Can I turn a racing bike into a commuter?

Nasqueron

ThisIsWeird said:

Nasqueron said:

£50 for a bike that is sold for parts as it needs a lot of work?

A BTWIN folding bike would probably be better for a student anyway if he wants a step over one with the usual storage issues at uni

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/20-inch-folding-bike-btwin-100-black/_/R-p-120067 

Else a half decent City bike

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/city-bike-elops-120-high-frame-blue/_/R-p-168865

Both are under £200

Hadn't realised these folding bikes were so reasonable. Cheers.

But, man, have you seen that Raleigh?

I saw it and yeah there is a bit of appeal but the fact it's so rusty and the work you need... If I could fix bikes to that degree, it'd be an interesting project but just when you look at it and see the level of corrosion on the brakes, gears, seat post etc - I'd be amazed if it lasted very long

Same price, very similar, better condition

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/387331648925

ThisIsWeird

All good points, thank you.

But have you SEEN that bike?!

ThisIsWeird

Nasqueron said:

ThisIsWeird said:

Nasqueron said:

£50 for a bike that is sold for parts as it needs a lot of work?

A BTWIN folding bike would probably be better for a student anyway if he wants a step over one with the usual storage issues at uni

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/20-inch-folding-bike-btwin-100-black/_/R-p-120067 

Else a half decent City bike

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/city-bike-elops-120-high-frame-blue/_/R-p-168865

Both are under £200

Hadn't realised these folding bikes were so reasonable. Cheers.

But, man, have you seen that Raleigh?

I saw it and yeah there is a bit of appeal but the fact it's so rusty and the work you need... If I could fix bikes to that degree, it'd be an interesting project but just when you look at it and see the level of corrosion on the brakes, gears, seat post etc - I'd be amazed if it lasted very long

Same price, very similar, better condition

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/387331648925

Ooh - quite a find, thank you. Frame a tad too small, alas.

Yeah, great project! I'd get it working, grease it all up, and then spray clear metal lacquer over it to preserve it as is - built-in anti-theft.

Them rod-operated brakes - I remember it so well :-(

MacPingu1986

You can absolutely commute on a road/racing bike! I've been commuting on one daily for the past 5 years - if anything I'd say drop handlebars are better than a flat bar as you get more variety of hand positions for comfort (although 95% of the time I am holding them on the hoods).

I wouldn't bother with trying to convert bars, changing brake levers etc... - as a cheap commuter bike just stick with what the bike comes with

ThisIsWeird

Thanks all. I've shelved the idea of changing a bike's format, as I've seen a few nice 'normal' oldies turn up locally.

Most are Raleighs, and I know they are variable quality depending on era, but there's at least three that are strong contenders. Looking for the relaxed sit-up posture, and that's the real driver. One of the contenders has a Sturmey-Archer and a metal chain guard

I had a Raleigh Yukon myself a few years back, which I loved. Now have a Trek 7.4, which I like less. Mind you, it only cost me £30, which I like a lot. And then I sold its skinny tyres for £20, which I liked more. And then the Cateye sensor for £15 which...

Herzlos

Probably sensible, you can buy a nicer bike for what it'd cost you in parts to convert.

Much better just having 2 bikes!

Unless he's doing a lot of commuting, or doing particularly steep/rough sections he'll be fine on anything that's the right size and in good condition. My first port of call would be a local used bike shop, then one of the high street bikes places like Decathlon or Halfords (just avoid the Apollo range and look at Carerra).

ThisIsWeird

Herzlos said:

Probably sensible, you can buy a nicer bike for what it'd cost you in parts to convert.

Much better just having 2 bikes!

Unless he's doing a lot of commuting, or doing particularly steep/rough sections he'll be fine on anything that's the right size and in good condition. My first port of call would be a local used bike shop, then one of the high street bikes places like Decathlon or Halfords (just avoid the Apollo range and look at Carerra).

Thanks.

I have three good options to check within a 10 mile radius. And, yes, I've dismissed anything with 'Universal', 'Falcon' or 'Apollo' on them :-)

They are all Raleighs - the most attractive contender has Sturmey-Archer...

It should be an easy and pretty level commute, so all ideal for relaxed, sit-up, cycling.

Cheers.

Username03725

Just because a bike has drop bars there's no need to use them. Most riders will be on the hoods or on the tops anyway, these being holding on to the top of the brakes / shifters - thumbs on inside, fingers out - or if more relaxed and not needing to brake suddenly they'll be leaning on the straight bits of the bars. Drops are only used when racing or trying to maximise that last drop of speed, but even so aerobars are more effective (and fun) anyway to achieve that scenario.

ThisIsWeird

Username03725 said:

Just because a bike has drop bars there's no need to use them. Most riders will be on the hoods or on the tops anyway, these being holding on to the top of the brakes / shifters - thumbs on inside, fingers out - or if more relaxed and not needing to brake suddenly they'll be leaning on the straight bits of the bars. Drops are only used when racing or trying to maximise that last drop of speed, but even so aerobars are more effective (and fun) anyway to achieve that scenario.

Thanks. Yes, I get that. But still not ideal for sit-up riding. Also, them skinny tyres... pfffft.

Nasqueron

ThisIsWeird said:

Username03725 said:

Just because a bike has drop bars there's no need to use them. Most riders will be on the hoods or on the tops anyway, these being holding on to the top of the brakes / shifters - thumbs on inside, fingers out - or if more relaxed and not needing to brake suddenly they'll be leaning on the straight bits of the bars. Drops are only used when racing or trying to maximise that last drop of speed, but even so aerobars are more effective (and fun) anyway to achieve that scenario.

Thanks. Yes, I get that. But still not ideal for sit-up riding. Also, them skinny tyres... pfffft.

but but but... the aero, the speed!!