Day: April 17, 2008

City Bikes was my second stop last Tuesday (4/8) after the Bike Rack did not have the Swobo in stock.  I test rode a Jamis Commuter 4.0  I unfortunately was there just before closing time and did not have any time to really look around. I went back on Wednesday (4/9) and after test riding a Jamis Coda Elite, and not liking the riding position, I opted for the upright Commuter 4.0.  My decision was based on the internal 8 speed hub and disk brakes.  I did not like the color, not the fact that it had a de-railer on the front.  While it gave it 16 gears, I had many a derailment as a kid.  While I felt like a old man on a cruiser, I enjoyed the seating position and purchased the bike.  City Bikes has a 30 day return policy and since I had derailment this past week and did not like the color or the style of riding, may be returning the bike for a Coda Elite or the Giant FCR 1.  If I don’t like the riding style of the others, I may switch to the 8 speed Jamis Commuter 3.0 as it is $300 less.  While it does not have disk brakes, it is a more neutral color and since it does not have a de-railer, should not drop the chain at all!  While I considered riding to work all the time, I decided not to when it rained and therefore the fenders were no longer a requirement.  While I like the look and the benefits such as braking power, ability to stop in rain, and use when wheels are out of alignment, I dropped my disk brake requirement.  Now I am looking for a lightweight bike.  The Commuter 4.0 is 30.5 pounds.  What would be great is that the bike have the option for disk brakes, but that is something that must be part of the bike frame and those that don’t come with them have not had the mounts necessary to attach the Avid Juicy’s I like.  Perhaps if I become an avid biker, I can pick up a true mountain bike with shocks and disk brakes where they really are useful.