http://bitsandbikes.aribadernatal.com/2009/04/19/iterate-towards-your-ideal-commuter/ Compute, commute. Rinse and repeat. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:05:05 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 http://bitsandbikes.aribadernatal.com/2009/04/19/iterate-towards-your-ideal-commuter/#comment-1346 Rick Gilbert Sat, 08 Oct 2011 17:14:57 +0000 http://blog.greaterbayshell.com/?p=58#comment-1346 Good approach - similar to what I did. Rode my old Huffy Alumina over 2500 miles in my initiation into year-round bike commuting, making some modifications along the way. Wore out both wheels, bottom bracket, chain rings, and cogs, despite efforts to 'keep it clean and oiled.' Rebuilt the bike, but started looking for something built to take nasty, wet Seattle area commutes. I also wanted a bike that would be fun to ride on longer day tours (50-100 mi). Bought an '09 REI Randonee touring bike, and it's served me well for 3500 miles so far. Grit's taking a toll on the rear rim, and I just replaced the bottom bracket. But it has a durable steel frame & fork, adequate hill gearing, and it's pleasure to ride. Like you, I try to go overboard on visibility. Added Light & Motion 180 rechargeable tail light this fall. It outperforms the AAA and AA blinkies. I'm trying out a trio of Hokey Spokes, although I'm concerned about adding that much rotating weight to the wheel. Testing them on the bike stand, I notice the the battery rattle. Hmm... By the way, I still have the Huffy, but it hasn't seen much ride time since the rebuild. Good approach – similar to what I did. Rode my old Huffy Alumina over 2500 miles in my initiation into year-round bike commuting, making some modifications along the way. Wore out both wheels, bottom bracket, chain rings, and cogs, despite efforts to ‘keep it clean and oiled.’ Rebuilt the bike, but started looking for something built to take nasty, wet Seattle area commutes. I also wanted a bike that would be fun to ride on longer day tours (50-100 mi). Bought an ’09 REI Randonee touring bike, and it’s served me well for 3500 miles so far. Grit’s taking a toll on the rear rim, and I just replaced the bottom bracket. But it has a durable steel frame & fork, adequate hill gearing, and it’s pleasure to ride. Like you, I try to go overboard on visibility. Added Light & Motion 180 rechargeable tail light this fall. It outperforms the AAA and AA blinkies. I’m trying out a trio of Hokey Spokes, although I’m concerned about adding that much rotating weight to the wheel. Testing them on the bike stand, I notice the the battery rattle. Hmm…
By the way, I still have the Huffy, but it hasn’t seen much ride time since the rebuild.

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