Commuting on the good bike

[Matthew_T]

Thursday and today I have had to commute on my good bike. Mainly due to my old one having a big gash on the tire which I dont want to ride on. So instead of using the bus, I decided to use my racing bike.
TBH the bike didnt feel any different than it usually does, even with the loaded panniers on the back. It is insured now so it gives me a little piece of mind when I lock it up.

The problem I have now though is that because my good bike is much more comfy and much faster than my old bike, I dont want to go back to using my old bike. But I also dont want to repeatedly use my good bike because it isnt really built for the massive weight at the back and I would be fearful of it getting stolen or damaged at work (its located near where deliveries come in).

Has anyone else commuted on the good bike and found it difficult to go back to the old?

 

[Gary E]

Do you need a massive weight at the back? What are you carrying that weighs so much and can you do without any of it? Maybe leave some kit at work/college?
I don't know what you yourself weigh but I've seen some pretty hefty blokes on road bikes with no issues at all (maybe need a bit more air in the back tyre?) so even the weight of you and your 'massive load' will probably add up to less.

 

[Maylian]

Yup, I have my hybrid and bought my road bike with the intention of using it for weekend rides. That was a year ago and now I only use the hybrid when I'm getting the roadie serviced / upgraded.

I've been on the hybrid this past week and I quite enjoy bouncing along on dirt trails and finding interesting routes on the way home but can't wait to start racing home. Fortunately my work place is pretty good and I don't tend to worry about theft

 

[Easytigers]

I used to have that problem when I had a commuter and a road bike...just tried to get past it by reminding myself that I didn't want to wear out the parts of my better bike too quickly and that during the week the 'ride' was just about getting there and back and that I could enjoy the ride at weekend on the better bike.

 

[mark st1]

Buy another "Good Bike" problem solved.

 

[lejogger]

I've been commuting on the carbon for the past month because my Easter stripdown of the commuter became an extended layoff when I realised the brakes needed replacing and had to be ordered etc.

Finally reassembling is to be the task for this morning.

Commuting on the good bike is fine when the weather is good although I have to use a rucksack instead of panniers which isn't great for my back, but I've certainly nabbed a few Strava KOMs as I'm a lot faster.

I've had two punctures using the conti gp4000s too in comparison to none in over a year using the Michelin Krylion carbon... The old speed/grip vs protection conundrum.

I also don't like that I'm wearing out my good tyres and components, getting my new lovely white saddle and bar tape soggy, and I'm sure I've seen the early signs of melting which we all know happens to carbon in the damp.

As I found out yesterday, my new saddle (with large cutout), plus no guards, plus rain = an incredibly wet arse.

So on wet days, I won't have any problem at all jumping back on the CX, and despite the speed/efficiency gains I'll actually be pretty relieved to be using the best bike just for best again.

 

[addictfreak]

Used all three of my bikes since returning to work a couple of weeks back, love them all for different reasons. So I have a smile on my face whichever one I choose. But I always love that first ride of the year on my 'good' bike when the sun returns. Been enjoying commuting along the cliff tops between Sunderland and South Shields on my MTB this last week, even bagged 3 KOM's. All I'm waiting for now are wind free days!

 

[potsy]

I swap between my road bike and CX bike for commuting depending on weather and potential offroading on way home, also on the amount of 'stuff' I need to carry.
Good bike for occasional sunny day commutes only

 

[Hacienda71]

Carbon road bike all year round. Mind you I am a looney.

 

[AndyRM]

All my bikes are 'good'. Even my Raleigh Ascender.

 

[Matthew_T]

Well thats it. No more commuting on the good bike. I am going to take the rack off tonight as I want to go out with the club tomorrow and I am due some new tires for my commuter on Monday (wanted them to come today).
I might commute on the good bike again but that will only be when I have a problem with the commuter.

 

[400bhp]

Carbon road bike all year round. Mind you I am a looney.

I concur.

 

[ianrauk]

I ride a nice bike all the time... both commute and leisure.
Life is too short for crappy bikes.

 

[Matthew_T]

I ride a nice bike all the time... both commute and leisure.
Life is too short for crappy bikes.

Money is too short for good bikes.

 

[StuAff]

I ride a nice bike all the time... both commute and leisure.
Life is too short for crappy bikes.

+1. All of mine have been used for long rides, all for the commute (though the two roadies only do so when there's an FNRttC afterward).