Tag Archives: commuter bike

I have seen many people put off using a commuter bike because they felt they didn't have the right bicycle, not realizing it was already in their garage.

Building the ultimate commuter bike with what’s in your garage

by John Brown, HaveFunBiking.com

I have been using a commuter bike almost exclusively for the past twenty years. In that time, I have seen many people put off commuting by bicycle because they felt they didn’t have the right bike. While the right gear is important, many don’t realize that the right equipment is closer than many think. Take a look at how I would built the perfect bike for commuting, it may surprise you how close it might be to that bike hanging in your garage.

The ultimate commuter bike

For the sake of this article, we will start with a bike that is similar to what most people already have hanging in their garage. The Marin Farifax SC1, an aluminum hybrid with V-brakes, 24 speeds, and a flat handlebar. This bike is comfortable and efficient for most riders and durable enough for the rigors of daily riding. Additionally, the tires use a puncture resistant layer to fight flats.

commuter bike

The Fairfax SC1 is similar to bikes you will find in garages everywhere.

Bare minimum to be a commuter bike

As a bike goes, the Fairfax SC1 is pretty much commuter ready out of the box. If I were to add one thing it would be lights. Being visible as a commuter is job #1. While commuting, you typically share time and space with cars, so it is important to let them know where you are. I like to use a good tail light and a strong head lamp. The tail light is kept on blink mode while the headlamp shins bright and steady. This way, vehicles approaching from behind can see me easily, and the light from my headlamp allows others to see me and me to see them.

I would also recommend the basic tools necessary to fix a flat tire. That includes a spare tube, pump, tire levers, patches and a 1-$ bill. If you have never changed a flat before, practice once or twice at home before heading off on your first trip.

commuter bike

Being visible is a must

Next best thing

If I were to make another suggestion, it would be for a rear rack with bags, or a good backpack. While both options are designed to carry your stuff, they do their jobs slightly differently. A rack a bags work well to keep the weight of your gear on the bike and off your back. This option is far more comfortable than a backpack, but can be more jarring to the gear you carry (a real concern if you lug a laptop around). The backpack is not as comfortable, but is better for your gear, and easier to use if you have more than one bike. For either option I look for something waterproof. Eventually you will get caught in the rain, and keeping your gear dry is a necessity.

commuter bike

A rack and this bag from twowheelgear make carrying your gear easier.

On the subject of Dry

While not a necessity, fenders are a welcome addition to any commuter bike. I prefer the permanent, bolt on, style fender. I find they keep you dryer and stay in place better than the clip on variety. The fender does an amazing job of keeping you dry when the road surface is wet.

commuter bike

Fenders round out the commuter bike build.

The ULTIMATE commuter bike

Ok, I know “the ultimate” gets thrown around a a lot and it’s probably a better headline to grace the cover of cosmo than HaveFunBiking. So This is an overview of My ultimate commuter. As a base, I will start with the Marin Fairfax SC6 DLX. This commuter ticks a lot of the boxes for my ultimate bike and is not the only one on the market. Look around to see what is available in your market, and test ride to see what you like best.

commuter bike

Marin’s Fairfax SC6 DLX is a fully loaded commuter.

I like the Fairfax SC6 DLX because it uses a generator front hub, Internally geared rear hub, belt drive, full fender set, hydraulic disc brakes and a full carbon fork. The things I would change to make it even better is to use lighter rims (light weight wheels make a bike ride easier), and a Carbon handlebar to quiet some of the road noise. Other than that, I would probably loose the rear rack (as I prefer a backpack) and install some egg beater clipless pedals

Everything else

Beyond the bike there are lots of other topics that arise when you start commuting by bike. Things like what to wear, how to care for my bike, rain riding, etc. Rather than focusing on those concerns, I encourage you to think about how you are going to enjoy your increased fitness, what are you going to feel like when you loose those extra few pounds, and what amazing things will you create after you kickstart your mind aboard two wheels.

Tern Bicycles showcase all their folding bike capabilities in the new GSD

by John Brown, HaveFunBiking.com

Hi all! Day two at Interbike’s dirt demo brought more fun in the sun. It gave me an opportunity to review a load of new folding and E-bikes. It seemed any direction you turned, there was an e-bike waiting for you as Tern showcased its latest folding bike model, the GSD.

Tern Bicycles is a relatively new company who burst onto the cycling scene a few years ago with a clean and hyper functional line of folding bikes. Over the past few years they have built a name for themselves through developing folding bikes that not only look great but ride more like a full size bike. In addition to making great bikes, their forward thinking design team has worked to solve problems that plague cyclist with limited storage space.

The Tern GSD folding bike stands for “Get Stuff Done”

Given Tern’s ability to make revolutionary products, I expected a lot from their new bike the GSD. Why GSD you may ask? Well, it stands for “Get Stuff Done” and given the wide capabilities of this bike, that’s exactly what it can do. You see, the GSD is what’s called a mid-tail e-bike. A Mid-tail bike has an extended rear triangle designed to carry additional cargo, people, or accessories. The typical problem with extending the rear triangle is that it can make the bike handle poorly. In the same vain, adding additional cargo to the bike makes pedaling difficult due to the weight.

How Tern gets around these issues and to keep the overall length low is by using the same 20” wheel size as their other folding bikes. They also add folding features to make storage of the bike easier. On top of that Tern also equips the bike with a robust motor and dual battery capable of powering the bike regardless of how much weight is on board.

GSDThe Tern GSD uses folding bike components and a keen rack design for upright storage

Other Tern features

If the GSD were just an Mid-tail ebike, it wouldn’t be that exceptional. However, it isn’t just any old electric assist bike. It seems that Tern has thought of nearly everything. To start, they have custom bags that mount onto the back, but if those don’t tickle your fancy, you can mount waterproof bags from Ortlieb as well. If it’s human cargo you want to carry, there are retractable foot pegs, and a cushioned seat that can mount to the back. As well as carrying people, the GSD also is available with cool stylized front and rear cargo baskets.

Several options for accessories for the GSD folding bike

Several options for accessories for the GSD folding bike

How the GSD rides

The most impressive thing about the GSD is actually the ride and by that I mean how normal it is. Hop on, pedal away and you will immediately feel at home. The GSD doesn’t suffer from many of the idiosyncrasies typically associated with a mid tail bikes. There is no tiller feeling when you turn the bars. Additionally, the common feeling like you are dragging a trailer behind you is replaced by smooth, quick handling. Overall, the GSD is the most comfortable, maneuverable and capable mid tail bikes I have ridden.

Sizing

The GSD is designed for both the short and tallest of riders. They accommodate all those different sized riders by using a remarkably adjustable bar and seat post setup

The GSD folding bike with the saddle in its lowest and highest (inset) position.

Power

Tern went a step further to make the GSD capable by adding an E-motor from Bosch to the bike. This motor helps riders power through their duties with speed and confidence. Considering that the GSD will most likely be loaded with more weight than a standard bike, Turn accommodates for a second battery on the bike to extend its range.

Conclusion

While the “Get Stuff Done” model might not be for everyone. Although, it’s details, quality, and stunning ride quality speak volumes for the attention to detail, that Tern brings to all their bikes. Stay tuned for additional reviews of the amazingly well thought out Tern bicycles.