What is your "beater" bike?

[fkslksj]

I've been scrolling through all of the photos from bike rides and have seen many many of your beautiful bicycles. Given that so many of them are well over a couple thousand dollars, I couldn't imagine you'd have any peace of mind leaving it locked up outside, even for a few minutes, in lieu of the plentiful bike thieves found in most major cities. So what are your "beater" bikes you end up riding to the coffee shops, grocery stores, or general errands?

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[Veloo]

My old Schwinn S96.2.

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iPMToQujMCg/WmX9AjdyFOI/AAAAAAAAcuY/LjHAaSN3XukgOONMWEhR4sIJX-WZSpS7gCLcBGAs/s1600/96-14.jpg

[jtakeda]

Formerly this: for reference it had a non original fork and I cracked the headtube from riding it so much. Now that it has the correct fork and I’ve quit messenger work it is no longer a work bike.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1910/44424101284_fd0a6b9445_c.jpg



This one now has upright bars and Paul thumbies.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7580/16065951686_dd12ee19e8_c.jpg

[fkslksj]

My old Schwinn S96.2.

Nice! My dad had a similar era Schwinn he bought used after our family immigrated to the states 22 years ago. It was built like a tank. :D

Formerly this: for reference it had a non original fork and I cracked the headtube from riding it so much. Now that it has the correct fork and I’ve quit messenger work it is no longer a work bike.

Really digging the paint job on your Land Shark!

[robt57]

My bottom bike. Actually wearing Jack Brown Clinchers these days.

[fkslksj]

My bottom bike. Actually wearing Jack Brown Clinchers these days.

Have you noticed an increase in comfort after switching to the Jack Browns? Your grips also look real cush!

[Pegoready]

This bike might look alright under a newish powdercoat, but it's a true beater. The front Acorn bag and Nitto rack are by far worth more than the rest of the bike. It has followed me for 15 years.

Fun quirks:

- CODA brand Octalink cranks. The left arm's splines are a bit smooshed, so they move a bit on take off and skidding.

- Cracked seat stay cap.

- Coke can shimming the ancient Dura Ace seatpost. Seatpost is heavily scratched from many trips to a vise to unstick it.

- Bianchi Pista OEM wheels that just won't die. The bearings are buttery smooth after years of rain and snow and never had to true them.

- Because the bike requires nutted brakes, I just used a rear recessed brake on the front and tightened the crap out of the nut, that sits inside the crown hole.

- I'm pretty sure the chainstays are different lengths because the wheel does not center in the dropouts.

- Drilled and rivnutted bottle bosses by a friend. The same friend welded on the fender eyelets prior to the latest powdercoat.

- Rear Ostrich bag has been torn and repaired by a local cobbler many times.

- Cane Creek levers- right "dummied," left with a bit of shellacked cloth on the lever for added grip.

- I can't stand the Nitto rando bars, but that's all I had in 25.4 to match the Salsa quill stem I bought accidentally. I'm too vain to change the stem out, too cheap to unwrap that fresh white bar tape. So for now the bar stays. Next move-- some sweet SimWorks flat bars.

I'm waiting for the day this bike cracks in some unrepairable way, but for now I'd happily ride it 100 miles.

https://i.imgur.com/0DrLjHTl.jpeg

[alancw3]

Raleigh C200 cross hybrid. brought for $75 about 7 years ago. Even came with a Cateye and compact pump. Great for running to store or coffee shop. Actually surprised at how well it rides for a lower end bike. Every time I ride it puts a smile on my face for basically costing me nothing. When I park it I put kickstand (yup kickstand, when was the last time you had a bike with one) down and just go about my business never worrying ab out it being stolen.

[Nomadmax]

Colnago Master.

[BryanE]

Kona Jake The Snake.
325.00 Craigslist.

[jimoots]

My Moots

[blindwilly]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200904/5b1e57c57a9d62b0f19cbc6542e929c8.jpg
I’m on a beater bike budget. All my bikes are beater bikes. Here is the beateriest.


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[oldpotatoe]

I've been scrolling through all of the photos from bike rides and have seen many many of your beautiful bicycles. Given that so many of them are well over a couple thousand dollars, I couldn't imagine you'd have any peace of mind leaving it locked up outside, even for a few minutes, in lieu of the plentiful bike thieves found in most major cities. So what are your "beater" bikes you end up riding to the coffee shops, grocery stores, or general errands?

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Moots Vamoots with friction DT shifters, freewheel..a muttmix of Campag(of course), Phil Wood components...Don't ride to grocery stores tho..

[Spaghetti Legs]

Specialized Langster is my errand and around town bike. I commuted on it for several years, all weather. My town is pretty hilly and one day I’ll need something with more than one gear.

[Johnnysmooth]

Fuji steel Saratoga touring bike I found in trash heap.
Still a bit of a mess but now serves as my commuter. Rides like a late 70's Buick Electra - plush but heavy

[Bob Ross]

After a lifetime of being a "utility cyclist" I made the transition to "recreational cyclist" when I was 45 years old ...and that transition coincided with the last time I ever locked a bike up outside. My cycling interests have evolved so dramatically that the idea of riding to some place where I can't take the bike inside with me has zero appeal. So by OP's definition, I no longer own a Beater Bike, and haven't since 2006.

(Last bike I locked up outdoors was a 1995 Trek 750 hybrid.)

[jamesdak]

I guess I have three that fit that category.

This is my grocery getter/errand runner. Early 70's AMF Hercules made by Raleigh. I totally refurbished it and it's still a piece of junk, LOL!

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/169181594.jpg

Then there's this old Orbea Cabestany from back in the days before Orbea was importing to the states. Mid 80's back and just like the one Pedro Delgado was racing for a short time. This is a total hodgepodge of parts with original 5 speed stuff mixed in with current 9/10 speed stuff. Paint is crap, frame quality is crap, but is surprisingly fast and has massive tire clearance even though is was originally a 700c frame. Actually need to list and sell it as it's purpose is redundant. This is supposed to be a winter/rain day's bike.

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/166774767.jpg

Finally the one I do chose for winter and rainy day riding. A 2003 Jake the Snake. I ride it hard and put it away wet. Keeps on going and going. This is the bike I was one when the dog surprised me and ran through my front wheel. Bike survived with just a scuffed up shifter. I got a serious grade 3 separation of my AC joint and jacked up joint on my left thumb from it. The reliable ol' bike carried me home about 9 miles after the wreck so I owe it to keep it.

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/161787817.jpg

[C40_guy]

For a while I was commuting to an office that had a building rule "no bikes in the building."

So I built up a Cannondale T800 with Campy triple and locked it to the bike rack in the garage. It was a pretty low key area...I probably could have left my C40 locked there with no issues.

But I felt okay with leaving a "disposable" bike out... :)

It was a bit of a barge, at least compared to most of the other bikes in the stable.

[retropean]

Surly Crosscheck, until I sold it a few weeks ago. It checked so many boxes: large clearance for wide tire selection, eyelets for racks/fenders, relatively cheap/didn't mind if it got locked up. But in the 10 years of ownership I found it too ugly to ever really get attached to.

This thread will be timely and inspiring, as I'll need something else once we begin commuting to work again...

[weisan]

http://www.alicehui.com/bike/F/IMG_7086.jpg

[fkslksj]

This thread will be timely and inspiring, as I'll need something else once we begin commuting to work again...

Truth be told, I needed ideas for a comfy, cheap bike after selling mine a couple weeks ago. Figured I could get some inspiration from ya'll :banana:

Giant TCR Elite 1 I picked up years ago for $300. Especially with the clip-on aero bars, she ain't pretty, but man was it comfortable with the infinite hand/arm positions you could use.

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

Didn't mind taking it on the hitch rack of a car for 5,500 miles cross-country, or the muddy dirt trails of Illinois.

https://i.imgur.com/mao6dEc.jpg

[AngryScientist]

can you actually manage to ride that bike with the saddle tilted like that?

[Hellgate]

That is messed up like a football bat.

[fkslksj]

can you actually manage to ride that bike with the saddle tilted like that?

That is messed up like a football bat.

Haha! With the clip on bars, you can't have your saddle be comfortable in both the regular drop bars position and aero bar position. I did a very flat 60 mile solo ride, as visible in second photo and was on the aero bars for most of the time. You wouldn't believe how comfortable it is. :D

Also, this literally made me chuckle. Please rest assured I got to this position after a solid month of saddle adjustments, doing minor tweaks each ride. My Litespeed has a much more conventional saddle position ;)

[marsh]

Schwinn Moab 650b conversion. Late night rambling, bikepacking, bar hopping (hopefully someday again). Best $20 (frame/fork) ever spent.
https://i.imgur.com/rFpHz3El.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/dCBYgN6l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/GBKTZMBl.jpg

[Monsieur Toast]

http://www.zerominuszero.net/000/bici/Serotta_CSi.jpg

♫ Sorry Not Sorry ♫

[robt57]

Have you noticed an increase in comfort after switching to the Jack Browns? Your grips also look real cush!


Grips=Ergon, and the long lever of a ti stem of such small diameter tube is quite the bump improve-er too. ;)

PDX tubulars ride nicer, Other than on smooth pave where you feel the knob buzz.

[C40_guy]

can you actually manage to ride that bike with the saddle tilted like that?

Dude, you need to keep up.

The new theory is that if you're constantly sliding off the front of your seat, that extra momentum will help you ride faster.

:)

[C40_guy]

You wouldn't believe how comfortable it is. :D



Comfortable like a wedgie? I'm not buying it. :)



(Oh, and please ignore anything I say today. I just got a flu shot and the Bill Gates Nano Particles/microchips are messing with my brain)

[merlinmurph]

My first mt bike, a Bridgestone MB-3, bought in the late 80s. I put fat slicks on it and use it as a tourista bike, like when we got to Block I. for a few days. Not home now, no pics.

[robt57]

You wouldn't believe how comfortable it is. :D

Your are right about that.

Maybe that is why the aero bars are needed to keep your hands from going [staying] numb. ;)

But hey, different stroke literally.

[reuben]

Dude, you need to keep up.

The new theory is that if you're constantly sliding off the front of your seat, that extra momentum will help you ride faster.

:)

It also helps the front tire wear down at the same rate as the rear tire, which seems to be a thing nowadays. :confused: No need to rotate tires. :hello:

[fkslksj]

Dude, you need to keep up.

The new theory is that if you're constantly sliding off the front of your seat, that extra momentum will help you ride faster.

:)

Comfortable like a wedgie? I'm not buying it. :)



(Oh, and please ignore anything I say today. I just got a flu shot and the Bill Gates Nano Particles/microchips are messing with my brain)

Your are right about that.

Maybe that is why the aero bars are needed to keep your hands from going [staying] numb. ;)

But hey, different stroke literally.

It also helps the front tire wear down at the same rate as the rear tire, which seems to be a thing nowadays. :confused: No need to rotate tires. :hello:

Ya'll made me mute myself during a Zoom meeting because I started laughing. People thought I started choking and asked if I was alright. :banana:

So the reason the seat's more comfy with that angle on the aero bars is because it caused excessive force on my perineum otherwise. Never caused numb hands but I'd definitely trade numb hands for a numb PP ;)

[azrider]

1988 Dave Scott Centurion Master

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200904/43a7c2b808d2ad195689665b303df1f4.jpg


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[stephenyi]

Loving this thread. Here are my two beaters.

The Performance fixie was my commuter bike when i lived in the city. These days, I mostly use it for trips to the gym and family ice cream runs.

The Serotta Colorado AL is equipped with fenders and plays the role of my rain bike but these days, spends its time indoors on the Wahoo smart trainer.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200904/4217836124fbab061041e54d229c7e5e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200904/f6929c3f5661d16ac726e7c178e50429.jpg

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[reuben]

I must say, some of y'all have some darn nice beaters.

[dookie]

Panasonic Paramount monstercross? https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200904/2dd56159e478cb87bf185fa6c39c54b1.jpg

[C40_guy]

The only real beater I have is the Cannondale trainer rat.

I *guess* it could be road worthy. I'd have to put a front brake and wheel on it... it's never seen fresh air (let alone road) while I've owned it...

[dancinkozmo]

beater bike: surly pacer with michelin mud cyclocross tires.
'good' bike: change the tires to conti gp4000

[donevwil]

Most all my bikes are beaters, but this is my road beater. Although the frame is in great shape the paint is rough, all the parts are well used from my parts bin. Only fits 28s so it doesn't get ridden much

https://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697992923&d=1582136957


My everything beater, a beater in the truest sense. Heavy as hell, would never ride it more than 50mi, but gets the job done. The bike I'd least regret having stolen (minus saddle, stem and pump).

http://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697923122&d=1468525549

[okayku]

I have a 1984 Specialized Sequoia and a Innerlight fixed gear bike that I switch between for my 6 mile commute to work. Unfortunately with the pandemic and shelter in place, I haven't touched these bikes in nearly half a year now - aside from the occasional ride to get bagels and coffee.

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=14nswMhtkdUwBTK6OnIqL8JZTpYTX89CW

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=14pz_Ft7Haao37pshlOvR6jlCJH3CrzWI

[cgolvin]

A couple of years ago my brother & his wife bought my daughter a PureFix with a flip flop rear hub, but when she moved to NYC it stayed here in the garage so that's what I use if I'm going somewhere I have to lock the bike. It's such a beater that I won't even spend the pixels to share a photo.

I did upgrade the front wheel to an old Spinergy Xaero I had collecting dust.

[Hilltopperny]

I am building up one of the $100 aluminum Battaglin Speeds right now for kid hauling and beating around. No pics yet.


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[fkslksj]

I am building up one of the $100 aluminum Battaglin Speeds right now for kid hauling and beating around. No pics yet.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkPlease share once you have built it up! I was tempted to jump on one when I saw the psa but I'm set on the next purchase being a gravel or xc bike with disc brakes.

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[Hilltopperny]

Please share once you have built it up! I was tempted to jump on one when I saw the psa but I'm set on the next purchase being a gravel or xc bike with disc brakes.

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Will do!


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[flying]

1988 Dave Scott Centurion Master

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200904/43a7c2b808d2ad195689665b303df1f4.jpg



Wow my first real road bike was from them in that year but the Yellow & Pink 1988 Dave Scott Centurion Ironman Expert ;)

[grawk]

https://i.imgur.com/Qi6T5gT.jpg

[hummus_aquinas]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49818499638_5f10fa9b27_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49988433242_09d6fca205_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49226052837_b0c1b659dd_b.jpg

[mktng]

Soon to be replaced with a bianchi brava I got from a friend. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200906/bd44cbae02b4e0b8b670d8c88fdde3a0.jpg

[C40_guy]

Ya'll made me mute myself during a Zoom meeting because I started laughing. People thought I started choking and asked if I was alright. :banana:


Mission accomplished.

[fkslksj]

Soon to be replaced with a bianchi brava I got from a friend. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200906/bd44cbae02b4e0b8b670d8c88fdde3a0.jpgPlease keep me on your donation list ;)

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[pdmtong]

Trek District gates belt first edition

[Hilltopperny]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200912/2cdcb08948161ae14f73445cba0baa72.jpg
Not really a beater, but is my budget bike!


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[untarded]

[QUOTE=azrider;2788535]1988 Dave Scott Centurion Master

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200904/43a7c2b808d2ad195689665b303df1f4.jpg

In 1988 I was just a kid who couldn't afford a bike and this was one of a handful of bikes I dreamed of owning.

[mikehkaiser]

Currently it's a '92 Rockhopper with a kid seat, but I just got a '79 Nishiki International frame I'm going to turn into a single-speed, so I guess I'll have 2 beaters then.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/SABbGTPnvJm4ArUA9

[Smitty2k1]

2010 Jamis Aurora Elite. Was my year round commuter and grocery getter in the before times. Also seen here for bike camping duties.

I bought it used, replaced the junk tires with Panaracer T-Servs and added front rack and fenders. Plenty of happy miles, though the stem and saddle and seatpost are not a great fit and I could never get the shifting quite sorted out.

Currently undergoing a flat bar conversion to become a Wald 137 basket bike and baby hauler.

As an early road disc frame this has the funky 130mm rear hub spacing. May some day find a shop to cold set it for me.

[Jeff N.]

Many bikes in my stable but not a beater in the bunch.

[J.Higgins]

I must say, some of y'all have some darn nice beaters.

I'm thinking the same thing, Reuben. I guess our definition of "beater" differs from some people. Its like, let's say, "Show us your beater wristwatches." I show my cracked-crystal Timex, and someone else shows off their "beater" Omega.:rolleyes:

[wallymann]

colnago!

https://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1698002085&stc=1&d=1592247282

[adamhell]

i refer to it as my drinking bike. all city mr pink with partsbin build. speed commuter. hunter smooth move 0 rise mtb bars, nitto rack.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/821a6c86aeda7cc748949ac3eb51a860.jpg


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[livesadventure]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/1bf50fdccf476338532bead5b3278218.jpg

Early 80s sequoia turned basket bike. Running a wald 139 with a tunitas caryall bag


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[bob_in_pa]

Used for running around town.

[adamhell]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200913/1bf50fdccf476338532bead5b3278218.jpg

Early 80s sequoia turned basket bike. Running a wald 139 with a tunitas caryall bag


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get off my lawn


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[fkslksj]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200912/2cdcb08948161ae14f73445cba0baa72.jpg
Not really a beater, but is my budget bike!


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkDef not a beater ;)
Thanks for showing your build though!

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[William]

My beater? Our son absconded with it when he went off to school. :) I now have it back...sort of...:D





W.

[jamesdak]

Just made some changes to the beater bike. Threw on some 700 x 32 mudders and a set of double-sided pedals. Guess I'll play with it a while like this before I decide whether or not to really sell it.

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/171042561.jpg

[flying]

My beater bike looks just like my main bike ...because it is :)

Bikes & Wives I have just the one ;)

[mikehkaiser]

My beater bike looks just like my main bike ...because it is :)

Bikes & Wives I have just the one ;)

I respect the monogamy. But I could never have just one bike.

[flying]

I respect the monogamy. But I could never have just one bike.

Yeah its funny but in 35+ years of riding it has always been that way.

Not a money matter & I do like looking at the latest things etc but...
On the other end I really take good care & build my own bikes etc. So it is always in top shape &
represents what I want in a bike & fits perfectly

I live fairly remote so I keep spare parts of the main items so if something occurred I would not be without a bike

One thing that is nice is I only have one to clean & pour my attention into. I also never have any option anxiety about which to ride heheh :)

[mikehkaiser]

One thing that is nice is I only have one to clean & pour my attention into. I also never have any option anxiety about which to ride heheh :)

It's not so much anxiety for me, as guilt while I'm riding that I didn't choose a different one. But that usually goes away during the ride or the next time I ride the other bike.

[flying]

It's not so much anxiety for me, as guilt while I'm riding that I didn't choose a different one. But that usually goes away during the ride or the next time I ride the other bike.

:):):)

[robt57]

Have you noticed an increase in comfort after switching to the Jack Browns? Your grips also look real cush!

The jacks and latex tubes, yes definitely.