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[jtakeda]

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.

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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/wst/bik/d/58cm-specialized-sequoia/6345764272.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/wst/bik/d/schwinn-peleton-62cm-reynolds/6345769348.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...

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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.

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[cp43]

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]

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.bostonbiker.org/2010/06/12/installing-fenders-on-a-road-bike-not-designed-for-them/comment-page-1/


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

https://i.imgur.com/bVLFYbp.jpg

[classtimesailer]

Go get this.
https://images.craigslist.org/00101_k403kUU0QK2_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]

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.

[veggieburger]

26 inch steel mountain bike, no suspension...something from the 90s. Slick tires, no QR skewers, backpack, you're good to go!

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[beeatnik]

Very helpful, thanks.
Yes, at least a rear rack capability would be nice. Plus fenders f & r. I really dislike riding with a backpack, but a small bundle comprising papers, t-shirt, wind jacket, gym shoes would be about the most I would need.


That article looks pretty good, thanks. At least now I know that I don't have to automatically discard non-eyeleted frames, if I really like the rest.


I had a friend at work, an excellent cyclist/triathlete who had a Scott for years. He trained (very hard) every single morning, lunch, and evening on that thing, and swore by it. It looked just like the one you posted. The seller says that it is a "fixer-upper". I can't tell a thing from the photos, so I'll email.

There is this problem, though:
My chest/stomach look like Mike Tyson's completely crazy second cousin went wild on me. Wait, what? There were two cousins?....

...No, I won't be driving anywhere for awhile.



No kidding. From the 405/Fed Bldg up to the campus is really horrendous.

From Venice, though, a 4th Street to Montana/San Vicente to UCLA route would seem pretty safe, and if the Med Plaza area is that secure maybe I just need an excellent lock, lights, and just use my Moots Psychlo. Maybe cover up the decals.
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I locked up my Moots and CAAD10 at Cedars Sinai (bike rack near the ER entrance) 6 nights/week for 3 months. That bike rack was in a not very visible section of the parking structure where a few homeless guys would lock up their bikes at least a few days weekly. UCLA is far safer.

As for the route, that's a good one. You avoid Sepulveda and get to ride a well designed bike lane through Santa Monica and Brentwood. You won't have to exert yourself much and you'll get a tailwind East and the return trip is essentially downhill.

[palincss]

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[stackie]

My apologies.

Removed.

Jon

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[ceolwulf]

For the quantity of stuff you intend to carry I think a biggish seat bag would be sufficient. The medium Minnehaha from Velo Orange (https://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/accessories/bags-panniers/minnehaha-medium-saddle-bag.html) has worked well for me for commuting with approximately that amount. Then you wouldn't necessarily need a rack.

[oliver1850]

I'd look for a touring bike from the 80s or 90s. I like my mid 80s Cannondale ST400/ST500s for all around use. You can pick them up fairly cheap, especially if they have paint flaking or other cosmetic issues. Here are some other touring frames that I'm less familiar with.

Bridgestone RB-T
Bridgestone T-500
Bridgestone T-700
Centurion Pro Tour 15
Centurion Elite GT 15
Fuji Touring Series IV
Fuji Touring Series V
Kuwahara Caravan
Lotus Odyssey
Miyata 610
Miyata 1000
Nishiki Continental
Nishiki Cresta GT
Nishiki International (note, not all years are full CrMo or full touring)
Nishiki Riviera GT
Nishiki Seral
Novara Randonee
Panasonic PT-3500
Panasonic PT-5000
Panasonic Pro Touring
Panasonic Touring Deluxe
Raleigh Alyeska
Raleigh Kodiak
Raleigh Portage
Raleigh Super Tourer
Raleigh Touring 18
Schwinn Paramount P15-9 Tourer
Schwinn Passage
Schwinn Super Sport, 1981
Schwinn Voyageur/Voyageur SP
Specialized Expedition
Specialized Sequoia
Trek 520
Trek 620
Trek 720
Univega Gran Turismo
Univega Specialisima

[toosahn]

Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross

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[oldpotatoe]

I will be starting some pretty intensive physical (cardiac) rehab in Dec. The program is on the campus at UCLA (Los Angeles), which is a nightmare to drive to and park in the late PM. So I thought I would look into a commuter bicycle.

I know absolutely nothing about this niche, nor what to look for, so perhaps I should learn. It would certainly be a very different bicycle from what I currently ride (nice road bicycles, mainly).

The closest bicycle I have for this purpose might be a Moots Psychlo-X YBB, which I love, but I am very afraid of it being stolen, as it is very nice. Inside secured bicycle storage is not an option at the rehab center, nor at the various doctor's offices.

I would appreciate any help in what to look for in a commuter bike.

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.
.
.

https://www.linusbike.com/

http://www.publicbikes.com/

[mktng]

Steel.
Fender mounts.
Possibly rack mounts.
Threaded bb.
Horizontal road drop.
Functional ugly parts [emoji14]

Park beside the nicer bikes, But make sure your lock job is better :)

I ride this Marinoni to work. It's seen the most kms of all my bikes. Mainly because I don't shy away from bad weather. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171017/dad74c5ffa18a20048637708ad48749a.jpg

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

[AngryScientist]

what about using this as an opportunity to try something new following intense cardiac rehab?

https://www.honda2wheelersindia.com/assets/images/products/Scooter/dio-scooter1.jpg

[Ralph]

About any $10 bike (that fits) from a flea market or yard sale is what I would use. Actually I have one of these, a hybrid type bike, use it for short trips with regular clothes and shoes. If you decide this is kind of commuting you will do for a while, you can update any time to a better bike.

For me....for what I use my "trash heap" bike for....I don't think there is a better bike.

[mktng]

Well. You don't want an absolute bucket of crap. Remember you're riding it everyday. You should still enjoy it.

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

[93KgBike]

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1245/1481/products/continuum_reflective.jpg?v=1501510589

Under $1k, everything you're looking for and more; built one for my wife, with a few parts swaps, and it is a great commuter. Sick, really, for the price.

[kevinvc]

Bike theft is usually about opportunity. Most thieves, around here at least, will steal what's easiest, not necessarily what's the most expensive. I agree with others that you shouldn't get a crappy bike that's no fun to ride if you're going to spend this much time on it.

Personally, I prefer steel and large tires for city riding, but that's because our streets are rife with potholes and riding in the dark winters it's pretty much impossible to avoid hitting the occasional small branch, rock, etc.

For theft prevention, higher visibility areas are often safer than more out of the way places. The main thing though is to try to park next to a bike that's less secured than yours. Something cheap using a cable lock or not locking their wheels is a lot more attractive than a fancier but well secured bike. Quick release isn't really necessary if you've got a tool in your commuting bag and need to change a flat. Use a seatpost collar with a non-standard bolt. None of this will guarantee you'll be safe, but it helps improve the odds.

Remember, you don't have to outrun the bear, just the slowest person in your group. :p

[Bradford]

I'd look for a touring bike from the 80s or 90s. I like my mid 80s Cannondale ST400/ST500s for all around use...

I love the Cannondale tourers as commuters. I had one I bought in '91 from Peter Mooney and loved that bike. It is a nice ride, doesn't rust, available for short money, and ugly enough that no one will want to steal it. Rattle can or sticker it up and you can make it even uglier. When mine was prematurely sent to live on a farm upstate when a 16 year old ran it over with her Toyota, I was sad. I replaced it with and IF Independence, which is a great bike, but I had no problems at all with the Cannondale and would still have it if I had taken a different route that day.

Any quality touring bike is a great answer for a commuter. I commute on my IF most of the time because I usually carry a laptop and a change of clothes in a pannier.

If I didn't need a laptop, I'd go for something like a Fierte with Revelate bag to carry clothes. They are cheap frames these days, get you upright like you should be commuting, and don't rust.

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[bigman]

These are great riding steel bikes that put u in a great position fir traffic riding
Not to pricey they have the 8 speed disc Fillmore for 700

[Greenpea]

This is mine. It's an older Raleigh Port Townsand I picked up and pulled all the stuff I didn't like on it and dropped an Athena group I had around. It clears the GravelKings 32's with ease and the fenders fit too. Has all the eyelets for racks as well. Steel fork too! Been a super solid option for the commute to and from work.

Red pedals have been replaced too

[soupless]

Here's a Swobo in LA for a good price.

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/bik/d/swobo-fillmore-8-speed-city/6351387572.html

[tuscanyswe]

An older cannondale cross perhaps?

I ride a flatbar conversion of an older caad cx bike when the weather wont allow me to ride anything nicer. Its actually real nice, esp for the money. Think i spent like 5-600 or so putting it together with okay parts. Nothing fancy but still dt 240 hubs even. Okay the wheels dont match and are but ugly but reliable!

It rides nice. Its not heavy. Its got the right braze ons. Even on the fork. Lights you can mount on handlebar and seatpost like 99% of us .) u dont need specifik attachment for those imo esp if you want cheap anyways.

Noone wants an old canti alu cross, they can be had for cheap!

[Bradford]

You don't mean Fierte as in Serotta Fierte ti, correct? Are there other Fiertes?
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Yes, a Serotta Fierte. You can pick up a ti frame on ebay for under $800 these days. If you build it up with some budget parts from ebay, or from your parts bin, you can get yourself a nice ride for around $1,000.

I picked one up in the spring for my travel bike and like it. Its not as nice as my Legend, but it has been a great travel bike. Since i had enough parts in the bin, and some extra wheels, I was able to pull together a complete bike easily. It is a little shorter in the top tube, and I can get the bars up high, both of which I prefer for commuting in the city. Also, all ti, so no rust worries and it would be easy to mark up with some plastic tip or stickers if I wanted to make it ugly. The only drawback is that the rear spacing is little tight and I'd rather ride wider tires for commuting when possible. Right now I have GP4000 25s on it, which is good enough but not ideal. Throw a Revelate Pika on that bike and I have enough for my light commuting load.

[cribbit]

Come by Bikerowave, we may not have quite the bike you're looking for but many of our members have stuff for sale. And when you do have the bike we'll be the best place to work on it! In Mar Vista, right by the corner of Centinela and Venice.

Cheap ti can be done if you know where to look. For some reason in the last couple of months it's been pretty dry. Over the early summer I was able to get half a dozen different ti bikes for around $500 each including shipping off ebay. Now you'd need to hit the $800+ range unless you get lucky. I recently shelled out $700 for a 58cm Dean with full 9spd ultegra, if I see something like that again I can point you to it. (I fix up and resell mostly ti bikes)

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[cribbit]

Unfortunately not much ti will have the eyelets, you'll have to use p-clamps.

Right as I say there haven't been any good deals https://www.ebay.com/itm/332435470844 gets posted...