On 4/25/2015 9:11 AM, jbeattie wrote:
On Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 8:40:56 AM UTC-7, Lou Holtman wrote:
Frank Krygowski wrote:

(BTW, I believe that most anti-drop-bar opinions come from using drop
bars set far too low. If they're raised up and have "interrupter"
auxiliary brake levers added, they're as comfortable as flat bars, but
more versatile - as on 50 mile rides with headwinds.)

Indeed. Put drop bars at a comfortable height and they are way more
comfortable than flatbars also for commuting. Flatbars are the work of the
devil as Sheldon would say.


Gads, coming from a Netherlander! Prepare for the pitch-forks and torches!

I had a flat-bar bike for a really short time and didn't like the fixed hand position. I can tolerate it on a mountain bike but not a road bike. It's a personal thing.

What makes a good commute bike is very personal and depends on how comfortable a person wants to be, how much maintenance a person wants to do and how much a person wants to spend. My minimum bike must have fenders, pump, patch-kit and room for larger tires during the slippery time of the year. I use a back pack, but if I were commuting with a computer or anything remotely heavy, I'd use a rack and waterproof panniers. I'm not that happy with my current backpack because it soaks through too fast. Also, my commute distances are not that far unless I throw in elective miles, but if I had to ride 10-15 miles each way, I would go with a rack just to let my back vent.

Her commute is 8-9 miles about half of which is on a multi-use paved
trail with no lighting. Everything she needs fits in a rack-top bag, a
pack on the back is not happening. So that means a rear rack. But on the
recreational rides we go on we carry enough stuff to make it necessary
as well since sometimes there are no convenient places to stop for food,
though I try to plan rides with restaurants or stores about half way.

I think that a stem that allows more height/reach adjustment so that the
drop bars are not too low may be all that is necessary.