If you were going to design a poor man's faux Riv "just ride" bicycle ....

[Patrick Moore]

Let's say that you've decided your stable has a niche for  "just ride" bicycle, one that encourages slow meandering rides, with sit up and beg position, street shoe pedals, and comfortable tires. But you can't afford a Clem, and yet want something less ponderous and ungainly than, say, a Raleigh Sports. Since this is a "spur of the moment, get on and ride for 10 to 30 minutes" kind of bike, you won't need fenders; but you might want a rack or bag for light loads -- say taking a ride to the nearby Open Space park to do some work on your laptop.

What would you build up? For example, would you choose an old chromo road frame and 650B it, or would you choose a nice old rigid mtb (not pre-NORBA; I don't like the old ones) and shoe it with Rat Trap Passes?

Bar? Saddle? Pedals? 

Describe the saddle and build kit and gearing -- me, I'd be inclined to make it fixed or, at least, ss -- keep it simple = just get on and ride, in my opinion. Platforms or clips 'n' straps?

First criterion: easy no-thought, no-prep riding; second, stability; third, comfort and efficiency -- no g-d iron tires; fourth, cheap.

The Dahon is somewhat of this quality, but it's a bit too twitchy to be ideal for this purpose. Perhaps I should look into replacing the 35 mm Kojaks with 55 mm Big Apples ...

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[Ron Mc]

I'm pretty happy with the evolution of my old Raleigh GP (bought new in college), which still gets 1500 mi/yr

some people might think it pearls to swine, but it was cost-effective getting in here in stages, 

Fits me like a glove, and I keep up with anybody on the group rides I join

[Philip Kim]

an old rigid mtb would be my bet. a trek 920/930/950 with some trap traps and uprights. still lugged, ox platinum tubing, musa.

[Ron Mc]

The rebuilds of Schwinn KOM are always really nice

[Patrick Moore]

I came across this ... http://www.bikeradar.com/us/commuting/news/article/civia-introduces-the-urban-focused-lowry-47771/

I'd want to replace the tires, but with a list of $370, that would not be a deterrent.

[Philip Kim]

forgot the KOM, definitely. Also the Cimarron are a bit harder to find but nicely filet brazed.

also old school 80s jamis drakars come up sometimes, also filet brazed, but some of the come with the u brake at the bottom of the rear wheel. some later 80's models come with cantis. probably cheaper than the others, but do not come up as often

[Tony DeFilippo]

Seem's like a couple of folks built up their own 'proto-clems' while we were waiting for the first batch's delivery.

I've got 2-3+ of these frames/projects hanging out at any given time that fit the description.  Right now I've got the XO-3/single speed w/ m-bars and a blown out B17 saddle, an MB-5 w/ Bosco Bars and original 3x7 spd exage group, a Rockhopper w/ Bullmoose and 3x7 spd shimano, and a Trek 61x frame/fork that is unbuilt.  There might also be a really small MB-3 hanging around unbuilt as well.  yeesh, lot of bikes!

To address Patrick's question though I'd say;

Bike?  Any '80-90s steel frame, the more obscure/interesting the better

Bar? Upright-ish/swept back

Saddle? Match to bar's, sprung preferred

Pedals? Any platform/open pedal

I think the point of a 'Just Ride' bike is to just go with what you have... though it's way more fun to virtually build up bikes! 

[Tim Gavin]

I agree; my '88 KOM turned out great.  I built mine with drop bars to be a fast-ish gravel road bike, but now it has been superseded in that role by my 'cross bike (plastic frame, but it does have full fenders, bags, and a dynamo).

My point is, I will probably put upright handlebars back on it and return it to a "just ride" role.  I tried Wald 872 cruiser bars initially (before the drop bars) and they encouraged a comfortable, upright position.  Boscos or Albatross bars would be excellent candidates as well.

The Walds got used on a similar build for my son (which my ex-wife has made her own, which is OK) of an '88 GT Avalanche.  

For my KOM re-build, I have a pair of cut Jones H-bars that may get the nod (with a threadless steerer adapter).

I haven't used Rat Trap Pass tires yet, but Schwalbe Super Motos and Big Apple liteskins have been great tires for this type of riding.

So, I agree that a late '80s/early '90s rigid MTB is a great starting point.  

To that, I recommend finding the highest-end frame you can, because they'll have the lightest-gauge tubing.  

Don't be afraid of U-brakes; they work fine as long as you keep them out of mud.  But, measure the tire clearance; some of these bikes can't clear a 60 mm tire.  My KOM fits a max ~57 mm tire in the rear (due to the U-brake).

Cheers,

Tim

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[Jim M.]

On Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 9:01:13 AM UTC-7, Patrick Moore wrote:

I came across this ... http://www.bikeradar.com/us/commuting/news/article/civia-introduces-the-urban-focused-lowry-47771/

I'd want to replace the tires, but with a list of $370, that would not be a deterrent.

That does not tempt me. I had a complete Bridgestone MB3 that I bought for $150 that was a great city bike but too small for me. Old Trek sports tourers (510, 610) are pretty inexpensive and make great city bikes, and they handle 650b conversion well too.

jim m

wc ca

[Shawn Granton]

On Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 8:19:29 AM UTC-7, Patrick Moore wrote:

Let's say that you've decided your stable has a niche for  "just ride" bicycle, one that encourages slow meandering rides, with sit up and beg position, street shoe pedals, and comfortable tires. But you can't afford a Clem, and yet want something less ponderous and ungainly than, say, a Raleigh Sports.

A Raleigh Sports is ungainly? Preposterous! I will go ponder this supposed "ungainliness" while I Just Ride my Raleigh Superbe (deluxe Sports) on a bike ride later today over some rough dirt roads and up a hill.

Sincerely,

Shawn Granton

El Presidente, Society of Three Speeds

https://societyofthreespeeds.wordpress.com/

"Preserving, enjoying, and riding three speed hub-geared bicycles."

[Steve Palincsar]

I'm with you, Shawn: for what they are meant to be, those 3 speed Raleighs (and Rudges, for Rudge was the big-name brand in my neighborhood when I was growing up) are lovely.  Graceful, well designed and perfectly utilitarian.   "Ungainly" is about the very last thing I would call them.

[Bill Lindsay]

" I will go ponder this supposed "ungainliness" "

Just don't ponder it ponderously.  Then you'd be back to both ponderous and ungainly, supposedly.  

Bill just-riding Lindsay

El Cerrito, CA

[Shawn Granton]

And back to Patrick's question: Yeah, an 80's to earlyish 90's MTB (steel, rigid) or even some of the earlier 90's steel hybrids make good "poor mans" just ride style bikes.

I love my 1984 Raleigh Crested Butte for this.

I also had a 1992 Bridgestone XO-3 that was another good candidate for all this.

In any case, thank you Patrick for giving me opportunities to post pics of my bikes! ;-)

-Shawn

[Mark in Beacon]

I've set up a number of these, as no doubt many/most on this list have. (I do object to disqualifying pre NORBA geo, since you are asking us how we would set up a bike, so I will ignore that parameter;o)

Some of my more successful so far include a Trek 750 Multitrack set up to look just like a Raleigh Sport (I don't find the Raleighs particularly ponderous or ungainly); including painting the fenders in black and white; a Miyata Ridge Runner more or less stock; a Peugeot Canyon Express fenderized and Big Appled; a Le Tour mixte with the only original parts being frame, fork, and derailleur.

Even before the Clem was a gleam in Grant's eye, my 650B Bianchi city bike was roaming the streets of ...Rome, perhaps?...beginning in 1945 or so. I have had the bike in my possession now for at least 8 years or so. I debated rehabbing it but decided to spring for the Clementine--I have already confessed to being a procrastinating mechanic. I still have plans to resurrect this bicycle, but it needs a lot of work...one day soon the proto Clementine will re-awaken and roam once again!

[Shawn Granton]

On Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 11:19:33 AM UTC-7, Bill Lindsay wrote:

" I will go ponder this supposed "ungainliness" "

Just don't ponder it ponderously.  Then you'd be back to both ponderous and ungainly, supposedly.  

Oh no! I will not attempt any ponderous pondering. When I ponder, I always ask, "What would Pondero do?"

;-)

-Shawn 

[Shawn Granton]

Some nice bikes there, Mark!

-Shawn

No one actually looks at email signatures anymore, but here goes nothing:

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[drew]

we have a couple budget rivs over here. All treks.

An 84 trek 420 mixte- 650b'd with map/ahearne bars and a black powdercoat

An 85 870- done up in classic mtb fashion. 2.5 tires, bullmoose bars, pewter powdercoat

And then I'm working on another 84 trek as a cabin bike for my wife. An 890 atb with very clemmish geometry but standard Reynolds 501 tubing. 2.1 tires, bosco bullmoose. I think it's gonna be interesting.

All great knockabout bikes, and probably capable of more sport than we give them. They look great too.

[Deacon Patrick]

Consult the Oracle Craig. On his list your answer will you find.

With abandon,

Patrick

[George Schick]

On Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 10:19:29 AM UTC-5, Patrick Moore wrote:

[Garth]

   Get some big apples for your Dahon and just ride it. If that ain't cheap enough then only nothing is. Or someone gives a bike which is certain plausable. Or better yet get some 'dem g-d dang tank tires that you love to hate and put them on any bike if you want to be "discouraged" from riding fast.

FWIW though,  I've seen plenty of people riding "race" bikes and all sorts of bikes just plodding along for a meander. It's ain't about the bike, ever.

[LLM]

Before deciding to spring for a Clem-L (arriving Friday!!), I seriously considered getting one of these:

Brooklyn Bicycle Company.  GP helped them with their designs.

If the Clem doesn't fit the racks on our city buses, I still may get one!

[Christopher Murray]

I have two bikes that I'd put in the "Just Ride" category. The first is a 1996 Trek 930 (steel fork) that I bought new-in-the-box in 2008. I think I paid $200 for it. Put on a B17, paselas, albas and think it's just about perfect. Oddball 1 1/8 threaded headset but that just gives it some character. The other is a Brompton. It's green and white with a B17, xsmall sackville, fenders, and 3 speed hub. This is the bike I grab the most often though I wouldn't classify it as a poor man's anything.

I have found that for me the key to a good "just ride" bike is the connection you feel to it without it being overly precious.

Cheers,
Chris

[Jay Lonner]

I've been in this situation several times, setting up bikes for my growing daughters. My answer has been the Surly Long Haul Trucker. This bike is basically the dictionary definition of the poor man's Atlantis. Used framesets are readily available, frequently for bargain prices. Importantly, LHTs are contemporary bikes that don't spec exotic components - no need to worry about French BBs, 27" wheels, or 126mm rear spacing. So as my kids have gotten older it's been easy to find a larger frame, move the components over, and then sell the old frame for basically even money.

For my money the LHT is the best value around for bikes that embody bobbish virtues - steel construction, relaxed geometry with longish chainstays, plenty of brazeons for racks and fenders, and lots of clearance for big tires. 

Jay Lonner

Bellingham, WA

On Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 8:19:29 AM UTC-7, Patrick Moore wrote:

[Jay LePree]

Hi all:

I have a 2008 Redline Monocog 29er.  I used it for a 3 to 6 mile commute into work.  Everything on that bike is stock except I replaced the Exiwolf knobbies with CST "City" hybrid tires with reflective side walls (622-38).  I added a Thule Pack and Pedal Rack and Thule commuter bag (found on Ebay).  To me it is the perfect set up.  It has a 32 tooth chainring, and I exchanged the original cog for a 15 tooth cog which provides a speed of approximately 15 MPH at 90 RPMs.

The only change I may make is to reduce the width of the handlebars with a trusty hacksaw.  However, their width is still acceptable.

Jay

Demarest, NJ

[Ryan Fleming]

I gues this is what my old early 70's PX-10 turned out to be. SS . w a 36 hole wheelset using old Campy Record hubs mismatched rims WI ENO freewheel and 35mm Paselas  VO threadless bottom bracket after org. Stronglight BB was cross-threaded so that drivetrain was toast. Replaced org fork with a black Tange sloping crown fork. Headset was cobbled together from various Tange headset parts...old XTR crank from partner's defunct Specialized CF bike, nitto tech stem and M-bars but stock Mafac brakes,simplex seatpost and Ideale saddle. Crappy paint, but still an aristocrat with that very nice Peugeot ride. I don't think we put much  more than $200-250 in it. This was my 3rd Peugeot and some shop fat-fingering screwed steerer thread on org fork so it was hanging up and my partner revived it for me. While I think the Riv QB and Simpleone are really groovy bikes I wouldn't trade my Peugeot for them because I have a long history with Peugeots

On Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 10:19:29 AM UTC-5, Patrick Moore wrote:

[masmojo]

I think if there was a perfect bike like this, we would all have one!
The main factor as noted in the title is cost. But, are we talking cost new or Craigslist cost?
I have a variety of great grab & go bikes, but some weren't cheap and some are better for different things then the others.
Others have mentioned old treks, but old treks go for serious money these days so unless you just happened to have one or stumble on one it's probably not doable. Old Bridgestones? Same deal.
For trips of less than 2 miles I typically grab one of a few cruisers/Klunkers in the stable. I don't really have anything else that qualifies as cheap although in relation to your average Rivendell most things are more economical.
But, what would this mythical beast look like!?
To me: early 90's, steel, 7 speed index thumb shifters, probably a mountain bike.
I do have a old Raleigh Mountain Tour 650b mountain sort of hybrid that I envision being just what you described, but we will see how she turns out!?
Indeed, I think Rivendells bring together a fairly unique set of specs & criteria that you are just not going to be able duplicate by buying anything else

[Shawn Granton]

On Thu, Aug 11, 2016 at 10:20 AM, masmojo <mas...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

I do have a old Raleigh Mountain Tour 650b mountain sort of hybrid that I  envision being just what you described,  but we will see how she turns out!?

Is this the fabled Raleigh Tamarack?

[masmojo]

Yes, Tamarac

[Chris Lampe 2]

The sentence in red is what I was inclined to post a day or two ago.  The combination of slack angles, long wheelbase and low bottom bracket is rare.  It's one of those "pick two" situations.  To me, the Rivendell ride I've been reading about for years is my primary attraction so that is what would make a bike Riv'ish to me.   The only bike I know of is the Jones Plus and it's definately not cheap!  

Every bike I've owned has been a "just ride" bike and they have all been 700c hybrids or 26" MTB's.  Right now I'm riding a rigid 29'er and that's the direction my interests are going right now.  

[Dave Johnston]

I bought this Jamis Coda Sport used for $250 and just for fun gave it the "just ride" treatment specifically to mimic the cover of the book. I had to buy the Soma Oxford bars and flat pedals,but I already owned the Saddle, bag, basket, and racks.  The drivetrain is still stock for the time being.

[LF]

I'm also rockin a CL Jamis Coda ...

[Patrick Moore]

Thanks for all the interesting replies. I stand by "ungainly" for the Raleigh Spriteses I've owned, and I've owned at least 3. I would guess that a Superbe is a rather different beast?

I would look at Craig's list, and even better, Stevie's yard, but I wanted some ideas, and I've got them. Also, I don't want such a project to turn into a major overhaul costing a lot of money -- as my beater projects tend to do. 

I do like that Grant designed roadster, though.

[Shawn Granton]

On Fri, Aug 12, 2016 at 5:54 AM, Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks for all the interesting replies. I stand by "ungainly" for the Raleigh Spriteses I've owned, and I've owned at least 3. I would guess that a Superbe is a rather different beast?

And I still stand by my claim that it isn't ungainly, whether Sports, Sprite, or Superbe! Maybe it's just that these bikes...encourage slow meandering rides?

:-P

[Steve Palincsar]

On 08/12/2016 08:54 AM, Patrick Moore wrote:
> Thanks for all the interesting replies. I stand by "ungainly" for the
> Raleigh Spriteses I've owned, and I've owned at least 3. I would guess
> that a Superbe is a rather different beast?
>
>
>

What kind of Sprite were yours?
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/sprite.html

[Mark in Beacon]

I too stand by the "not ungainly" in regard to the Raleighs of yore. Which, by the way, have more than a passing resemblance to the basic Public bike models of today, right down to the various colors with matching colorway fenders.

[Bill M.]

Not sure that it qualifies as 'cheap' simply because of limited availability, but I'd just grab a bike I already own - a 1984 Miyata 1000.  I bought the frame new in 1983 so it has long since been amortized.  The geometry is surprisingly close to that of an AHH (with a higher bottom bracket) and the joints are lugged so it qualifies as Rivvish in my book.  The current build includes a 90's vintage Shimano triple crank, 80's Suntour XCD derailleurs, Shimano barcons, Suntour XC cantis and seatpost,a B17 Imperial and drop bars.  I use a well-worn Carradice Nelson Longflap for luggage, and a Blackburn rack to support it.  Wheels are in transition, but will be a Suntour XC 9000 front / Specialized FW rear, 7 speed 14-28, 32 spokes, Sun CR18 rims and Conti Speed Ride tires (nominally 42's, really a bit under 40mm) once I finish building them.  No fenders needed around here, if I needed them I'd use plastic.  For the stated purpose I'd swap to an Albatross (or similar) and cheap MTB levers.  And yes, Patrick, I have ridden that bike with a fixed cog, so that could be done too.

If that all sounds too fancy for the purpose, it's a result of small purchases over many years so I haven't noticed the expense.  The frame could wear most any parts that fit and all the function would be there.  

OTOH, I *can* afford a Clem, and there's a 52 cm. green frameset waiting for me to pick it up at Riv WHQ on Saturday.  That will be a rather different build, details to come.

Bill

Stockton, CA

[Beth H]

http://bikelovejones1.blogspot.com/2015/11/fixation-short-history-of-bicycle.html

A short history of my most preferred bike setup.
The bikes, in order of photos shown in the post:

1. 1985-6 Peugeot Orient Xpress. It was too big for me at 21 inches c-t, but I loved it. Nearly ten years after selling it to finance a smaller frame, I STILL miss it.

2. 1999 Rivendell All-Rounder. This fits me, and rides like a dream. And I ride it very, very slowly. Because these days I'm no longer a fast rider. But that's okay.

3. Diamondback Apex, department-store era (late 90s? early 00s?).

4. 1989 Bridgestone MB-4. I got this in trade for a Thomson seatpost. Yeah, a whole bike.

Now that I ride mostly slow and short, I feel little need to keep more than two bikes at home. Especially when i've dialed in the concept so completely.
Beth H in PDX

[Patrick Moore]

Well, I stand by my impression, over several of them. 

I'm not complaining about the Sprite; I owned 2 of those, and though cheap, they didn't feel awkward like my Sportses did.

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[Patrick Moore]

After reading a couple of other responses: my complaint is only about the Sports (well, and the rod braked roadster, Indian version). Sprites are fine; I'm sure that a Raleigh Superbe would be different, too. Hell, even my Schwinn Collegiate felt less awkward than my Sportses.

Patrick "That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it" Moore

[Shawn Granton]

On Sat, Aug 13, 2016 at 6:01 AM, Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:

After reading a couple of other responses: my complaint is only about the Sports (well, and the rod braked roadster, Indian version). Sprites are fine; I'm sure that a Raleigh Superbe would be different, too. Hell, even my Schwinn Collegiate felt less awkward than my Sportses.

Patrick "That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it" Moore

On Sat, Aug 13, 2016 at 6:59 AM, Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:

Well, I stand by my impression, over several of them. 

I'm not complaining about the Sprite; I owned 2 of those, and though cheap, they didn't feel awkward like my Sportses did.

Well, I still stand by my impressions too, after riding 3 Sports-type Raleighs! ;-P

Though I am still curious what exactly makes them "ungainly" in your opinion. And why a Sprite, which is pretty much a Sports/Suberbe/LTD frame, though many came with a 5 or 10 speed derailleur setup (and later models switched to 27 inch wheels), feels less ungainly than a Sports. Or why a Collegiate feels less awkward than a Sports, since many people feel that the lugged Raleigh frames are lighter and "sportier" than the Chicago eletroforged frames.

-Shawn

[Thomas McCause]

Trek SingleTrack...

came with a busted front wheel and cantis that i didn't love...updated to a 1x7 with a crank I had laying around...rides great.

On Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 9:19:29 AM UTC-6, Patrick Moore wrote:

Let's say that you've decided your stable has a niche for  "just ride" bicycle, one that encourages slow meandering rides, with sit up and beg position, street shoe pedals, and comfortable tires. But you can't afford a Clem, and yet want something less ponderous and ungainly than, say, a Raleigh Sports. Since this is a "spur of the moment, get on and ride for 10 to 30 minutes" kind of bike, you won't need fenders; but you might want a rack or bag for light loads -- say taking a ride to the nearby Open Space park to do some work on your laptop.

What would you build up? For example, would you choose an old chromo road frame and 650B it, or would you choose a nice old rigid mtb (not pre-NORBA; I don't like the old ones) and shoe it with Rat Trap Passes?

Bar? Saddle? Pedals? 

Describe the saddle and build kit and gearing -- me, I'd be inclined to make it fixed or, at least, ss -- keep it simple = just get on and ride, in my opinion. Platforms or clips 'n' straps?

First criterion: easy no-thought, no-prep riding; second, stability; third, comfort and efficiency -- no g-d iron tires; fourth, cheap.

The Dahon is somewhat of this quality, but it's a bit too twitchy to be ideal for this purpose. Perhaps I should look into replacing the 35 mm Kojaks with 55 mm Big Apples ...

[Patrick Moore]

The 3 Sportses I've owned felt in comparison to the (2) Sprites and (1) Collegiate as if they had:

1. Too low a Q

2. Too short a top tube (or too little reach to bar)

I felt while riding them I was too much "on top" of the bike instead of "in" it, a sensation I didn't have with the others, but similar to the feeling with the Indian rod brake roadsters.

The Sprites I owned didn't feel like this, nor did the Collegiate.

Is it true that the Sprite frame was the same as the Sports frame? They certainly didn't feel so to me.

On Sat, Aug 13, 2016 at 11:53 AM, Shawn Granton <urbanadven...@gmail.com> wrote:

Well, I still stand by my impressions too, after riding 3 Sports-type Raleighs! ;-P

Though I am still curious what exactly makes them "ungainly" in your opinion. And why a Sprite, which is pretty much a Sports/Suberbe/LTD frame, though many came with a 5 or 10 speed derailleur setup (and later models switched to 27 inch wheels), feels less ungainly than a Sports. Or why a Collegiate feels less awkward than a Sports, since many people feel that the lugged Raleigh frames are lighter and "sportier" than the Chicago eletroforged frames.

-Shawn

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[Shawn Granton]

On Sun, Aug 14, 2016 at 10:44 AM, Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:

The 3 Sportses I've owned felt in comparison to the (2) Sprites and (1) Collegiate as if they had:

1. Too low a Q

2. Too short a top tube (or too little reach to bar)

I felt while riding them I was too much "on top" of the bike instead of "in" it, a sensation I didn't have with the others, but similar to the feeling with the Indian rod brake roadsters.

The Sprites I owned didn't feel like this, nor did the Collegiate.

Is it true that the Sprite frame was the same as the Sports frame? They certainly didn't feel so to me.

I know what you mean. A lot of that "short reach" is due to the stem/bar combo. The stock stems on the Sports/Superbes don't have a lot of reach. That can be fixed by a stem with more extension. I currently have a dirt dropesque stem on my Superbe, with Albatross bars.

​

As for the Sprite, the early versions (like around 1968) are just a Sports/Superbe frame stocked with either a Sturmey Archer 5 speed hub or a 5 speed derailleur. Later ones may be a bit different since they switched to 27 inch wheels, but I don't think they did any radical changes to geometry and the like, since the Sprite was then the "10 speed with 3 speed styling". Of course, I may be wrong...

-Shawn

[Patrick Moore]

Thanks all, again. After the usual feverish impulse dies down, I daresay that the really sensible option is much as Garth urged, which is to ride one of my present stable: not the Dahon -- tho' not bad, it's just doesn't feel "easy enough" to ride; but the Matthews. The only downside is that I have to wear SPD shoes or else swap out the pedals for some clip 'n' strap touring pedals, which I just may do one day.

But the discussion was not only interesting but brought to attention some very likely possibilities at very reasonable prices.

Patrick Moore, who just rode the Matthews, and remarked how easy it is to ride even after a protracted layoff.

On Wed, Aug 10, 2016 at 9:18 AM, Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:

Let's say that you've decided your stable has a niche for  "just ride" bicycle, one that encourages slow meandering rides, with sit up and beg position, street shoe pedals, and comfortable tires. But you can't afford a Clem, and yet want something less ponderous and ungainly than, say, a Raleigh Sports. Since this is a "spur of the moment, get on and ride for 10 to 30 minutes" kind of bike, you won't need fenders; but you might want a rack or bag for light loads -- say taking a ride to the nearby Open Space park to do some work on your laptop.

What would you build up? For example, would you choose an old chromo road frame and 650B it, or would you choose a nice old rigid mtb (not pre-NORBA; I don't like the old ones) and shoe it with Rat Trap Passes?

Bar? Saddle? Pedals? 

Describe the saddle and build kit and gearing -- me, I'd be inclined to make it fixed or, at least, ss -- keep it simple = just get on and ride, in my opinion. Platforms or clips 'n' straps?

First criterion: easy no-thought, no-prep riding; second, stability; third, comfort and efficiency -- no g-d iron tires; fourth, cheap.

The Dahon is somewhat of this quality, but it's a bit too twitchy to be ideal for this purpose. Perhaps I should look into replacing the 35 mm Kojaks with 55 mm Big Apples ...

[Bill in Roswell GA]

Patrick, a bit of a sidebar but why not use Shimano A530 pedals, flats on one side SPD on the other. Or if you want fancy, there is a XT variant. Such pedals are nice to have on at least one bike!

Cheers

Bill in Roswell, GA

[Patrick Moore]

I've used the A 530s and the M 324s many times, but (frankly) I've found I dislike "retentionless" pedals; I like, at least, toe clips and straps.

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[Scott Loveless]

Mine's an '87 MB-2, 58cm.  I lovingly refer to her as the Junqapillar.  She's worn a bunch of hats over the last few years.  MTB knobbies, then 1.75 Paselas, occasionally studded tires.  Sometimes fenders and racks.  Jim Thill built a dynamo wheel for her and she was my main transportation, camping and touring bike for a while.  B.17, 20/32/42 triple, 7-speed rear.  I had Suntour barcons, but gave them to a friend.  Now the bike has 7-speed Shimano bar end shifters.  At first, she had a Wald 8095 handlebar, but I actually bent it when I pulled up starting off from a stop in too high a gear.  Definitely not MTN EN.  Has had an Albatross or a Mustache since.

​
​

On Wed, Aug 10, 2016 at 11:18 AM, Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Let's say that you've decided your stable has a niche for  "just ride"
> bicycle, one that encourages slow meandering rides, with sit up and beg
> position, street shoe pedals, and comfortable tires. But you can't afford a
> Clem, and yet want something less ponderous and ungainly than, say, a
> Raleigh Sports. Since this is a "spur of the moment, get on and ride for 10
> to 30 minutes" kind of bike, you won't need fenders; but you might want a
> rack or bag for light loads -- say taking a ride to the nearby Open Space
> park to do some work on your laptop.
>
> What would you build up? For example, would you choose an old chromo road
> frame and 650B it, or would you choose a nice old rigid mtb (not pre-NORBA;
> I don't like the old ones) and shoe it with Rat Trap Passes?
>
> Bar? Saddle? Pedals?
>
> Describe the saddle and build kit and gearing -- me, I'd be inclined to make
> it fixed or, at least, ss -- keep it simple = just get on and ride, in my
> opinion. Platforms or clips 'n' straps?
>
> First criterion: easy no-thought, no-prep riding; second, stability; third,
> comfort and efficiency -- no g-d iron tires; fourth, cheap.

--
Scott Loveless
Camp Hill, PA  USA
http://www.twosixteen.com/fivetoedsloth/
    __o
  _'\<,_
 (*)/  (*)

[Patrick Moore]

My next but one and long delayed project is to build a 17" Diamond Back into a usable all rounder for my daughter, but bikes like Scott's tempt me to trade it in for a larger size and build it up for myself ...

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