Bicycle Rear Rack Bicycle rear rack information

1. 

   mtlbiker
   July 7th, 2010 - 18:35

   If kept in good shape, this bike would do quite well for the sort of distance you propose. Fenders are a good idea, you may have a bit of difficulty mounting then on the front suspension fork. A rack is also much better for carrying things than a backpack. You should check for bags that fit on the top of the rack, they can be easier to attach and remove than panniers. If you will be riding at night lights are necessary. If the streets where you will be riding are lit at night, a set of LED lights will make you visible to cars, you won’t need lights that illuminate the road. As for drop bars, they would cost you more than the price of your bike, and it would be difficult to find 7 speed shifters these days. 7 speed has been obsolete on road bikes for many years. I would keep the bike the way it is, and if you really enjoy riding, you could save up to buy a nice lightweight road bike for pleasure riding.
2. 

   Kirk C
   July 7th, 2010 - 18:35

   You are absolutely insane. This is the same as wanting to put performance parts on a Geo Metro. When you buy a bare bones model to begin with you can only get so much out of it. Congrats on your purchase.
3. 

   manwithnoname
   July 7th, 2010 - 18:35

   I wouldn’t exactly say you’re insane but I would say that the bike you have is practical for commuting. It’s got 700c wheels/tires and should be pretty effortless to ride fast.
   Add fenders if you ride in dirt or rain and keeping clean is important. I have seen a neat rear rack/fender combo that clamps on the seat post.
   Drop bars are not practical since they use different type shifters and the cables would need to be different lengths.
   There’s a cool head light/taillight combo called the Flea that’s recharges with a D battery. The headlight is good for visibility to carrs but won’t light up the road. For that you’d need a more expensive light.
   Your commute is only 3 to 5 miles each way. That’s not too much. I would say 20 to 30 minutes each way depending on lights and traffic.

   So for my $100.00 I’d buy the clamp-on rear fender/rack, some bungee cords, the Flea combo and maybe a cheap rainsuit. I’m assuming you already have a good helmet. If I had money left over I might buy an additional extra bright taillight.
4. 

   sno f
   July 7th, 2010 - 18:35

   don’t waste your $$ just ride. detachable fender med size. rack & saddlebags work soyou don’t sweat so much under pak. bell or catseye lights. go to walmart cheaper than shop. dropbars don’t bother.
5. 

   wle atlanta
   July 7th, 2010 - 18:35

   you could ride it 20 miles a day, should be fine

   don;t spend any money on it for things that can;t be moved to a new bike though

   i mean it

   it;s not worth it

   use a backpack

   maybe fenders if you absolutely have to ride in rain

   don;t replace handlebars, get panniers

   lights would be good
   can move to new bike

   wle.
6. 

   Ron S
   July 7th, 2010 - 18:35

   Even though a lot of people recommend racks, I would suggest go ahead and just use your own current backpack and see how it works out for you. If it’s not too hot and your stuff is not too heavy, it’ll work out for a 10 mile commute.

   My commute is 23 miles one way, and sometimes I have to carry a laptop, lunch, clothes and notebook all on my back. I prefer to leave the laptop at work when I commute though.

   Save your money for a road bike (since it’s what you love riding), your commute will be faster with one.

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