A Good Commuter Bike Needs ONLY THESE 4 Characteristics

If you're looking for the perfect bicycle for your commute, you need to consider only four aspects. Everything else is secondary. In this video, we're discussing what those four things are.

[johnbeaver]

I believe the must-have features for a commuter bike should include a rear rack and mud fenders. Because you don't want your colleagues to see you are sweaty and muddy when you come into the office and you may use your commuter bike for shopping on the way home as well.

[xxHANNONxx]

I spend at least 3 hours of my day, commuting by bicycle, and I’ve found, that handle bars, seats, their positioning, and shape, are the biggest things I focus on, due to uncomfortable bikes, being dreadful to ride. Also, even with a cheap, or old bike, bringing it to a bike shop, and having components replaced, with higher quality components, as needed, will eventually turn your whatever cheap bike, into something reliable, and custom fit, for your personal preferences and needs. I’d even go as far, as saying your better off, starting with a cheap bike, like one of those 90s mountain bikes, and changing what you don’t like, than spending all your money on something new, only to have to make changes, for it to fit right.

[texabara]

About the bike: you are so right!

Here in Puerto Rico, as there are no bike lanes, bikes are use only as sport or by collectors. I commute on a Schwinn Discover step through (hybrid) with a milk crate on the back. So when cyclist here see me they do not see sport or collector’s material.

But when I ride it through the city many times pedestrians tell that my bike is awesome. Of course! I am using it as transport!


Salutes from Puerto Rico!!

[unclepete]

Not a commuter (anymore), 76 yrs old regular/ frequent bike-user tho.
My must haves? Pedalling support (ie, an ebike)
Internal gear hub (a Shimano fan myself 😊)
Dutch-style frame
Fenders, rear rack, and a MIRROR !!
Cheers all, and happy/safe cycling.

[rotaxtwin]

90s MTN bike commuter here. Nothing quite like locking up a drab grey 30-yr old steel Raleigh and trotting into a store worry-free. I have changed it to a 1X7 drivetrain and replaced lots of worn parts over the years as the support for those bikes remained good for quite some time. It certainly checks all the boxes.

[dolittle]

Excellent points! Have a 2019 Specialized Crossroads—a hybrid that’s comfortable for a 20 mile ride (have no need to ride any further than that), practical (low maintenance), has a lot of gears (more than I really need), and I have customized it to suit my needs in all kinds a weather and on a variety of terrains in a leafy small to medium sized city. Always lock it and keep it in my line of sight. If I can’t see it and lock it I don’t take it. Not a commuter I but run errands and ride for exercise and fun. Best bike I have ever had and it fits my needs perfectly.

[aureliomega]

I am commuting to work in bike since last 12 years... incredible how time has flown by. Very in agreement with all the suggestions. I started also with a Wal bike... not very cheap, one of the best from the store, but starting to have problems in few weeks... I upgraded few things like the bottom bracket and cassette and boom! working pretty good until got stolen because it looked really appealing how new it was... Learned to store new bike at job in lockers, lot safer than just racks with chains. No more problems since then. Second bike was little higher level. Specialized Rock Hopper. not the most expensive MTB but exactly like mentioned in the video, I don't need more for commuting. I decided to have a MTB for commuting because is funnier for me and also because I like to use sidewalks when possible to avoid risk of cars, so going up and down of sidewalks is better with MTB. It is just the entry level of MTB Specialized, hard tail, but give me lot of fun. So rain, thunder, cold or hot, I use my bike. It also saves gym fees and gym time (and probably also medical costs and time). I hope to continue commuting until my retirement, and I don't see why not reallly. 😉 🚴‍♀ Live and let ride!!!

[joffroyboutin]

I sold my car 3 years ago, since I do all my travelling by bike. Once, a guy at work said that I must have a real expensive bike since I put in so much millage on it! I just smiled and said: I have four very average priced bikes and they are all vintage. I started out commuting with my 95 Peugeot road bike, I bought a 97 cannondale mountain bike a few years back, I have a crapy specialized cross roads that now serves as a back up winter bike, and my main winter bike is an old Nishiki rock hound that I bought in 87!

My advice is this: 1- very often, the bike you have now probably has the potential to become a good
commuter
2- there is no such thing as a perfect commuter bike
3- what may work for one person may not necessarily work for you
4- even brand new so called "commuter bikes" will nead some modifications
How good a bike performs depends on what you make of it.
And those 80es and 90es steel bikes are really tough!!

[loveloreal]

These are wonderful tips that are extremely realistic and useful. I didn't feel like you made a video to promote a bike. This was great. Good job and thank you so much!

[ghjgjihjgjyrdrgydsgr]

There's good advice here! I agree with low-maintenance as an important factor. I used to get a puncture every few months with the Kenda tyres my bike came with. A few years ago I changed to Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres because they're famous for resisting punctures. Some people hate these tyres because they're heavy and hard. But they grip very well I've had only one puncture, from a 3" nail, in the years since then. Think of all the roadside repairs it's saved me.

[mikehill]

Good advice indeed - as a previous regular London commuter, I agree with these points. Budget looking bikes are the go-to option for peace of mind, allowing you to lock it up anywhere. My bike was based around a road bike frame rescued from a rubbish skip with all stickers/branding removed and built up with good quality, but low cost parts into a flat bar commuter. Many people used to tape over logos and things as well to make their bikes look cheaper. I recommend a very puncture resistant tire for the rear for city commuting. I had a schwalbe marathon plus, which weighed an absolute ton, but was glass-proof, long lasting and provided an extra workout that paid off on my weekend pleasure rides. I had zero punctures with that over 2 years daily commuting.

[stevengagnon]

My favorite was a Raleigh C50. I shortened the chain stays and installed a different fork(shorter and less rake) with drop bars, eventually it got Sachs ergo power shifters and Shimano drive train. So it now has good cyclo cross geometry . Had a torch at the bicycle shop i woked at . Cool now it's a cyclo cross bike with a sloping top tube that's easy to get on and off. Gee why didn't anyone think of that sooner. Anyway nothing like commuting on tubulars (the cyclo cross type with the center worn smooth) daily and being able to go off raod at the flick of the wrist with confidence . Still have it.

[billywood]

If my comment can help anyone- I committed to commuting to work 6 months ago here in Indiana. With all weather factors of all 4 seasons. Heat, sun, clouds, cold, frigid temps, rain, wind, snow. I use a big box department store bike. Its a gravel/fixie hybrid frame. 53cm 700c. I spent $200 US. I tested all models to choose one that was well assembled. Well greased. No bends in the wheels, tubing, and most importantly the Derailler. Shifted well and braked well. Fitted well. Geometrically fit well. Then I also considered the fact of how it was able to take upgrades and after market parts. Things like the Rear Dropouts. Predrilled holes for cages. Tire Clearance. The welds... Are they clean and solid? Have holes? Lack of integrity?... Check welds as well.
Consider all this. As well as spreading the word to your friends, family, and acquaintances because that my lead into you receiving parts or even bikes. Also be patient. Dont rush. You must ride and commute before upgrading because only "YOU" will know what you need and want. Its a matter of preference. My commute is only 11miles round trip. Ive upgraded my bars, drivetrain, wheels, and saddle for less than $150 with quality parts. I have also done personal maintenance as well... Like a overhaul regreasing hubs and bearings. My bike is much lighter, stiffer, comfortable, faster, and smoother now. I'm so pleased as a 40 yr old single fulltime father doing a fulltime bike commute in all 4 seasons 24/7 365 on this lil shred sled!!
In hindsight, I do regret not doing enough research on finding quality bikes with quality components for almost just as much as I have invested so far but then again I wouldn't have this bond... This relationship... This love for this ol city beater!!

P.S. u dont need a bike stand an all the special tools to do it... And u dont have to wear a freakin helmet if you dont want too!! Go burn your legs an smile!!!

[Cabbieguy]

My first bike was a schwinn hybrid. It looked nice, as it sat in my living room. It constantly needed something, always an adjustment. Plus the weight of it, killed my legs. I hated it. Then I bought my Trek. Man, I love riding this bike. Weight is perfect, the fit is spot on, and the components are just great. Research is key when buying a bicycle. By the way, great job in putting out this video. I’m sure there are a handful of people who will not pull the trigger on a big box store bicycle when the bike they really want is a few clicks away, and only a couple hundred dollars more, with far superior components.

[scbscb]

As a bicycle nation (The Netherlands) i would agree with most of your points but we simply also have the fact that now most bikes sold here are ebikes (which means locks and inssurance to feel ok). On these and even normal bikes next to the upright position and 'help when needed from motor'. I would aim for low maintenance so carbon belt bike to an internal hub if possible again one with less moving parts like a enviolo type. On the stealing part a commute assumes you know where you store it at both ends of the ride so make sure you can secure it, insurance and locks (please don't laugh but normal locks for me would be 3kg, when i go to places unknown a second 4kg locks comes with me. Lastly either go cheap as you have outlined or accept thats a car replacement if stolen or damaged insurance will pick it up the bill and you can get a new model (fun!) you will still be way cheaper then using a car or even public transport. And if in a country where it rains always have weather protection with you its just a fact of life i personally kind of like riding in the rain at I am sure many will disagree with some of my comments ....

[jawjuk]

You are truly a man after my own heart! Always commuted on mountain bikes with wide semi-slicks. I would strongly recommend permanently fitted, full-length mudguards so you're never caught out by weather, and a rear rack with a load of bungees is SOOOO useful for hauling home anything you might buy/find on the way. Great video!

[margaretclaypool]

I've got an eVelo Galaxy SL, and I adore it ❤ It's an ebike, but the gears work when the power is off, so if I were to run the battery down it's still rideable 🙂 It's kind of like a dutch bike -- It's a step-through frame, and I added a riser so the handlebars are even taller, giving me a very upright posture. It's super comfy 🙂 I installed a cafe/ring/frame lock with a chain, so it's easy to lock up, and I've got a basket on the back rack, so I can carry a bunch of stuff. (I'm in the backpack in the rear basket camp for transporting stuff to and from work 😆) It came with fenders and lights, which are pretty essential this time of year 😛 I added a universal trailer hitch, so I can pull a trailer. I got a pet trailer so that I could carry my black lab if he gets too tired on a ride, but I've also used it for grocery shopping at Costco and WinCo, and with the extra help from the motor I have no trouble hauling my loot back up the hill to my house 🎉 I can't use it to transport my kids (the youngest is 10!), but for solo trips around town my bike can pretty much replace my car 🚲🎉

[ihabmidhat]

Great video,
I don't have a lot of money so I have a department store bike that is single gear, I have my bike for many years but I did change and modify it. Removing unnecessary stuff, did basic maintenance when it needed, and I am thinking about changing the drive train ratio to make it a slightly faster bike. I live and work downtown which is a high left area, so a nice bike and expensive bike is not an option for me.
That is my take about committing on a budget. A simple bike will do, but you will sacrifice speed and that is the main aggrievating reason for me. Specially when everyone passes me.
Great video and I can't wait to see more biking content from you.
Take care.

[rickgantz]

Been commuting for 10 months now on a few different bikes and just last week or so everything this video explains finally dawned on me. Great video only wish I had seen it sooner! The 90’s MTB part especially rang out as when I decided to do this the first idea for a bike was just that, a built up straight forward work hoarse. But no, I had to have something impractical and “cool”. Now I’m headed in exactly that direction. Spot on sir👍

[thepedallerdoc]

I have exactly such a heavy 18.5 kilo steel 90s mountain bike. Twin bow frame. Shimano RevoShift grip shifters, 3x6 Tourney drivetrain with a MegaRange 14-34 threaded freewheel. Beautiful rolling 36 spoke 26" wheels and cantilever brakes. Have set it up with barends and an oversize quill stem to increase the stack height even more. Have been neglecting it for years in favour of my more modern alloy road bike and flat bar hybrid, but i took her out recently to use as a gym bike fir exactly the same reasons you mention. Which is, simple, comfortable, low maintenance, old bike that I'm not afraid to leave locked up in a common parking lot. And I'm loving it! 👍😀