Bob.Crouch Posted March 21, 2011 Posted March 21, 2011 Has anyone had any experience with converting a road racing bike to a "commuter" (more like cyclo-cross I guess) bike? I have a Orbea Road bike that I am considering converting for more everyday use. Apart from changing the bars to straight one, changing my breaks, and putting flat pedals on and fitting my robust tyres, is there anything I am forgetting? Is it worth the change or should I sell (should get around R3k) and try and get something else? I have a budget of around R1,5k. Thanks!
Minion Posted March 21, 2011 Posted March 21, 2011 Mudguards? I suppose it depends on how much you're willing to ride in the rain and whether you can change when you get there.Mirrors? Lights?
Ollienoster Posted March 21, 2011 Posted March 21, 2011 Lights! Being visible is very important to a commuter. Maybe look at some puncture proofing as getting a puncture is not a nice way to start a working day.
Rosco Posted March 21, 2011 Posted March 21, 2011 i did it a while ago but spent more than that. left a single chainring in the front and then had to put a chain guide to keep it on. put a sram x9 rare cassette, derailer and shifter off an old mtb and then put a flat bar with normal brake levers. the ride was great as the flat bar gave better visuals and the mtb gearing was great on the hills and good enough on the flats. the other trick is to put touring tyres on but make sure they will fit under the brakes
David Marshall Posted March 21, 2011 Posted March 21, 2011 I don't think that it is worth the effort. There seems to be no market for Hybrids and you can pick them up for around a grand second hand. Even new I've seen them discounted from list of about R4000 to R2000.
levett Posted March 21, 2011 Posted March 21, 2011 The 'costs' are also very dependant on whether it is a 9-speed or 10-speed bike - 10-speed road flat bar shifters are very expensive (8 or 9 speed are quite cheap though). I haven't heard of anyone using 10-speed MTB shifters with road derailleurs, this might work. I rode the Argus on just such a bike that I built, and it was a much more comfortable ride - I'm of a 'larger' build
Minion Posted March 21, 2011 Posted March 21, 2011 If your commuter route is anywhere near the Gautrain then think about getting a folding bike - you're not allowed to take normal bikes on it unless they're packaged.
droo Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 The 'costs' are also very dependant on whether it is a 9-speed or 10-speed bike - 10-speed road flat bar shifters are very expensive (8 or 9 speed are quite cheap though). I haven't heard of anyone using 10-speed MTB shifters with road derailleurs, this might work. I rode the Argus on just such a bike that I built, and it was a much more comfortable ride - I'm of a 'larger' build  I recognise that bike... you started in K or somewhere close?
levett Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 I recognise that bike... you started in K or somewhere close?It is quite distinctive - in a stealth sort of way (absolutely no branding on it whatsoever) - I started in BB - the international bunch at 07:51. Cheers, Dave.
Lucky Luke. Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 (edited) Has anyone had any experience with converting a road racing bike to a "commuter" (more like cyclo-cross I guess) bike? I have a Orbea Road bike that I am considering converting for more everyday use. Apart from changing the bars to straight one, changing my breaks, and putting flat pedals on and fitting my robust tyres, is there anything I am forgetting? Is it worth the change or should I sell (should get around R3k) and try and get something else? I have a budget of around R1,5k. Thanks! get a chain tensioner and a flip flop hub and convert to a single speed / fixie.  http://www.chainreac...x?ModelID=28614 Edited March 23, 2011 by Lucky Luke.
Lucky Luke. Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 less is more, get rid of the gears and the brakes.
Woofie Posted March 24, 2011 Posted March 24, 2011 Why take the drop bars off? That is the one thing that I wouldnt mind fitting to my MTB for commuting.If the wind is pumping it is so nice to be able to drop down and tuck in to save a bit of energy. Learning to ride properly the whole time in the drops must be the nicest thing I have learnt in this last year. Lower your shifters so that you can brake and shift at the bottom and once your are comfortable at the bottom you will never want to go up again.
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