Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Perfect Commuter Bike

I need help.

I want to make a list of characteristics that would describe the perfect commuter bike, so I'm turning to you, My Vast Readership.

That means I need comments on this one. Don't be shy. Yes, I'm talking to you. And you. Read, think, comment, go.

I'm not going to give examples because I want everyone going into this with unadulterated creativity. So, what would a bike be like that is perfect for commuting? For those of you who don't ride bikes much, what kind of things would make a bike an attractive form of transportation?

Thank you (in advance)!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

ARE YOU GOING TO BUILD ME A BIKE IF I RESPOND?!! Please say yes!

Here goes:

1. Easy to understand gears. Maybe 3-5. Just for a little flexibility with terrain.

2. Wider tires. Thin ones scare me and make me feel like I might fall over.

3. Straight handelbars. The curvy ones are a little intense.

4. Comfy seat.

5. Low bar down the middle. I'm afraid of the high ones...they're racing bike-esque and hard to swing your legs over if you are carrying things.

6. Possible basket with streamers. Haha. I just like baskets.

Hope this helps!

--Jess

Anonymous said...

tires wider than a road bike's, but not as wide as mountain bike tires, because then you're lugging yourself around.

curvy handle bars have more sex appeal.

margot said...

mm i'd say:

1. something that drove itself.

2. something with a really big seat (NOT that stupid shape it is now)

I have to wear dresses / skirts and heels / look good at work so if I were to commute on a bike it'd really have to be some kind of miracle bike that didn't give wedgies and make me sweat like bikes do now..

this post was probably counterproductive. whatevs I tried.

DanasGlobalTravel said...

4 wide tires...seems safer to me...also some storage space for computer, books, etc things that might be needed at work. What else....a little computer that gives weather reports so you know if its going to rain soon and you need to haul ass to work.

Anonymous said...

big comfortable seat, storage basket for books and clothes, water-bottle holder, curvy handlebars, refectors (for safety), light in weight, big, thick tires.

Oregoncornhusker said...

Jess: Maybe I'll build you a bike after creating the perfect design.

Anonymous 1: Good tip on the tires. Medium width is certainly good for efficiency without sacrificing safety and anti-flat tires.

Margot: You tried. ;)

Dana: Time for some riding lessons whether you like it or not.

Anonymous 2: You like the curvy handlebars and others don't. Perhaps bullhorns to satisfy the middle ground?

Thanks for the ideas!

Serena said...

I like Margot's reply because she's pretty much describing a car.

Or like a John Deere tractor if you wanted to be more original, cars are DONE.

Lenny said...

Commuter bike!
Her name is Ginger.
She is a sassy U.S. Postal Trek and you have been ignoring her.
Need to get somewhere? Why not get there fast? Commuter bike....
I feel like I don't even know you anymore.

Oregoncornhusker said...

Lennnnny,
I didn't know you came to by blogggggg. I thought I killed my OCR3, but after an afternoon in the shop (at MY hands!) it's as good as new. Actually, in even better shape than before the crash.

PS I'm back from the east coast and eyeing the Cascade Classic for my next race.

PPS Eli said you guys chatted it up at a race. Does that mean you upgraded?