What to look for in an all weather commuter?
Discussion
Hi guys
I’ve been commuting by bike for the past 4.5mnths and have really enjoyed it. The distance is around 5 miles each way with a steep hill. It’s all road/cycle path, although with quite a few junctions along the cycle path element.
I’m using my old road bike which I used to use for leisure rides - around 10yrs old, fairly aggressive set up such that I find it difficult to get into the drops when commuting comfortably so am always on the hoods/flat. I feel a little too much on my hands too, so I think fit isn’t what it should be. No rack or guard mounts are not great for all weather options and the brakes in the wet are not great, partly as I’m on the hoods. Alu frame with full (but old) Ultegra groupset.
I’m thinking of getting something more suited to commuting - initial thoughts are much more relaxed geometry and hydraulic disk brakes. I like the look of the Canyon Roadlite series or possibly some of the Ribble options too.
Would I regret going for a flat bar? A more upright position would be helpful for visibility particularly with all the junctions crossing the cycle path, but I still want to be able to climb out of the saddle when in the mood and don’t want to end up too slow. I’m torn between the flat bar options and a more traditional endurance option.
Frame material - I was thinking aluminium again. The bike stays in a garage at home, but there is some slight risk of getting bashed by kids etc so figure carbon may not be ideal. Steel I had some concerns about in the poorer conditions.
Groupset I was thinking Ultegra or 105 with a dual ring. Is a 1x worth considering seriously for predominantly road use? At the moment I’m in the top ring 99% of the time with visits down to the granny ring if I’m feeling lazy. Rarely/never use the full spread on the small cog.
I’m pretty set on hydraulic disk brakes, I would prefer a bit more confidence in the stopping power in any new bike.
Weight - I’m less sensitive here. I usually take a backpack and probably cart some rubbish I don’t need with me so could probably save a kilo from that to make the difference instead of spending and extra grand!
Gravel/off-road - these bikes certainly look cool and a nice idea, not sure if I’d use it though and it may slow me down on my priority of road riding so leaning away from these.
What else should I look for in a commuter?
I’ve been commuting by bike for the past 4.5mnths and have really enjoyed it. The distance is around 5 miles each way with a steep hill. It’s all road/cycle path, although with quite a few junctions along the cycle path element.
I’m using my old road bike which I used to use for leisure rides - around 10yrs old, fairly aggressive set up such that I find it difficult to get into the drops when commuting comfortably so am always on the hoods/flat. I feel a little too much on my hands too, so I think fit isn’t what it should be. No rack or guard mounts are not great for all weather options and the brakes in the wet are not great, partly as I’m on the hoods. Alu frame with full (but old) Ultegra groupset.
I’m thinking of getting something more suited to commuting - initial thoughts are much more relaxed geometry and hydraulic disk brakes. I like the look of the Canyon Roadlite series or possibly some of the Ribble options too.
Would I regret going for a flat bar? A more upright position would be helpful for visibility particularly with all the junctions crossing the cycle path, but I still want to be able to climb out of the saddle when in the mood and don’t want to end up too slow. I’m torn between the flat bar options and a more traditional endurance option.
Frame material - I was thinking aluminium again. The bike stays in a garage at home, but there is some slight risk of getting bashed by kids etc so figure carbon may not be ideal. Steel I had some concerns about in the poorer conditions.
Groupset I was thinking Ultegra or 105 with a dual ring. Is a 1x worth considering seriously for predominantly road use? At the moment I’m in the top ring 99% of the time with visits down to the granny ring if I’m feeling lazy. Rarely/never use the full spread on the small cog.
I’m pretty set on hydraulic disk brakes, I would prefer a bit more confidence in the stopping power in any new bike.
Weight - I’m less sensitive here. I usually take a backpack and probably cart some rubbish I don’t need with me so could probably save a kilo from that to make the difference instead of spending and extra grand!
Gravel/off-road - these bikes certainly look cool and a nice idea, not sure if I’d use it though and it may slow me down on my priority of road riding so leaning away from these.
What else should I look for in a commuter?
I have had a Roadlite for about a year.
Very happy with it. Still looks good despite winter use.
Has threaded holes for mounting mudguards - essential.
Flat bar for the reasons you already mentioned. Still not sure if drops might be worth having, but refuse to not have my hands permanently covering the brakes, so decision made.
It is still faster than pretty much everything else on the commute.
I run it tubeless using the original G-One tyres in summer, and some Conti winter tyres in er... winter.
Very happy with it. Still looks good despite winter use.
Has threaded holes for mounting mudguards - essential.
Flat bar for the reasons you already mentioned. Still not sure if drops might be worth having, but refuse to not have my hands permanently covering the brakes, so decision made.
It is still faster than pretty much everything else on the commute.
I run it tubeless using the original G-One tyres in summer, and some Conti winter tyres in er... winter.
BOR said:
I have had a Roadlite for about a year.
Very happy with it. Still looks good despite winter use.
Has threaded holes for mounting mudguards - essential.
Flat bar for the reasons you already mentioned. Still not sure if drops might be worth having, but refuse to not have my hands permanently covering the brakes, so decision made.
It is still faster than pretty much everything else on the commute.
I run it tubeless using the original G-One tyres in summer, and some Conti winter tyres in er... winter.
Excellent - thanks for the feedback! Struggling to find much info on the flat bar Roadlite online. Which spec is your one? Very happy with it. Still looks good despite winter use.
Has threaded holes for mounting mudguards - essential.
Flat bar for the reasons you already mentioned. Still not sure if drops might be worth having, but refuse to not have my hands permanently covering the brakes, so decision made.
It is still faster than pretty much everything else on the commute.
I run it tubeless using the original G-One tyres in summer, and some Conti winter tyres in er... winter.
I won’t be able to use Cycle 2 Work with Canyon which is putting me off a bit, but with the sale I am tempted by the AL 8.0. I do like the more expensive carbon one but not sure it’s worth it for my use case.
Your point on brakes is where I’m at - 2 or 3 times in the past month I’ve consciously wanted sharper response or power usually around the same junctions as cars go about their business. It’s affecting my enjoyment. In my head I imagine flat bar is easier to get my head up and have really good visibility of what’s happening helping me predict and plan movements, and then sharper consistent brakes to stop if needed.
Anything you wish you had known or would change in spec?
Edited by CrouchingWayne on Saturday 7th September 15:32
It's a 2018MY, with, I think, the lowest spec with the carbon frame, which was DT Swiss wheels, 105, and possibly Shimano hydraulic discs.
Completely happy with that spec, which is going to get trashed through various winters commuting anyway.
For once, it was a perfect fit for me out of the box, BUT, it has a one piece stem and bar, so bear that in mind, although I think Canyon can supply it with different length options.
Fitting the mudguards did require a bit of cutting and drilling of the guards, but nothing too difficult, otherwise, no regrets.
And although it is a flat bar, the riding position is still relatively sporting so a good compromise for city use.
Would happily order the same bike tomorrow.
Completely happy with that spec, which is going to get trashed through various winters commuting anyway.
For once, it was a perfect fit for me out of the box, BUT, it has a one piece stem and bar, so bear that in mind, although I think Canyon can supply it with different length options.
Fitting the mudguards did require a bit of cutting and drilling of the guards, but nothing too difficult, otherwise, no regrets.
And although it is a flat bar, the riding position is still relatively sporting so a good compromise for city use.
Would happily order the same bike tomorrow.
I just fitted clip on mudguards to my old roadbike for the first year I was commuting in all weather. Although I've continued and bought a disk braked gravel bike that takes full guards.
Commuting in the dark, cold and wet isn't for everyone, so its worth trialling it for £20 rather than splashing out on a new bike.
Commuting in the dark, cold and wet isn't for everyone, so its worth trialling it for £20 rather than splashing out on a new bike.
Yea sorry it’s maybe a misleading thread title but I’m looking for a commuting bike for year round - so high days as well as poorer ones. I’d look to replace the current road bike as it’s not a great fit these days and not ideal for my current use.
Thanks for your input on the Roadlite - I’m quite keen on either the CF 7.0 or the SL 8.0 which are similar cost. Contrary to what I’ve written above I’m leaning towards the carbon bike. Modern 105 surely a step up from my 10yr old Ultegra?
I guess the CF 7.0 is probably very similar to your bike. I’ll go through it in detail to see if there are any weak points in the spec, but £ for £ it seems much better value than an equivalent from the traditional brands.
Thanks for your input on the Roadlite - I’m quite keen on either the CF 7.0 or the SL 8.0 which are similar cost. Contrary to what I’ve written above I’m leaning towards the carbon bike. Modern 105 surely a step up from my 10yr old Ultegra?
I guess the CF 7.0 is probably very similar to your bike. I’ll go through it in detail to see if there are any weak points in the spec, but £ for £ it seems much better value than an equivalent from the traditional brands.
Master Bean said:
105 is all you'll ever need, hydraulic disc brakes and 35mm tyres. Comfy.
Pretty much this although my hack runs 32mm Conti 4 SeasonsAnd a pannier rack for carrying stuff which handles far, far better when the weight is lower down than a backpack
Bonus - you dont get a sweaty back
In contrast to previous advice I have drop bars and have no issues quickly covering the brakes if needed and the advantage of multiple hand positions if your commuter doubles as winter road bike and you're off out on it for hours at a time
Cheers
I do about 8 miles each way, mostly rural. You probably want:
https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-arkose-alfine...
And run it on 42c Gatorskin Hardshells. The hub gear means it has less bits to get covered in crap. I like it a lot.
- Mudguards.
- Pannier racks.
- Bullet-proof tyres of a half decent capacity.
- Cheap to replace but durable components.
- Disc brakes.
https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-arkose-alfine...
And run it on 42c Gatorskin Hardshells. The hub gear means it has less bits to get covered in crap. I like it a lot.
I’ll be honest that I’m tempted to get it anyway just because I like it! Use it for fair days...
I did like the look of the Whyte Wessex One when I was in my LBS - it takes proper guards and looks quite nice. Only issue is it’s a fair bit above my budget and for the spec it looks a little pricey.
I did like the look of the Whyte Wessex One when I was in my LBS - it takes proper guards and looks quite nice. Only issue is it’s a fair bit above my budget and for the spec it looks a little pricey.
CrouchingWayne said:
I’ll be honest that I’m tempted to get it anyway just because I like it! Use it for fair days...
I did like the look of the Whyte Wessex One when I was in my LBS - it takes proper guards and looks quite nice. Only issue is it’s a fair bit above my budget and for the spec it looks a little pricey.
Thats a bullish price for Apex, although the carbon frame looks niceI did like the look of the Whyte Wessex One when I was in my LBS - it takes proper guards and looks quite nice. Only issue is it’s a fair bit above my budget and for the spec it looks a little pricey.
Have you considered Planet X?
Several of my clubmates have a London Road as winter bike/commuter and less than half the Wessex cash gets you SRAM Rival and hydraulic discs although with an aluminium frame:
https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXLDNSLRIV1/planet...
They take proper mudguards and pannier racks too
Cheers
numtumfutunch said:
Thats a bullish price for Apex, although the carbon frame looks nice
Have you considered Planet X?
Several of my clubmates have a London Road as winter bike/commuter and less than half the Wessex cash gets you SRAM Rival and hydraulic discs although with an aluminium frame:
https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXLDNSLRIV1/planet...
They take proper mudguards and pannier racks too
Cheers
I have considered PX - I was leaning away from them this time though as my current bike is a Planet X aluminium team sprint with Ultegra so part of me fancies a change! Spec wise though that one you linked kicks the Whyte out of the park!Have you considered Planet X?
Several of my clubmates have a London Road as winter bike/commuter and less than half the Wessex cash gets you SRAM Rival and hydraulic discs although with an aluminium frame:
https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXLDNSLRIV1/planet...
They take proper mudguards and pannier racks too
Cheers
I’m also apprehensive as the PX I’ve got is not comfortable for my commute, appreciate geo is probably wildly different these days.
BOR said:
Here is are the mudguards as mounted to my Roadlite.
The threaded holes are on the inside of the seat stays and inside the fork blades, so not immediately visible on the Canyon website photos.
Seems robust enough to me. Whether you could mount a pannier rack to them I'm not sure.
Thanks BOR for all your help! I ordered one last night eventually after a ton of back and fourth so I’m looking forward to getting my hands on it now!The threaded holes are on the inside of the seat stays and inside the fork blades, so not immediately visible on the Canyon website photos.
Seems robust enough to me. Whether you could mount a pannier rack to them I'm not sure.
I think in some ways it is not quite perfect for my needs, but I keep coming back to it and it holds a big ‘want’ factor which will encourage me to get out on it more. I struggled to find anything at the same price that I loved as much. After all, is that not the point?
CrouchingWayne said:
After all, is that not the point?
Yes, for me it's also the point.It doesn't really make sense as a commuter - a commuter should be a heavy sit up and beg, with a dynamo and panniers.
But that doesn't make we actually want to go out and ride for fun, where as this (or bikes like it) do.
Hope you enjoy it, or I'll feel guilty
One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet, fixed dynamo lights are bloody brilliant. My front light is about as good as my Cateye Volt 800, and I don't need to charge it or take if of the bike when I get off.
Also chain guards are great if you're ever likely to ride it in normal trousers.
I see a few upright Dutch bikes with extra bars, a bit like tri-bars, that allow a different position if you want to stand up. No idea what they're called, but you see them on a few exercise bikes in gyms too
Also chain guards are great if you're ever likely to ride it in normal trousers.
I see a few upright Dutch bikes with extra bars, a bit like tri-bars, that allow a different position if you want to stand up. No idea what they're called, but you see them on a few exercise bikes in gyms too
Edited by RizzoTheRat on Thursday 12th September 10:29
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff