[fuzzy34]

So here is the bike I ride to class everyday. I'd like to make it more suitable for commuting once I graduate. I'm already looking into getting full fenders. I'd also like to replace the handlebars (flat? drop?), brakes (v, preferably disc), and shifters (no gripshift). What do you recommend I do to make my bike better to ride?

 

[jasevr4]

Personally if that was my bike and I didn't want to change bikes I'd be going singlespeed, giving the wheels a good true and greasing the hubs, maybe a new (cheap) crankset and an overhaul of the brakes.

Then of course if required some fenders and a rack.

The tyres look good for a commute with a bit of dirt on the way. If it's all paved/bitumen it might be worth looking into something a bit more slick..?

 

[rodar y rodar]

What do you recommend I do to make my bike better to ride?

Ditch the first couple layers of rust?

Seriously, it all depends on what kind of commute you have and what else you plan on doing with it, tempered by your personal preferences. What`s suitable for a 5 mile commute in Miami probably won`t cut it in a Calgary winter. 3 miles in Smithville VS 15 miles in Smithville would likely call for a different setup. Some folks prefer messenger bags, some prefer racks, some absolutely need a trailer because they haul so much stuff. It all depends on the situation.

 

[snowdenn]

a rack if you need it.

keep the brakes unless you dont like em. otherwise, i think v-brakes are all you can do--i dont think you can upgrade to disc cause it looks like your fork and frame wont take the calipers.

i am thinking about replacing the handlebar with an on-one fleegle or mary or some such substitute.

and the singlespeed idea sounds interesting.

 

[fuzzy34]

Yeah, I've been thinking about making it a single speed, how hard is that to do from a geared bike like this?

 

[Zero Signal]

This is what I would do, and only MY take on it . . .

1. Convert it to SS with a conversion kit like this one
2. Pick up a trekking bar or mustache bar like this
3. Throw on some 1.25 or 1.5 road slicks like these http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/TI308B00-Pana+Pasela+Tourguard.aspx
4. True the wheels and service the bearing and cones
5. Buy a new chain
6. Ride it into the ground

 

[fuzzy34]

I'm starting to really like the idea of single speed (won't have to mess with my gears anymore!!). Would the the new trekking or mustache bar be compatible with my current stem, or would i need a new stem also? How would a bar like that agree with some new v-brake levers (I hate cantilevers brakes), would would I need to go with road bike style levers? (sorry if these are dumb questions)

 

[forkboy]

What do you recommend I do to make my bike better to ride?

I would perform some maintenance on it.

Really.

Lube the chain, repack the headset and hubs, true the wheels and put on new cables & housing.

Other than that - I wouldn't do a thing other than Fenders if you live somewhere wet.

It's a commuter bike - any money you put into upgrading parts would be better spent going towards a new ride, or beer.

Nothing wrong with it - it just needs some love.

 

[Zero Signal]

Yeah I take back the bar thing, that sleeve clamp style won't allow really curvey bars. You CAN do a quill stem adapter like this and change the stem. Come to think of it, you will want to change the stem if you change the bars anyway. Doesn't add too much to the cost. You're still under $150 to make it a serviceable/comfortable bike.

Personally, if it gets up over $150, don't bother with it. At that point, save up a couple hundred more for a whole new bike, like one of these or get a better used bike on craigslist.

 

[fuzzy34]

Well going to class today, my right shifter died. The small crack that was in it decided to go all the way through. I guess I could do without different handle bars, but I'd still like to change the brakes and the drivetrain. Is that single speed conversion kit you mention Zero a good way to go about it?

 

[rodar y rodar]

It sounds to me like your bike just converted to SS by itself. Check here, where it says "high gear limit stop" for the free method of obtaining your gear ratio of choice:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html

 

[fuzzy34]

I didn't even think of maunally adjusting the derailer stops. Maybe i just need to replace the brakes and call it good. Can the derailers be run with no cables, and only adjusted with the high-low stops?

 

[x-ker]

I'd replace the brake cables,
convert it to a SS,
give everything a good regrease / relube,
and get rid of the kickstand.

 

[rodar y rodar]

I didn't even think of maunally adjusting the derailer stops. Maybe i just need to replace the brakes and call it good. Can the derailers be run with no cables, and only adjusted with the high-low stops?

Yes, but limited by the length of the adjuster screw (it`ll work fine with the smaller sprockets but the screw might not be long enough to hold the der on one of the big sprockets.) You can play around and figure out what gear suits you best.

 

[comptiger5000]

No need to ditch the kickstand, they're handy for any bike that has to sit on the floor for storage (no way to hang it). Beats having to lean it against a wall.

 

[snowdenn]

+1 about keeping the kickstand since its a commuter, not a xc racer...

 

[x-ker]

Weird...I'm just throwing out the kickstand suggestion because at home I've got a place to put the bike (no kickstand needed) and when I get to work I'm locking my bike to something (which typically means its already getting leaned up against something else or put into a rack). That's why the suggestion - I don't really see a need for a kickstand and there's no need to carry around the extra weight, even on a commuter.

To each their own though, and if you use the kickstand by all means keep it on.

 

[fuzzy34]

Yeah, I have the kickstand on there for when its in the garage. That's the only reason though.

 

[jabpn]

The bike you have is an excellent bike to turn into a commuter. It's got the fender and rack (if you decide you need a rack) mounts. As others have said I would just go with a good overhaul and add some fenders. I personally wouldn't change out the bar. Maybe add some bar ends for a some additional hand positions.

 

[fuzzy34]

I'll get pictures up later, but I have so far removed all the shifting components, and replaced the grips. I need to replace the rear cogs, so I think I will just go single speed (I've been riding it like that anyway for a while) using this as recommeneded http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=23062&item=50-6550&slitrk=search&slisearch=true