I've already got a nice road bike that I don't dare to lock anywhere but I'm in need of something to commute with, so I've been looking at vintage road bikes.
This one looks super nice and is in great condition but I'm a bit worried that it might be too nice? I'd get a good kryptonite lock for it and lock it properly though
by geng94
17 Comments
So many variables. Road conditions, how you ride, where you lock it up.
Add utility to the mix: can you install fenders, lights and a rack?
As a commuter, my standards for a commute rig are assume there’s a 50/50 shot at it getting messed with at least, stolen at worst (I live in the us city with the most bike theft) — so what’s the coolest but also kinda shit bike I can tolerate that happening to?
My 80s colnago? Hell no!
My 6ku I bought from aventon during covid and slapped a few parts on, sure sometimes, but I’m weirdly sentimental about that rat bike lol.
A $60 marketplace whip that looks trash but rides fun, this is the money spot!
This bike looks super cool, I’d get it to fix it up, but get something crustier for commuting.
ABSOLUTELY. Sell it on ebay and get something way less desirable as a commuter.
If you don’t already own it, buy it, and flip it on ebay. There’s a listing right now for a similar complete bike that’s almost $1900.
My commuter is similar, been riding it for like 15 years, locked it in shady places and not stolen yet.
I guess bike thieves in my area are less in the retro game
Very nice 90’s road bike. Not very practical as a commuter bike. No provisions for rack or fenders, room for skinny tires only.
Too nice for a commuter bike in Boston.
Way too nice for commuting.
or you can bring 3, 4 thick U-locks and rest assured 😀
I commute on a vintage Cinelli all the time. It’s fantastic. I don’t leave it for long though since I can bring it in to work. I would though depending on the area. I would daily this Merckx in a heartbeat. It’s awesome and even looks my size
Can you lock it indoors where you work? Get two locks. One for each wheel.
I have a 40 year old 10-speed racer I used to ride to work before I retired. Now I go to the gym and all around with it
Are we to assume that there’s absolutely zero possibility of getting your bike somewhere safe during work? I get it that people do lock up outdoors, sometimes they really, really have no choice. But have you exhausted every single angle for indoor storage? Regardless of your bike, you’ll breathe easier if she’s tucked in a closet somewhere.
Your bike is nice and it’s desirable. I bet you love riding it. It’s not safe outdoors, day after day after day. Some locks are tougher than others, but every lock can be defeated.
Commuted to work in Chicago for decades. It’s less about the bike than where and how you can lock it up.
I would “decorate” it with some electrician tape, make it a bit messier, less clean looking. That would help lessen its desireability.
(I even tied little bits of rope on it and it worked, and still works)
I don’t think people stealing bikes know which old bikes are nice and which are just old.
Maybe if it will take fatter tires.
Bit too nice.
Mine is rusty, scratched and Getane.
But fine for commute in non LBL parts of Belgium.
Well , I modified it to have lower gearing, but … Belgium beer…
I would buy that no matter what to ride, but also get a crap bike to commute on.