Posts Tagged ‘commuter bike’

I am a big believer in using what you already have until it is completely worn out. I have to try to fix everything two or three times before it either wears out completely or all hope is lost. This is the case with my current bike commuter.

I ride a 1997 Schwinn Homegrown mountain bike to work. The frame is in fairly good shape as far as I can tell although there is a lot of paint missing. Most of the components are the same. It’s probably easier to tell you what I’ve changed and why:

After two rear derailleurs, I converted to a single speed – the Performance-offered conversion kit – because I wanted to keep using my current hub (see Product Reviews White Industries Hubs). This seems to work well and I don’t miss the sound of grinding gears. I replaced the right break lever due to the pivot bearing failing. After two suspension forks, I went rigid with a Surly mountain fork. The seat did not fail but became very uncomfortable so I replaced it with a Specialized mountain seat. The White Industries crank arms failed last year due to striping at the interface of the arm and the hub spindle. Also replaced the bottom bracket as I decided to go with a splined system. The Shimano bottom bracket still seems fine and I kept it in case I need it for another bike. The rear wheel was rebuilt from a Mavic 220 (I think) to a Sun Rims Rhino Lite. Cables and housing have been replaced a couple of times. Numerous chains, of course. I will soon need to replace the seat post as the clamp which holds the seat began slipping this year and I have twice placed aluminum shims in to allow it to clamp harder. The seat post has also been bent slightly after years of use (and some abuse). The tires have changed from the VelociRaptors that were on there (which I hated) and I now ride a Hutchinson Python on the front (Love It!) and a Sweetskinz semi-slick on the back. I must ride treaded tires in Memphis due to the large quantities of sharp objects lining the roads.

Send me a description or photo of your primary means of transportation (as long as it’s not an undesirable vehicle) and I’ll publish you here (mason@biketofeel.com).