Hey chimbleysweep!

[markie]

the horror, the horror X2
 
   <img src="http://www.bps-nakayama.com/e/staff/ma-colnago.JPG" alt=" - " />
 
 Is what a bikie should look like.
 
 Are big wheels and skinny tires really the way to go in DC. Some of the pot holes are big enough to swallow my whole car. I would have thought a mountain bike with wide (ish) slicks as a very good compromise. The more upright position and thumbs and fingers always on the controls is certainly better for town.
 
 When I had last had a MTB I had rigid forks. I guess that is rare now. When I rode an M2 stumpjumper, last, I just set the forks to thier hardest setting.

[thirsty moore]

I'm curious.  If I were to get a Surly Steamroller frame, would it be possible to put a flip-flop (one side fixed, one side freewheel) hub on it?

[markie]

Originally posted by thirsty moore:
  I'm curious.  If I were to get a Surly Steamroller frame, would it be possible to put a flip-flop (one side fixed, one side freewheel) hub on it?

I can think of no reason why not.

[thirsty moore]

True, the more I'm researching this, the more people I'm noticing using that style hub on their bikes.

[jkeisenh]

Originally posted by mark e smith:
   

Originally posted by thirsty moore:
  I'm curious.  If I were to get a Surly Steamroller frame, would it be possible to put a flip-flop (one side fixed, one side freewheel) hub on it?

I can think of no reason why not. [/b]

Unless you're planning on velodrome racing or working really really hard to get used to a true fixie, it's the only way to go.  Ever tried biking down Meridian Hill on a fixie?  Ever tried stopping at the bottom?  Enough said.
 
 By the way... my good bike *sigh* still credit card debt on wheels after over a year but SOOOOOO fast!!!  Not used for commuting, going to bars, errands.  Used only for biking across Iowa, on paved surfaces, training, touring, and other trips not necessitating abandoning it with a U-lock.
  <img src="http://cannondale.com/bikes/02/images/r500t_spec_02.jpg" alt=" - " />

[markie]

Originally posted by chimblysweep:
  [By the way... my good bike

Very nice, but why did you get a triple? Dont you get picked on by other roadies for that?

[jkeisenh]

Originally posted by mark e smith:
   

Originally posted by chimblysweep:
  [By the way... my good bike

Very nice, but why did you get a triple? Dont you get picked on by other roadies for that? [/b]

It's because I do alot of touring.  On RAGBRAI last year, I seriously used every gear I've got.  (I recall the particularly tretcherous century day, with such hills that I went from absolute high gear to absolute low gear.)
 
 BUT... I have a small frame and the chain's not long enough to sustain a triple, to tell you the truth.  I dump the chain alot.  I would have to say, unless you're tall, the triple isn't a good idea, just mechanically.

[mankie]

Seeing as everyone is putting photo's of their babies up, here's mine...sorry it's so large (that's what I said last night!). This also came with a triple and I'm not planning on changing it just to be cool.
 
  <img src="http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/serpens_big_triple.jpg" alt=" - " />
 
 My mtn bike is a Trek 850, had it for years and it's never let me down...only been tuned up once too. No fancy suspension, just a damn good bike that's built like a tank.

[markie]

Unfortunately the trek weighs the same as a tank.....
 
 Ahhhhh Reynolds 853. What could be more beautiful. Nice job Mankie.
 
 I hope you got it on sale though?
 
 http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/mercier_serpins.htm

[mankie]

Originally posted by mark e smith:
  Unfortunately the trek weighs the same as a tank.....
 
 Ahhhhh Reynolds 853. What could be more beautiful. Nice job Mankie.
 
 I hope you got it on sale though?
 
  http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/mercier_serpins.htm

[keithstg]

Since you all are obviously experts, or at the very least extremely interested in biking, perhaps you could help me out. Sorry for taking the thread off topic.
 
 Moved to DC a year and a half ago, and need a daily commuter bike. I'm looking for something quick, reliable, and relatively low maintainence. Any ideas? Price isn't a huge factor, and it won't be U Locked and unattended for very long at a stretch...

[mankie]

A close second choice for me was the Kona "Jake the snake"...it's what they call a cyclocross bike, so basically almost the speed of a roadbike and almost the durability of a mtn bike, I only decided on the Mercier because I won't be commuting but plan on century rides on weekends etc. I think "Jake" would be a great commuter personally, and also for longer rides on weekends if you get addicted, which you will.
 
 It's a beautiful bike too.

[markie]

Road bike or Mountain bike? How far is your commute, how ropey are the roads, how much traffic?

[ggw]

Originally posted by mankie:
  A close second choice for me was the Kona "Jake the snake"...it's what they call a cyclocross bike, so basically almost the speed of a roadbike and almost the durability of a mtn bike, I only decided on the Mercier because I won't be commuting but plan on century rides on weekends etc. I think "Jake" would be a great commuter personally, and also for longer rides on weekends if you get addicted, which you will.
 
 It's a beautiful bike too.

I love my Kona.  I've had it about six years and it's been indestructible.  It's an old ('98) steel hardtail.  Very easy to work on and the frame takes serious abuse.

[jkeisenh]

Originally posted by keithstg:
 
 Moved to DC a year and a half ago, and need a daily commuter bike. I'm looking for something quick, reliable, and relatively low maintainence. Any ideas? Price isn't a huge factor, and it won't be U Locked and unattended for very long at a stretch...

Personally, I think the Jamis Coda is the ideal commuter bike.  Light, fast, durable.
 
 My SO bought a Bianchi Bergamo, though, which is a clunkier version of the same.  Heavy thing, but very comfortable.