...... a commute from more than likely Hampton Hill in SW London to Central London?
It's around 12-13 miles, I'd imagine the roads would be about as good as the rest of the capital, guard mounts would be nice.
I've got a Charge Plug SS, but don't overly fancy doing 26 miles a day single speeding - call em what you will, but I reckon gears might be nice.
Also the realtive proximity to the roadie training mecca that is Richmod Park, would enable me to get some afterwork miles in.
I'm not too keen on commuting on my road bike due to the state of the roads and the inevitable grime/dirt based accelerated wear on the nice Ultegra drive train. Also I can only just fit the Crud Racers on it.
Would you say summit like a cheaper hybrid/flat bared commuter or a cross bike would be an idea to cover all eventualities?
Charge Mixer, like the plug but with 8 or 11 internal bub gears.
Cunning plan and the 2010 ones are reduced
My old corner of the world, lovely place!
I rode a SS Azonic DS1, a SS steel-framed Rockhopper, a Kona A, a SS Puch road bike and several others. Light and comfy was best, if you want to stay on roads then a Pompino, if you fancy a bit of rough than a Pompino. Or whatever you want to ride, it's easy.
Pompetamine, the alfine version with dropss :-
I do think I'm heading towards somethign with an Alfine.
How easy is it to "Spring" a steel frame with narrow rear drop outs (Charge Plug) to take and Alfine hub, as this would be a cheaper way of doing things
The spacing of the plug rear end means that it wont accept the hub.
You could fit a Sturmey Archer in there.
track (ss) spacing is 120mm, alfine spacing is 135mm, I'd say speak to a bike shop who know about 'cold set' for a steel frame
you'll need to extend it by 8mm each side, it can be done but not without risk (google may be your friend, try lfgss assuming you can stomach the trendiness 😉 )
incidentally, how flat is the commute? if it's flat enough, the ss (maybe freewheel to start with) could be a win
