Good Idea or Bad Idea?
I picked up a used bicycle that has had the original bolt on rear wheel/axle replaced with a new wheel (freehub & cassette). That's not the problem. The problem is, the bike has no eyelets or 'braze-ons' to mount a rear rack. Using 'P'-clamps, the rack sits up really high. My other thought that does work...place the coned shaped skewer springs between the frame & the rack, then run the skewer straight through the bottom two holes in the rack. It does work & looks better this way. However, will it actually hold any kind of weight, even 20 lbs. or so? Good idea or bad idea. It's a Wald rack as on this link...
http://www.amazon.com/Wald-Rear-Bike-Rack-Chrome/dp/B000C129JM/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1296850148&sr=1-1
John...either way the P-Clamps go, the rack sits up kind of high. Remember, this type of rack fits best on an old school road bike with 27" tires. This is a mountain bike - 26" tires. Mounting it the way I described, about an inch of clearance to the tire. With the P-Clamps, about 3" or more. I'm just wondering if the skewer can take any weight at all.
Upgrading bicycles for commute?
I started out riding a hybrid trek bicycle in late-august to get me started on commuting on a bicycle to school/work. I live one mile from a DART light rail so I can ride when it rains, but on other days I ride 10 miles one way. I would say my current bike is falling apart and has done it's duty as a beginner bicycle but I think I need something new/faster.
I was thinking of buying a schwinn road bike for my commute, if that is what I need. I am not really sure. I found a safe route with little traffic and am not forced to ride on the sidewalk/grass. I carry about 25-50 pounds on my book (which I can carry on a rear rack).
Now that I have laid down some information, let me get to the question. I know I am physically fit to try out commuting on a road bike, but will I need a road bike? Sure I want to make my commutes faster but are road bikes appropriate for daily 20 mile commutes? Also, are road bikes suited to carry loads like my school books and work clothes? Last but not least, should I just stick with a hybrid bike but just another one?
Thanks everyone, I hope to hear some great answers from y'all. I'm not sure if it matters but I live in Dallas Texas.
I forgot to add what bike I am interested in purchasing. I want to get one from my local neighborhood bike shop. It is a Scwinn Prelude road bike. I don't really know much about it or what to look for but here is the link.
http://www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/road/prelude-10318
Which one of these bikes is a better all-around performer?
I'll be buying my first bicycle soon. I will be riding it at least 12 miles a day, 5 days a week as my form of transportation to and from work. However, I also plan on using it for longer rides out of pleasure, possibly even tours. I've looked at a million bikes on-line and I've narrowed it down to these four. Which do you think is best suited for my purpose? I'm looking for the fastest bike I can find that can also be equipped with fenders and a rack as well as durable enough to put up with a bit of light off-roading (rough roads, dirt paths).
2011 Motobecane Fantom CX
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_cx3.htm
Windsor Tourist Road Bike
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/tourist.htm
2010 Motobecane Cafe Noir
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/cafe_noir.htm
I can't tell if this bike can be fitted with front and rear fenders and a rear rack, which is a must.
2010 Motobecane Fantom Cross Outlaw
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/outlaw.htm
Who can help me tackle my slightly off the wall DIY project?
I am a high school teacher who likes to get part time jobs over the summer. This summer, one of my jobs will be working as kennel help in my county's humane society. It's located in the next town over and I plan on riding my road bike. I want to take my dog Bernie to work with me. The distance is much too far (about 5-7 miles) to consider a simple bike basket--it just wouldn't be safe for him. What I would like to do is mount a rear attaching rack that attaches to both the seat and the back wheel and then attach a small dog carrier (my pup is only about 14 pounds) securely to the rack. Here are my questions:
What would be a good rack to purchase for this purpose?
What is the most secure way to attach the rack?
What is the best method for attaching the carrier? (All I can think to do is drill holes in the bottom of the carrier, zip tie it to the rack, and then cover the bottom of the carrier with a carpet remnant).
Is this project worth attempting?
Constructive help only, please
What is the proper Bicycle Tire inflation for a Commuter with 40 pounds of extra bags?
I have a road bike that I fill up with a Max of 90psi with no panniers on. How much should I fill it up with 40lbs worth of pannier bags on? And can I fill the tire while the bags are on the rear rack?
Thanks
Can I put saddlebags and/or a rear rack on a Trek 1.2?
I'm thinking of getting a bicycle for my commute and for general recreation. My father is an avid cyclist and recommends Trek. Beyond that I don't know a whole lot, and he lives overseas and isn't around to help me with this.
I want to get a road bike, so I was thinking the Trek 1.2. It looks like a good entry-level bike, which is perfect for me.
My question is: Can I put saddlebags and/or a rear rack on one of these? Here is a link to it: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/1_series/12/
I know I can physically attach one to it. I guess my question is will that somehow screw up the bike.
Please have experience with cycling or otherwise know what you're talking about before you answer this question.
Who can tell me about a rear attaching rack for a bike meant for attaching a basket?
I am a high school teacher who likes to get part time jobs over the summer. This summer, one of my jobs will be working as kennel help in my county's humane society. It's located in the next town over and I plan on riding my road bike. I want to take my dog Bernie to work with me. The distance is much too far (about 5-7 miles) to consider a simple bike basket--it just wouldn't be safe for him. What I would like to do is mount a rear attaching rack that attaches to both the seat and the back wheel and then attach a small dog carrier (my pup is only about 14 pounds) securely to the rack. Here are my questions:
What would be a good rack to purchase for this purpose?
What is the most secure way to attach the rack?
What is the best method for attaching the carrier? (All I can think to do is drill holes in the bottom of the carrier, zip tie it to the rack, and then cover the bottom of the carrier with a carpet remnant).
Is this project worth attempting?
Constructive help only, please
whats best, a roof rack for a bike, or a rear boot carrier?
Recently bought a new road bike, and am unsure which is the best way to transport it in the car, a roof rack, or one of the boot carriers you can buy?? Any advice gratefully received!!