Commuting vs Weekend bike?

[2wheels]

I bought a bike in Jan to ride and commute to work. Cost $1500. Won't mention the brand but its got Shimano 105 groupset but the rest of the components are pretty plain - it goes ok... I use this bike now for commuting 10kms each way with traffic and lots of bumps and stops, and also use it for my weekend rides. Guys at the bike shop are saying I really should have a commuter bike and a weekend bike. (as they would do) If I was loaded that would not be a problem, but I was just wondering if people out there really have their commuting bike separate from their weekend ride? I'm now doing about c150kms a week - my commute is 100kms and I normally do a 50-70 km ride on the weekend. Part of my commute is to train also for the weekend ride, so why ride a different bike to commute? Wouldn't it be better to ride your usual bike for training? Any thoughts?

[Boognoss]

I commute on a CX bike set up with rack and panniers for clothes, lunch, other random stuff. On the weekend it's the road race bike with very few extras attached. One of the reasons I have both is to spread the wear out over both bikes (I know in the end it will cost the same to replace bits for a given amount of km with a decent bit of good luck thrown in but it's psychological ). I have been known to display a trait of having more money than sense from time to time. Also, I like collecting stuff. Currently it's bikes.

That's me covered. Hope it is a slight bit of use .

[Pax]

There is no need to have two bikes if one suites both types of ride.

For years I only had one bike and used it for commuting and weekend rides. When I got back into road riding I bought a second bike because my commuter is a MTB...so it doesn't suit what I choose to do on the weekend. Its all about choices and budgets...there is no rule

[simonn]

Any thoughts?

Do not get sucked into buying a bike by someone else. If you are happy with the way things are, do not change things.

[casual_cyclist]

commuting can be pretty hard on a bike. I have stuffed my rear wheel twice so will start using my MTB for commuting once I have set it up for wet weather. You don't have to spend heaps on a commuter. Mine is a 20 ish year old Repco Superlite. You don't need a second bike for commuting, but it can be handy if you are hard on your bike. That way your weekend bike will be good when you need it.

[2wheels]

Thks all. My current bike is slightly too big for me and I am trying to decide whether to sell or keep it when I buy a better fitting bike. I won't be upgrading for at least another 6 months anyway, so i guess it doesn't matter for now.

[DionM]

I use my MTB for everything, at present. During the week its commuting, on the weekends its recreational riding in a nearby forest, and towing my son in his chariot trailer on bike paths.

It does everything okay, but I would prefer to leave the MTB setup purely for commuting (it has all the extras - rack, dual water bottles, etc etc) and get a different bike for recreational riding (particularly so I could put aggressive knobblies on it, and leave semi-slicks on the commute MTB), or a different bike for road riding. But that's only a preference, at the end of the day my MTB does everything.

I've promised myself a second bike when I reach my first weight target. That also means I shouldn't break my next bike by being too heavy I know my Giant Yukon is made pretty tough so it can handle me at present ....

[Chanboy]

I have a shogun metro hybrid bike for commuting / riding to friends places. It has front suspension (though it is very tight) and a bigger shock absorbing rear tyre (nice on my ass )

For riding around Sydney's streets, I find this infinitely more comfortable then my road bike (no suspension, tiny tyres). Anyone who rides in Sydney knows the roads are shocking at the best of times...

The shogun has average gear set, but works well enough... but the best thing... I bought it 2nd hand for $300, including all the commuting requirements i need, ie rack, pannier, lights, lock etc...

So yeah, my advise... have a cheap comfy bike for commuting, and a more expensive bike for the other activities etc... Don't under estimate what you can find 2nd hand for a good price...

[simonn]

commuting can be pretty hard on a bike.

I am not convinced by this concept which is trotted out every now and then. The only difference between dedicated commuting and no-so-dedicated training/recreational riding is that if you are dedicated to commuting your bike *will* meet Mr Rain. IME most riders (at least in Sydney) wuse out when it rains anyway.

Essentially, riding is hard on a bike end of story.

I suspect that your rear wheel gave out *because* it was cheap. My cheap rear wheel also did. However, my nice 9 month old TWE wheels are true as - although there was a warranty issue with the rear hub, but I do not think that was due to commuting.

FWIW, West Head road is more likely to shake your bike to bits than any commute I can think of and I don't think many people would commute up it.

That way your weekend bike will be good when you need it.

Personally, I *need* to get to work more than *needing* to do any recreational activity. Of course, if you swap "need" with "want" the reverse is also true .

[Aushiker]

G'day

Well I guess it comes down to personal choices/circumstances but I have a weekend warrior (Froggie) which I prefer to not commute on for wear and tear sake; a tourer (Sir Lancelot) which also takes on commuting duties and Julie for playing in the dirt.

I really appreciate getting on Froggie on the weekends because his is such a different ride after a week on Sir Lancelot.

I am really seriously considering building a alu commuter, using a Ribble winter frame to be my prime commuter leaving Sir Lancelot for specialist duties.

Regards
Andrew

[casual_cyclist]

commuting can be pretty hard on a bike.

I am not convinced by this concept which is trotted out every now and then. The only difference between dedicated commuting and no-so-dedicated training/recreational riding is that if you are dedicated to commuting your bike *will* meet Mr Rain. IME most riders (at least in Sydney) wuse out when it rains anyway.

Essentially, riding is hard on a bike end of story.

I suspect that your rear wheel gave out *because* it was cheap. My cheap rear wheel also did. However, my nice 9 month old TWE wheels are true as - although there was a warranty issue with the rear hub, but I do not think that was due to commuting.

FWIW, West Head road is more likely to shake your bike to bits than any commute I can think of and I don't think many people would commute up it.

That way your weekend bike will be good when you need it.

Personally, I *need* to get to work more than *needing* to do any recreational activity. Of course, if you swap "need" with "want" the reverse is also true .

My commute involves a lot of cycle path and a rough stretch of road. I also travel further when commuting than on my weekend bike. Generally, my weekend rides are not as hard on the bike because the roads I ride on are better quality than my commute route. My rear wheel gave out not because it was cheap, but rather that it was almost 20 years old and the nipples and spokes got too old. The second time was because I accidentally hit a large pothole at high speed and I am heavy.

To sum up commuting (for me) = higher kilometers + rougher surface = more wear and tear
weekend riding (for me) = lower kilometers + smoother surface = less wear and tear

You don't need to have two bikes, but it can be useful to have a cheap commuter

[hartleymartin]

At the moment I am using the one bike for everything. Bad idea - crashed it yesterday, and its not really 100% rideable at the moment - wish I had a weekend or back-up bicycle I could ride, but the damaged wrist will mean it might be another week before I ride. Roadsters where most of the weight is on your bum and legs would help though!

[casual_cyclist]

At the moment I am using the one bike for everything. Bad idea - crashed it yesterday, and its not really 100% rideable at the moment - wish I had a weekend or back-up bicycle I could ride, but the damaged wrist will mean it might be another week before I ride. Roadsters where most of the weight is on your bum and legs would help though!

Ooo. Sorry to hear about your off. I hope your recovery is speedy.

[Supe]

I bought a bike in Jan to ride and commute to work. Cost $1500. Won't mention the brand but its got Shimano 105 groupset but the rest of the components are pretty plain - it goes ok... I use this bike now for commuting 10kms each way with traffic and lots of bumps and stops, and also use it for my weekend rides. Guys at the bike shop are saying I really should have a commuter bike and a weekend bike. (as they would do) If I was loaded that would not be a problem, but I was just wondering if people out there really have their commuting bike separate from their weekend ride? I'm now doing about c150kms a week - my commute is 100kms and I normally do a 50-70 km ride on the weekend. Part of my commute is to train also for the weekend ride, so why ride a different bike to commute? Wouldn't it be better to ride your usual bike for training? Any thoughts?

Yup. Keep on riding what you have. Nothing wrong with your bike. Sounds to me, like you're getting maximum bang for buck with your bike. You'll know best when (or if) it's time to get that 2nd bike. I have a commuting bike but that just evolved from the occasional ride to a mates place or shops into a 5 day a week ride to work/home commuter. I've bought (had built) a road bike which I pretty much only use for the weekend but plan on using it for commuting as my old bike is just too cramped for me. I want to try out racing on the roadie... well that's the plan. Those crit report threads make it sound like fun. I could justify another bike purchase if I got into it. No worries about that!

If you end up getting into the racing aspect, I wouldn't be surprised if you started to canvas the forum for opinions on sweet rides.

[vitualis]

I have my Recpo Superlite as my commuter/tourer/wet weather bike and my weekend bike as well. I don't NEED the two but it is nice to have them separate.

Regards.

[casual_cyclist]

I have my Recpo Superlite as my commuter/tourer/wet weather bike and my weekend bike as well. I don't NEED the two but it is nice to have them separate.

Regards.

My Repco Superlite is my weekend bike!

[drubie]

I used to have just one bike, but decided against it. My commute is very short though so my solution may not work for you.

I started commuting on my old steel bike but it got rattly in the headset (plus other issues) which I used an excuse for a new bike, so bought an aluminium/carbon one.

I commuted the last couple of years on that aluminium/carbon bike (and started using it for bunch rides, then started racing) until it cracked the bottom bracket. Via warranty, I upgraded the frame to full carbon. At this point, it was pointed out to me that if I was going to commute and not maintain the bike (cables full of dirt washed in from rain etc) that my newly expensive bike wasn't going to last.

So I retrieved my steel bike, fixed up all the bits that annoyed me, fitted a set of SKS raceblades and a cool retro saddle and now it's my commute bike.

The two bikes overlap somewhat - depending on the weather or how late I am for a post-work training ride I'll take the steel bike. Mostly for training/racing I'll use the carbon bike (and only occasionally commute on it). I try to avoid racing the steel bike but frankly after the last criterium, I'm reconsidering that policy.

The difference to me is this: the good bike doesn't need as much maintenance because it doesn't get used in poor conditions. The old bike doesn't get a lot of maintenance but it doesn't really have to because it's old. Best of both worlds.

If you're going to commute on your "good" bike, be prepared to spend the extra time cleaning it after a rainy day and you'll be fine. I'm too lazy for that

[martinjs]

I use one bike for all my rides at the moment. Main reason is my commutes are all so my extra rides. 90 % of all my rides are either to or from work (extended rides often) or lunch time rides at work so I couldn't get a second bike anyway.

[nickobec]

Currently I have two "commuters" one for the 2.5km trip to the train station and to be left there during the day (hopefully in a locked box) and the other which is my weekend bike for the 42km trip to work, locked in a secure cage and depending on weather and my temperament ridden some or all the way home.

The train station commuter is an 80's repco converted to singlespeed and with most components from a donor ricardo, both picked up during last year's hard rubbish collection. In theory a rough looking (ie less inviting to steal) but reliable commuter for the short haul to the station. Except as I move parts around my projects, the components are looking more polished and the bike looks better (though in truth it is getting worse). Also it has been used on occasions for the long haul commute.

The long haul commuter / weekend bike is brought to me by the numbers 853 & 105. I enjoy riding it, but the same bike over the same route can make the commute less interesting, hence the odd appearance of the station bike on the long commute and the following projects:

80's commuter project I have a 85 Indi 500 that is good condition, with the the addition of a few of the ex-ricardo components (cherry cable pull brakes , deore touring RD), good tires, rack and mudguards. It will be used for some of the long haul commuting duties.

The singlespeed, I have a good cr-moly frame currently being powder coated. Aim is to be the "fun bike" will also get long haul commuting duties.

Repco-Giant Olympic 12 speed is another project that when completed will also get long haul commuting duties.

I wanted some variety of my regular commute. I don't need 5 (6 if you include the MTB) bikes, but variety is the spice of life.

As people will tell you the right number of bikes to own is N+1 where N is the current number of bikes. And yes I have my eyes on N+1 right now. It is a little exotic but it will share weekend duties and the odd long haul commute.

[hartleymartin]

At the moment I am using the one bike for everything. Bad idea - crashed it yesterday, and its not really 100% rideable at the moment - wish I had a weekend or back-up bicycle I could ride, but the damaged wrist will mean it might be another week before I ride. Roadsters where most of the weight is on your bum and legs would help though!

Ooo. Sorry to hear about your off. I hope your recovery is speedy.

Thanks - just a wrist, little finger and knee injury. I used a walking stick for a couple of days to steady myself (limping pretty badly). Used my Raleigh Utility (like a Twenty, but not quite), to do a little therapeutic knee exercises the other day. I took it for a ride (the first in quite a few weeks on that one), and it helped exercise my knee enough that I can now walk pretty reasonably. The wrist liked that bike too, because its upright riding position meant that there was no weight on my arms. I'm looking forward to finishing the Malvern Star's mechanical overhaul and be able to ride that instead of theses stupid "modern" MTBs that we get stuck with today.

[trailgumby]

I have two bikes. My commuter is a Cannondale Furio hardtail, fitted with 700c wheels I picked up for a stupidly cheap price on eBay. It's a lot more schmick than most would use for commuting, but I have secure bike parking at work and I like my hydraulic disc brakes in the wet. The 26" wheelset with knobblies can go back on for light trail riding if a hardtail is called for.

For weekend riding I have a dual-suspension Cannondale Jekyll. It's a but cushy and soft for commuting any distance (mine is 30km each way), but it is just the most fun bike I've ever ridden off-road

On my "recovery" weeks if it's dry I'll ride the Jekyll down through the Manly Dam trails and then on to the Manly Ferry if I'm in the CBD for the day

[maicoboy]

As of today I now have a dedicated commuter and my 'good' bike will be kept for weekend rides.

The 'new' commuter is a mid '80s Shogun Katana courtesy of the last hard rubbish collection. It's been stripped, resprayed, all bearings repacked, new cables and drive train (it now sports 9 speed Ultegra). Took it for it's first ride today and it's sweet.

I've done this for convenience because I need my car for work (and have a car parking space at work) so I drive with the bike in the back on Mondays then commute by bike until Friday night when I drive home again. I bring the bike home on Friday afternoons so I can use it for a ride on the weekend.

Restoring the Shogun has cost about $300 and I now have a comfortable and robust commuter that I can leave at work over the weekends.

[casual_cyclist]

As of today I now have a dedicated commuter and my 'good' bike will be kept for weekend rides.

The 'new' commuter is a mid '80s Shogun Katana courtesy of the last hard rubbish collection. It's been stripped, resprayed, all bearings repacked, new cables and drive train (it now sports 9 speed Ultegra). Took it for it's first ride today and it's sweet.

I've done this for convenience because I need my car for work (and have a car parking space at work) so I drive with the bike in the back on Mondays then commute by bike until Friday night when I drive home again. I bring the bike home on Friday afternoons so I can use it for a ride on the weekend.

Restoring the Shogun has cost about $300 and I now have a comfortable and robust commuter that I can leave at work over the weekends.

Nice job on recycling hard rubbish. I don't suppose you have any pix of the Shogun. I would like to see it

[maicoboy]

No photos yet but I'll post some soon before it gets all grubby.

[V17L]

Hi maicoboy
The red stallion I commute on is my first bike purchased in 87. It to is a Shogun Katana, but I am still sporting the original 7 speed LX exage biopace drive train, with down tube shifters. What type of shifters have you got on the 9 speed, and was it hard to upgrade to 9 speed.
regards
steve