My (finished) commuting machine

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dee.jay

Network Ninja
Location
Wales
Bought this new bike nearly a fortnight ago, just today finished adding mudguards, so now it's a all-year round commuter.

It's a Cotic Roadrat for those who don't know...

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Lilliburlero

Pro sandbagger
Location
South Derbyshire
That is one solid and lovely looking bike, Dee Jay. Orange and black go so well together and I like the white bottle holder, it goes with the other flashes of white on the bike. Great job.

Enjoy :smile:
 

benb

Evidence based cyclist
Location
Epsom
You know, I'm weighing up the options for a new commuter, including whether to go flat or dropped (currently riding a Genesis Croix de Fee) and this has made me think I might copy you!
 
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dee.jay

dee.jay

Network Ninja
Location
Wales
The Orange is a new colour - it's pretty damn nice - matte too - my iPhone photo doesn't quite do it justice. Might have to break out the SLR...
 

benb

Evidence based cyclist
Location
Epsom
Bought this new bike nearly a fortnight ago, just today finished adding mudguards, so now it's a all-year round commuter.

It's a Cotic Roadrat for those who don't know...

Did you get the frame and build it up yourself, or did you get the complete bike from them?
 
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dee.jay

dee.jay

Network Ninja
Location
Wales
Complete bike from them, comes mostly assembled just have to put the front wheel on and assemble the handlebars - I mean literally screw the steerer together etc not putting the brake levers etc on
 

benb

Evidence based cyclist
Location
Epsom
Wish they did a belt drive option.
 

benb

Evidence based cyclist
Location
Epsom
They do an alfine one though. How different is a belt driven system? Never seen one myself

Don't need to lubricate, lasts thousands of miles.
Downside is the frame needs a break in the rear triangle, as the belt doesn't split like a chain does.
 

ianrauk

Tattooed Beat Messiah
Location
Rides Ti2
Don't need to lubricate, lasts thousands of miles.
Downside is the frame needs a break in the rear triangle, as the belt doesn't split like a chain does.


Why would you say it's a downside?
I see a chap on my commute every now and then who rides a Trek Belt Drive. He's been riding it for years and has had very little trouble. He did say though that spares are a little hard to come by. But he did say for a commute bike he won't go back to normal chain and gears.
 
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dee.jay

dee.jay

Network Ninja
Location
Wales
I put 84 miles on it last week and I'm heading out in a bit too. Much smoother to ride than aluminium and the gears are much better than my previous bike. The brakes are hydraulic disks and are stunning - need to learn how to maintain them but so far so good - will be great in the poorer weather.

I find it much easier to accelerate and I'm not doing anything differently from before to be honest. This is the small frame version - I'm about 5 ft 7 and 28 inside leg and this fits just nicely. Had to move the seat backwards but otherwise it's fine.
 

benb

Evidence based cyclist
Location
Epsom
Why would you say it's a downside?
I see a chap on my commute every now and then who rides a Trek Belt Drive. He's been riding it for years and has had very little trouble. He did say though that spares are a little hard to come by. But he did say for a commute bike he won't go back to normal chain and gears.

Only that it's harder to find bikes that can take them! Plus the frames and therefore bikes tend to be a bit more expensive, as they are more specialist.
 
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