The Ideal Commuter? - Part 1 Questions To Ask Yourself

I am on the Bike Forums message board and one of the most frequently asked questions from new commuters is "What bike should I get?" The basic answer is "what ever bike you own". Granted, there are those who tout the benefits of one bike over another, the real answer is somewhat more elusive and finally comes do to personal preference. So in this five part series, I will first outline what I believe to be some of the fundamental questions to ask yourself. Part 2 will cover what to look for in a short distance versus a long distance commuter bike. In Part 3, I will then describe my current bike, including accessories, and rationale for my choices. Part 4 will list some bikes that best fit the aforementioned qualities. And finally, Part 5 will describe my ideal commuting bike, should any manufacturer be willing to build it. And remember, this is merely one person's opinion; only you, dear reader, can decide what bike is best suited for you.

The basic requirements of a commuter bike is that it has two wheels and a frame geometry that is comfortable suited for the style of riding the rider prefers. Okay, so that's the smartass response, but it is also true. A road racing bike would be overkill for a two mile commute. On the other hand, a beach cruiser would be too heavy and cumbersome for a ten mile commute. So, let's list the various factors that go into selecting a good commuter.

• How long is the commute?

If your commute is five miles or less, you might look into a hybrid or a commuter bike. Both style bikes offer a more upright riding position versus a road bike, making it easier to see above and around cars. Commuter bikes come with a fenders, a rack, and, most often than not, a headlight and possibly a tail light, thereby eliminating some additional purchases. Both hybrids and commuter bikes come with either flat or riser-style handlebars, which limit your riding position. The addition of bar ends or swapping out the stock bars for a trekking bar will give additional hand positions and offer a more comfortable ride on longer commutes.

Longer rides are possible with both, but a good road, touring, or cyclo-cross bike may mean a faster, more comfortable and enjoyable ride. With drop bars, the rider can get into multiple riding positions, which comes in handy during longer commutes and makes dealing with headwinds a little more bearable. Touring and cyclo-cross bikes come with braze-ons for fenders and racks, and often accept wider tires than most road bikes. Also look for water bottle mounts; longer trips in the summer means being adequately hydrated.


• What is your intended route like?

If your commuting route is primarily along bike paths or multi-use paths (MUPs), a hybrid or commuter bike will be more "pedestrian" friendly than a road bike. However, do not let that stop you from riding your roadie on an MUP; just be aware that this isn't the Tour de France and you're not Lance Armstrong (unless you really are). If you're route includes dirt trails, you might want tires that have a slightly more aggressive tread than the standard road tire. Consider, too, imperfections and debris along the road. Some most roads will have bumps, potholes, patches, etc., that will jar your teeth. Wider tires can help absorb some of the shock, as well as suspension forks and seat posts, carbon fiber (if you're willing to pay the price) and that steel tends to absorb shock better than aluminum. It would also be advisable to purchase tires that have added puncture resistance. While it does add weight to your wheels, it is outweighed by the piece of mind that you're less likely to get a flat tire on the very day you're running late.


• Will you be carrying extra clothes, gear, etc.? If so, how do you plan on carrying them?

If your commute is short, you may be able to wear your work clothes as you ride. If not, or if you prefer to wear the full bicycling regalia, you will need some way to either carry a change of clothing, or have clothes at work. Locks, lunch, tools, spare tube, and other items that you may want to take with you will have to have some place to be stored and carried. A backpack is a simple way of carrying extra items. However, during the hot summer months may mean a sweaty back and longer rides could add tired shoulders to the mix. A rear rack with panniers and/or a rack trunk is a popular choice among long-distance commuters. Panniers can range from wire baskets to soft-sided bags, from bags that double as backpacks to homemade bucket panniers. A trunk is an easy way to carry lunch, tools, or an extra pair of shoes if your riding in work clothes, or extra storage in addition to panniers for things like a quick stop at the grocery store or getting take-out food.

If you do plan on using a rack, look for braze-on on the rear dropouts and the upper part of the seat stays. Do not be dismayed if there are none; you can use P-clamps to mount a rack, but talk to your local bike shop more doing this on a carbon fiber frame.


• What is your riding style like?

Are you an aggressive rider or more casual? Road, cyclo-cross, and single-speed bikes tend to favor a more aggressive riding style whereas hybrids, commuting, and touring bikes have more relax geometries.


• How much money have you budgeted for the bike, clothes, and accessories?

If you do not already have a bike, you will need to budget not only for the bike itself, but for a helmet, gloves, and any accessories you may want/need. This is where the costs can really add up, so shop around for the best deals. Remember, a commuter bike does not have to be fancy, fast, or even new, just comfortable and capable of meeting your needs and riding style. Later you can save up for that full carbon race bike.

Some recommended accessories are: a helmet, gloves, a flashing tail light and headlight, a tire pump, a spare tube, a tire patch kit, a multi-tool, tire irons, locks, and a kickstand.


• Do you plan on riding in the rain? At night? Year round?

There is an unwritten rule that states, "If you ride long enough and often enough, you will, sooner or later, planned or unplanned, end up riding in the rain". When that happens, you can either: a) wait it out; b) ride anyways and get wet; or c) plan and prepare ahead of time. I prefer "c". You can go with the full-on Fred factor and install full fenders with mud flaps, or simply carry a rain jacket with you. Also consider the time of the year. If it's the middle of a hot, Mississippi summer, a ride in the rain sans rain jacket, rain pants and shoe covers may be just the thing to cool you off and refresh you. If it's a cold, drizzly fall rain, you might want to keep covered up and warm. Fenders with mud flaps will help keep rain and mud off your bike and shoes. Shoe covers, especially neoprene, will not only keep your feet dry, but also warm.

For safe riding, you should have at least one, if not more, blinking tail light, like the Planet Bike SuperFlash. However, if you plan on riding at light or even during the dawn/dusk hours, a good headlight and tail light system is a must. Prices range from about $25 for a powerful Cree LED flashlight all the way to over $500 for a dynohub and dyno-powered headlight and tail light.


• Do you want a standard geared bike? Internal gears? A single speed?

Most bikes sold today are standard multi-geared models with front and rear derailleurs. However, there is a resurgence in internally geared and single-speed bikes. Both options offer clean, uncomplicated, easy to maintain drive trains. Internally geared hubs (IGH) can range from three speeds all the way up to fourteen speeds or even an infinitely variable range, allowing the rider to match the gear with the terrain. IGHs also allow you to change gears while stopped, a huge advantage if you find yourself making frequent stops. Single-speed bikes tend to do better on more level terrain, but there are bicyclists riding single-speeds in places like San Francisco and Seattle, too.

So, to summarize what to look for in choosing a commuter bike.

1. A frame design suited to your riding style;
2. Handlebar that offers a good riding position or multiple positions;
   
3. Braze-ons for fenders, rack, and water bottle cages;
4. Puncture resistant tires;
5. Single or multi-speed drive train, depending on your preference;
6. Comfort.

In Part 2, I will talk about what to look for in a short-distance and long-distance commuting bike.