Creation of a commuter bike

[baldycyclist]

This is simply too heavy...

I am thinking of swapping the forks for something lighter with no suspension on it.
Will probably leave the wheels alone but put some slicks on it.
Can I get rid of the breaks and put on something else?
Will put a rack for bags etc and mud guards

Might get it blasted and sprayed a stupid bright colour for the early mornings.
Commute is only just over 5 each way
What would you do?
Advice on where to go with the forks is really needed folks
cheers in advance.
Bx

 

[ianrauk]

This is simply too heavy...


I am thinking of swapping the forks for something lighter with no suspension on it.
Will probably leave the wheels alone but put some slicks on it.
Can I get rid of the breaks and put on something else?
Will put a rack for bags etc and mud guards

Might get it blasted and sprayed a stupid bright colour for the early mornings.
Commute is only just over 5 each way
What would you do?
Advice on where to go with the forks is really needed folks
cheers in advance.
Bx

Buy a new bike...
Well you did ask

In all seriousness you could go to Decathlon (Triban) and Halfords (Subway range) spend a couple of hundred quid for a brand new decent commuting bike. New forks, brakes, tyres etc will come to a fair bit of dosh anyway.

 

[baldycyclist]

hmmmmmm
Problem is - I have five already and this is for the deep mid winter commutes
On roadie at the minute
Winter roadie has no storage...hate a bag and it has no space for cruds
Fancied a little "project"...last was to do up an old posties bike....that got knicked 20 years ago.
How do i find the right forks?

 

[biggs682]

measure the amount of stem you need and check that whatever you buy takes same size bearings as frame !

 

[Drago]

Depends how soft the forks are really. If they weren't that bad I'd leave them. Alternatively, you'll get used rigid forks from the bay cheaply. Get em powder coated black and your away.

The trick is to know at what point it's easier to cut your losses and just buy an off the shelf commuter. Replace all cables all round, new brake pads, road tyres, mudguards, lights, and the carrying system if your choice and you're sorted. Parts discarded from my other bikes when I upgrade them often find their way onto my commuter, and is a cheap way to keep them up to date.

 

[HorTs]

I currently use a Giant Terrago MTB for a 5 mile commute. I just put semi slicks on it and a seat post mounted rack.

You definitely don't need to by a new bike.

Why would you want to change the brakes?

 

[baldycyclist]

Cheers folks
I think the main thing I think is to save my nice roadie from getting a hammering and to give me a little project.
The big thing is to reduce some weight on the tyres and sus forks....brakes I can leave I think. Blocks are fine.
Chain and other drive stuff just needs an overhaul - not done anywhere near 500 miles in 15 years.
Cables etc - just need lubed.
Got a rear carrying frame - might need some side panniers - but got a top one that will hold enough for now.
Need some guards.
I think MTB look stupid with the silly front guards so it will look more like a commuter with solid forks and normal guards.

It might make me fitter with a heavier bike!!!