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The commuter bike is
not a flashy thing. If you have a bike that's already
set up and running right, then that's the thing you want
to ride. A commuter bike is a thing that's designed to
handle the bumps and thumps of a daily grind, so if you
must go new, I'd look into something more along the
lines of a cyclocross bike, that's built to be durable.
They also have much more braking power, which comes in
very handy during stop and go traffic. Bear in mind that
when you make pit stops for water or to do...
whatever... you're going to lock the bike to a pole. And
this will be a regular thing. Carbon frames are NOT made
for that kind of treatment. (Well, not for long,
anyway.)
A commuter bike is a
utilitarian thing, not a showpiece or a trophy bike.
It's something that you can ride in the rain and not
feel guilty about. It's something that functions very
well, but doesn't look or break the bank like a high end
racer. It's a whole 'nother mindset, because it's not
about looking like a competitive roadie putz. It's about
functionality that allows you to ride safely, a
day-to-day durability, and a willingness to accept a few
dings and dents, that I don't usually see in the upper
echelons. The "ultimate" commuter bike really has no
frills, because it's not winning races - it's durable
and functional every day, in a way that becomes an item
of faith.
A commuter is supposed
to make sure you get to work and get home, without fail.
Putting thief bait on a bike that's locked up while
you're at work is a bad plan. Mavic wheels would be
stolen. Yes they're bodacious, and I think they'd be a
great thing to buy for your new weekend ride, but not
something to leave out of your sight on a regular basis.
And as you get used to riding more often, and to more
places, you'll start leaving your commuter bike locked
up in those places more often. You don't want a bike
that'll attract attention. You want a bike that'll get
left alone, so the wheels will still be there when you
get back.
Here's the thing. Use
the bike you already have – because it's used, probably
not as pretty as it used to be, but it's well broken in
and you're used to the way it moves. If you must spend
money on something flashy and new, then buy something
flashy and new for your weekend rides, to keep them
special. DON'T break the bank on something you're just
going to lock up outside.
Everyone commutes a
little differently, but the places a commuter bike
shines are not in high performance. The commuter bike
shines on your worst day at work, because the bike
works, it's comfortable, and doesn't feel like work,
even when you're having a crappy day. It just works, and
you go home.
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