be good. Of course I wouldn't do it if the doctors didn't OK it first, and that date is at least a month away.
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This.

Wilshire and Westwood which is the gateway to UCLA is the busiest intersection in the World. Not the US but Planet Earth.

T, I wouldn't hesitate to lock up a bike outside the Medical Plaza; it's the most upscale section of UCLA. The Bentleys should distract the true criminals.