Need a good commute bike

[ComedyPilot]

I have (very) recently given my previous job (career) the spanish archer, and have been offered a new job close to home.

My old job was over 18 miles away, the new one is 2.5 miles. Ideal chance to get rid of the motor/use it a LOT less, get kitted up with a good commute bike and associated kit, wet weather gear, mudguards, lights etc. I currently ride a nice roadie/racer but that is a bare bones job for training. I am looking for a dependable hack for the short commute, although I can change the route slightly to make it about a hilly 4 miles so as to make it more beneficial fitness-wise.

Any ideas? I was thinking something Dawes/Claude Butler-ish.

 

[GrahamG]

You sound like the ideal candidate for a cheap fixed wheel conversion, it'll make it fun for you unless you want to arrive without being sweaty in which case just get an old tourer or rigid MTB to use.

 

[Arch]

I have (very) recently given my previous job (career) the spanish archer, and have been offered a new job close to home.

Sorry, a diversion here, never heard this phrase, is it some clever slang? I assume it means 'elbow' or 'heave ho'...

 

[ComedyPilot]

Sorry, a diversion here, never heard this phrase, is it some clever slang? I assume it means 'elbow' or 'heave ho'...

Exactly that Arch, Elbow or Heave-Ho.

 

[ComedyPilot]

You sound like the ideal candidate for a cheap fixed wheel conversion, it'll make it fun for you unless you want to arrive without being sweaty in which case just get an old tourer or rigid MTB to use.

I'll have to look at the 'Dark-Side' and read the fixed threads on the forum.

 

[GrahamG]

Keep your eyes open for old road bikes with clearance for mudguards on sale locally - use the search by location on ebay - and you should soon get a bargain on something for collection only. I've just had a nice 1989 Raleigh 531 frame that was mint, sold the parts for more than I paid for the whole bike and now it's in for mudguards braze-ons and a respray (thought I'd treat myself seeing as the cycle parking at work is secure).