What kind of bike do I want?

[ANAO]

I race bikes, so I know and have always known what kind of race bike I want. But, more and more I've been using my commute for training miles. Which is fine during the long summer days, but even then not adequate. When the days get shorter, colder and wetter, retrofitting lights, wider tires to acquiese with the terrible NYC streets and fenders for the rain/snow/salt becomes a burden.

So: what kind of bike do I want for commuting?

My commute is 30km - about 1.25 hours each way. The first 10km is mostly uphill on the way to work, then over the GWB, then slightly downhill the last 18km to work. Reverse that for the way home.

NYC streets are not ideal (read: torn up and terrible in some places).
I would like the ability to run fenders.
I would like a front rack so I can put my clothing there instead of on my back (pants, shirt, undergarments and lunch - maybe a swift randonneur bag?).
I would like a light in the front - I have a Lezyne Mega Drive (http://www.bikebling.com/Lezyne-LED-Mega-Drive-Headlight-Kit-p/lezyne-1-led-7a-v104.htm?gclid=CjwKEAjwmMS-BRCm5dn51JLbp1wSJACc61tFtuMKbqDIc51XT6CxESVQZW3BCB nDRZs_Ccvzn7g3wBoCGGrw_wcB&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc_feed&utm_campaign=comparison_shopping_feeds) now, but the battery drains alarmingly quickly. If I forget to charge between rides, I'm finished.
I would like something that doesn't completely kill me to get up over the hill to the bridge in the morning, as I'm dead tired at 6:30/7:00.
I would like something that allows for me to mimic (not to the T) my race bike position, so that I can recruit similar muscle firing (I think that's a thing) and train my legs the same way as if I were on my race bike.

Am I missing anything?

Does such a thing exist? Do one of you have it?

Thanks!

[stien]

You don't give a minimum tire width. I've done the exact same thing. It's not too hard really. A rack that goes on using the rear QR and brake bridge is way easier than a front rack.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/2/1511/24226845792_a2fb2afbe1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CUQVcN)IMG_0818 (https://flic.kr/p/CUQVcN) by Alex Franks (https://www.flickr.com/photos/129875676@N07/), on Flickr

Either skinnies with fenders or fat tires without (~28c on wide rims). Light, rides great.

[Mzilliox]

You seem to be describing a go fast rando style bike. Mine is setup similar to race position, not quite as much drop. ability to run lights, ability to carry things on the front bag, fenders, wide tires, etc etc.

i think you will find there are plenty of these around that fit the bill, with all kinda of budgets. theres a damn sweet Goodrich across the hall that may be the right fit if you are a 55cm or so. I have 2 go fast randos already, and still had a strong look at it.

[elliott]

Custom.

[ANAO]

You don't give a minimum tire width. I've done the exact same thing. It's not too hard really. A rack that goes on using the rear QR and brake bridge is way easier than a front rack.

Either skinnies with fenders or fat tires without (~28c on wide rims). Light, rides great.

I would like 28c minimum - better protection (placebo effect?).

I've used rear racks and do not appreciate the heft of a double-pannier or the displacement of a single-pannier while out of the saddle climbing.

[kramnnim]

You want a 56cm Cannondale Evo Himod Black Inc.

:hello:

[onsight512]

I'll say that you may want to consider a front wheel with a dyno hub. I have one on my commuter and it's wonderful not ever having to think about batteries &/or if the lights are charged. Get on and go.

[sandyrs]

A Niner RLT would check the right boxes methinks. It has front rack mounts, fender mounts, ample tire clearance, road-ish position, etc.

[fiamme red]

I've used rear racks and do not appreciate the heft of a double-pannier or the displacement of a single-pannier while out of the saddle climbing.Have you tried a Carradice Nelson saddlebag? That should have room for your clothing and lunch.

Also, consider a bike with 650b wheels.

If you ride a local brevet, you should see many bikes that would fit your bill. By the way, there's one on 9/25: http://www.njrando.com/.

[ANAO]

You want a 56cm Cannondale Evo Himod Black Inc.

:hello:

Go away, Mark. Your car-salesman pitch has no use against me!

[ANAO]

You seem to be describing a go fast rando style bike. Mine is setup similar to race position, not quite as much drop. ability to run lights, ability to carry things on the front bag, fenders, wide tires, etc etc.

i think you will find there are plenty of these around that fit the bill, with all kinda of budgets. theres a damn sweet Goodrich across the hall that may be the right fit if you are a 55cm or so. I have 2 go fast randos already, and still had a strong look at it.

That is a nice bike, and probably would tick the boxes. Probably more than I want to spend on a commuter bike, though.

I know, I know - it's my daily ride...but it's called commuter. Mental hurdle.

[icepick_trotsky]

Looks like you've got one Horse already. How about the Urban Tour/Urban Assault? Would check most of your boxes.

Not sure about your budget or aesthetic tastes, but it seems like something from Velo Orange, Soma, or All-City would work, too.

I vote Macho Man with road tires, a rando rack, and fenders. It has the braze ons for it.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7457/12648617804_7ebe041b75_b.jpg

Soma Double Cross or even a Smoothie could do the trick, too.

http://ergottwheels.smugmug.com/Sports/The-bikes/MG4029/855931139_rRmEH-L.jpg

[RobJ]

I'm kind of in the same boat, though don't have the long commute like you have. A cross bike seems to me to have the most similar riding position and still offer the tire clearance. An adapted road bike would work, but may be able to only squeeze out a 28 on them. Something like the Twin Six Rando? You can find cx bikes too that have rack and fender mounts.

[Bwana]

Caadx?

[FlashUNC]

Call Eric Estlund at Winter, give him this list, wait for a box to arrive.

[phutterman]

Black Mtn Cycles road? (Edit: maybe also All-city Mr. Pink? Neither are as heavy on the rack braze-ons, I think, but do have fender eyelets IIRC and good clearances despite road geo/fit)

[adamhell]

you might consider the black mountain cycles cross, too. it has clearance for fatties & mounts for racks, as well as fender capabilities. here it is set up quite aggressively. it feels just like my road bike, especially with these compass tires.
i might even swap this 54 for a 56 for the sake of less aggressive riding position.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/adamleibow/Mobile%20Uploads/8A317F1F-0A82-4A28-99A1-B30812922340_zpsfmeplud2.jpg

[ANAO]

you might consider the black mountain cycles cross, too. it has clearance for fatties & mounts for racks, as well as fender capabilities. here it is set up quite aggressively. it feels just like my road bike, especially with these compass tires.
i might even swap this 54 for a 56 for the sake of less aggressive riding position.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/adamleibow/Mobile%20Uploads/8A317F1F-0A82-4A28-99A1-B30812922340_zpsfmeplud2.jpg

I like the Niner and I like this. Both good options. I will pursue this one, I think, as it is inexpensive and probably better suited to commuting.

Thank you!

ETA: ERM, no 56 on the site. Where else can I scoop one?

[adamhell]

I like the Niner and I like this. Both good options. I will pursue this one, I think, as it is inexpensive and probably better suited to commuting.

Thank you!

ETA: ERM, no 56 on the site. Where else can I scoop one?

glad you like it! hmm, only on the used market until "probably the first of next year" which is a direct quote from the blog.

http://blackmtncycles.com/black-mountain-cycles-frame-availability-update/

[ANAO]

glad you like it! hmm, only on the used market until "probably the first of next year" which is a direct quote from the blog.

http://blackmtncycles.com/black-mountain-cycles-frame-availability-update/

There's also the Brother Kepler that Thomas rides, and tells me it is great for what we need it for.

[druptight]

I think you want that club racer over in classifieds (if you're a 54).

Also - as to light - you might want to look into the options out there that don't have an external battery. I use a Cygolite and find that it used to easily last 2 days of commuting at about 45 minutes each way, all contained within the light, and it just quickly unclips. I had a set up in my office at work where I'd just plug them in during the workday and they'd be good to go, but if you missed a day it wouldn't be the end of the world. They get as bright as what you're currently using with pretty good battery life and no need for the external battery:

https://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Expilion-720-USB-Light/dp/B00LXTP2FA/ref=sr_1_7?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1473364499&sr=1-7&keywords=cygolite

[fiamme red]

So: what kind of bike do I want for commuting?I see from your signature that you have a Horse bike. The Urban Tour (http://www.horsebrand.co/bikes/xfhqlmmueqa6bd2f6423rixrbs7rah) appears to fit your bill.

[DrSpoke]

Not sure if it fits your parameters but have always like these - Twin Six Standard Rando:

https://www.twinsix.com/products/standard-rando-frameset-black?variant=6044881539