Which Black Mountain Cycles for my next commuter? [Archive]

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doomridesout

02-16-2019, 03:23 PM

Eventually I'm going to need to stop commuting on my really fancy bikes (moving rural to urban in a year), and I'll need a commuter. Fenders and easy carry of a change of clothes and lunch on the bike is key. Help me think through which Black Mountain Cycles I want. I like the classic road, Road+, and MCD. Here's my thinking:

1. BMC Road:
Pros: Cheapest to build because of softness in the market for rim brake parts, probably the quickest and most roadie-ish to ride. The road is basically where the commute would be. Also doubles as a rain road bike for when I can't bring myself to ride my fancy fendered rando bike in the rain (ridiculous but true).
Cons: Incrementally less comfy, not built for front rack load, wheels are the rim brake ecosystem where I don't really have spares right now.

2. BMC Road+
Pros: Not overkill in tire size for road riding, disc is good for wheel compatibility, built for front rack. Basically does what I like about my other bikes but I could lock it up without as much worry.
Cons: Lots of overlap with my other two bikes- I have a skinny-ish 650b/700c disc brake roadie in titanium and a 700c steel rim brake rando bike.

3. MCD:
Pros: Actually addresses a use case I don't already have covered, which is rides on thick chunder fire roads and singletrack. My 650b is really a road bike that doesn't care about fine gravel, but isn't as good when it's really rough.
Cons: Geometry not as good for a front bag as the Road+, which is a big plus for a dedicated commuter. Swapping tires for a road-only commute to fire road riding seems less likely than I'd think.

02-16-2019, 03:32 PM

I posted my example in the Production Bikes gallery. It’s perfect for NorCal commuting. The extra tire width is always appreciated when dealing with our “roads” in the winter. Bike is super smooth, and I never worry about road conditions or weather.

As far other two choices go, my personal opinion is that the road bike doesn’t allow large enough tires, and the geo of the MCD for me is not really suitable for distance commuting. Both are nice frames for the price though.

The only drawback I see is the weight increase compared to the rim brake frames that he sells. I guess the tubing and fork had to be beefed up to handle the braking forces. I just think of it as good training. :)

dancinkozmo

02-16-2019, 04:04 PM

if it will help you decide,
54,56 and 58 road frames are on sale right now

"Due to a slightly lower rear brake cable stop on the most recent production run affecting only 54cm, 56cm, and 58cm frames, mounting a full-sized frame pump may be inhibited. Therefore, I’ve decided to reduce the price of all Road frames to $550 down from $595."

sjbraun

02-16-2019, 06:29 PM

gomango

02-16-2019, 07:35 PM

I'd go for one of the Monstercross versions. Lots of room for big tires (I can get 45mm tires on my V4 MC.) I find 38-40mm tires perfect for commuting. And with SKS 45mm fenders, I can still rum 38mm tires wit room to spare.

Yes!

I run GK 32's under my VO fenders and could easily go to 38's.

FWIW I run panniers on the front rack with a Swift bag and all plays nicely.

doomridesout

02-16-2019, 10:43 PM

As far other two choices go, my personal opinion is that the road bike doesn’t allow large enough tires, and the geo of the MCD for me is not really suitable for distance commuting. Both are nice frames for the price though.

Yep, you've got my use case pegged. I want it to ride like a road bike because it's fairly long, 95% paved commute. It's over lots of broken, screwed up pavement so big tires are a help. Plus I'm all about the front rack bag to carry my stuff.

Stan Lee

02-17-2019, 08:44 AM

If it were me I would ask Mike. Varley is the best guy ever, has ridden all three and knows a boat load about cyclists needs. You can't go wrong no matter what you choose.

sjbraun

02-17-2019, 09:35 AM

Yep, you've got my use case pegged. I want it to ride like a road bike because it's fairly long, 95% paved commute. It's over lots of broken, screwed up pavement so big tires are a help. Plus I'm all about the front rack bag to carry my stuff.

My MC rides like a road bike. I'll typically carry 10 pounds on the front rack with no negative effect on handling.

doomridesout

02-17-2019, 10:24 PM

If it were me I would ask Mike. Varley is the best guy ever, has ridden all three and knows a boat load about cyclists needs. You can't go wrong no matter what you choose.

Well obviously I already know the answer but why do people start threads like this in the winter?

Need the “Talk amongst yourselves” gif now.

vitaly66

02-19-2019, 08:35 PM

Whatever color frameset you like best, never mind the model, just go with that one.

So happens I'm building up a MC canti in the new "signal yellow".

Best. Color. Ever!

scottyjames

02-19-2019, 08:44 PM

Wasn't his Porsche olive the best color ever?

Luwabra

02-19-2019, 09:02 PM

My MC rides like a road bike. I'll typically carry 10 pounds on the front rack with no negative effect on handling.

I have that same frame. Just awesome. So is the road rim brake tho. I have a 56cm road frameset in 9/10 condition that needs a rider and save you a bit of money if it fits.

Henrythewound

02-20-2019, 09:58 AM

I have one of the older road frames I bought from another member here and I love it. It's my only road bike and I commute on it sometimes. I ride 32c tires and those soak up the bad roads I commute on. I only carry minimal stuff in a Burrito supreme bag up front but it rides great. I have been eyeing those other 2 frames as well, can't justify another bike at the moment though. You can't go wrong, enjoy.

RFC

02-20-2019, 12:43 PM

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7804/46435259804_49c2537d2e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2dKjQXE)IMG_4942r (https://flic.kr/p/2dKjQXE) by Robert Copple (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161536771@N04/), on Flickr

boomforeal

10-11-2019, 07:35 AM

the geo of the MCD for me is not really suitable for distance commuting.

Can you explain/unpack this?

StanleySteamer

10-11-2019, 10:47 AM

Hi Willie. I PMed you about several other options for your commuter bike.

559Rando

10-11-2019, 01:15 PM

I've been interested in a Black Mountain Cycles for a while. The blue Road+ was almost perfect for me. I loved the color and saw some gorgeous classic builds (albeit with discs) as well some more aggressive, modern builds. I guess the only reason I didn't pull the trigger is I had another disc bike at the time and I'm a little bit of a disc skeptic since moving back to dry SoCal.

If you want discs, folks (as mentioned above) have successfully put weight on the front of the MCD, so you may be better asking Mike Varley to break the tie. The analysis of this armchair expert is that the pros you list for the Road+ also apply to the MCD. And the con is actually modest bragging ;-)

Or, you make a fair point about rim brake market being soft, so maybe consider the model not your list: the Monstercross. It combines frugality and fat tires.

72gmc

10-11-2019, 03:08 PM

For my needs—year round PNW riding, 90/100 rides are commutes with a front rack and bag, lots of hills and crappy surfaces and trails when I can include them—the road+ would be the best choice. As seen on the internet via Eli.

doomridesout

10-13-2019, 10:53 PM

I wound up getting the MCD. I put Jones bars on it and it's got a porteur bag and dyno light setup. So far, it's working out really well. Not a speedy build but a lot of fun with 700x38 Gravelkings and just right for my ~8 mile commute.

I am VERY impressed with the quality of construction and paint. These bikes are a premium product at a value price. They remind me of what I had hoped to get when I first bought a Surly. The segmented fork is really choice and the bike rides well.

559Rando

10-14-2019, 08:45 AM