Just made this decision with my kid headed off to college in less than 2 weeks, as the bike they have had for the past 8 years has no business in a college bike rack.
Was originally looking at 80s/90s mountain bikes, however they can be a little sluggish, so I ended up picking up a ~1997 Bianchi Advantage. It is a great bike! Really like these old 700c Bianchi's for this type of purpose. Fit fat tires (up to 38c generally), upright riding position and 3x7 and depending on year model you can find your preferred shifter type as they seeming were made in thumb, twist and click shift versions depending on year. Does not feel overbuilt. They made a few similar models like the Boardwalk so lots of options out there within this 90s/00s Bianchi space alone. I paid $140 for the one I just got and it was mechanically perfect and a really fun ride! On Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 12:59:17 PM UTC-5 eric...@gmail.com wrote: > Hi Leah — Another recommendation: the Electra Loft 7i. My friend in > Baltimore manages a Trek store and recently bought one. He quite likes it > and says it's okay if it gets stolen. He swapped the bars, stem, pedals, > seatpost, saddle, tires and added a front rack (I think it's a Velo Orange > constructeur with a Wald 139). Internally geared 3-speed hub. They're > around $750 from Trek. Just an idea :) > > [image: loft.png] > > On Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 11:45:26 AM UTC-4 Eric Marth wrote: > >> Hi Leah — Congrats on sending your son off to college 🥲. This question >> does seem a little tricky! My short answer: Send him off with a racked and >> bagged dyanmo-equipped Clem. >> >> I'm not precious about my Rivendells in terms of dirt or scratches to the >> paint. But I make sure they're in good mechanical condition, running well >> and I take care to make sure they aren't stolen. But that's the *current* >> version >> of me. When I started college 20 years ago I didn't have racks, I didn't >> have bags, I didn't have lights and I didn't have a clue. My bike was two >> sizes too small for me. >> >> I would not give College Freshman Eric Marth a Rivendell to take to >> school. I didn't have any tools, I didn't know how to change or repair a >> tube or adjust brakes. And I wasn't interested! I didn't know how to ride >> safely and didn't have good lights or reflectors. But I was not adjacent to >> any kind of bike culture and I didn't have a parent who was into practical, >> beautiful bicycles as tools to enhance life. Having a bike become a part of >> everyday life in college could be transformative. Especially with a bike as >> means of self expression and something more than a machine to get you from >> A to B. >> >> One recommendation might be to send him off for with a beater, but a good >> one. Something like an 80s or 90s steel mountain bike in the Rivendell >> style. A Bridgestone, Trek or Specialized with swept back bars, basket, >> bags and lights. Here's a picture of Roman's Sequoia (maybe not the best >> example, those bikes are pretty desirable and not too cheap!). >> >> [image: seqq.png] >> >> But here's the thing: Finding a bike in the right size that checks all >> the boxes (steel, braze-ons, good tire clearance, etc.) plus all the >> accessories required (racks, bags, fenders, lights) and you're looking >> again at the cost of a Clem in the first place! Plus a lot of time getting >> all the stuff sourced and put together, whether you do it yourself or leave >> it to a shop. Any old steel mountain bike you find will almost certainly >> need tires, tubes, cables and brake pads. On an older used bike the brakes, >> pedals, derailers and gearing might not be right. The handlebars will >> certainly not sweep back gracefully. If you look around on Craigslist in >> your area you might get suuuuper lucky and find someone who has already >> upgraded an old steel bike in this style. I see them from time to time. You >> might also have some luck by starting a Want To Buy thread here with your >> requirements. Someone might have a nice beater they're ready to move along. >> >> Another alternative is an off-the-rack hybrid from your local bike shop. >> Well that's so un-groovy as to be pointless. Surely it will not be as >> practical as the Clem or half as good looking. I think it's worthwhile to >> customize the bike with whatever you have in mind. Once that stuff starts >> to weather and get a little dirty I wonder if the bike will become a real >> head-scratcher for thieves. Step thru, waxed sacks, wire basket, fenders, >> what is this thing? It doesn't have suspension springs or carbon anything. >> It's an everyday bike. >> >> I'm curious about the transition and how he's suited to land and college >> and get right into riding the bike everyday. Does he currently have a >> bicycle lifestyle and use his bikes for errands, shopping, meeting with >> friends, going to work? Do you anticipate he'll use the bike every day at >> college as his primary means of transport? I noticed there's a "no cars for >> freshmen" rule but you didn't mention the size of the campus or the city >> where he's headed. >> >> Regardless of what you do or which bike he takes bon voyage! And best to >> you and your family with the big changes ahead. >> On Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 2:21:03 PM UTC-4 krhe...@gmail.com wrote: >> >>> @Wes - >>> Thank-you. >>> >>> Kim Hetzel >>> Yelm, WA. >>> >>> On Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 11:13:38 AM UTC-7 Wesley wrote: >>> >>>> Hi Kim, >>>> The way to measure is from one axle to the other. The maximum >>>> measurement that will fit on bike racks on Sacramento busses (pretty much >>>> identical to racks I've used/seen in other cities) is approximately 45". >>>> -Wes >>>> On Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 9:14:41 AM UTC-7 krhe...@gmail.com >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> @ Jonathan - >>>>> >>>>> Does the Clem H and the Clem L have the same wheelbase or not ? >>>>> >>>>> I know my Clem L from the outer length from end to end of the wheels >>>>> measures close to 80" long. Too long for a bike rack for a transit bus is >>>>> my belief. >>>>> >>>>> Kim Hetzel >>>>> Yelm, WA. >>>>> >>>>> On Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 7:36:47 AM UTC-7 Johnny Alien wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> I mean the fallback is to take the smaller Clem H. It will be easier >>>>>> to get onto public transport bike racks and be easier to slot into a >>>>>> dorm >>>>>> at night too. The choice doesn't have to be Clem L or total beater. That >>>>>> Clem H is a killer bike that has slightly less sentimental value if it >>>>>> happens to get stolen. If it doesn't then he knows he can go with the >>>>>> bigger one the next semester. >>>>>> >>>>>> On Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 9:58:42 AM UTC-4 Curtis wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> If this is a question of bicycle happiness level (BHL)for a first >>>>>>> year college student we may be spending more energy on this than we >>>>>>> should. Difficult to judge the BHL for an 18 y.o. when we are looking >>>>>>> at >>>>>>> this through our rose or not so rose colored glasses. Who is to say >>>>>>> the >>>>>>> student on the 100 dollar "beater" has a different BHL compared to the >>>>>>> student on the 2500 dollar bicycle? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Perhaps only the rider knows. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Perhaps we should hope that the student is indifferent about the >>>>>>> bicycle they ride and are focused on the task at hand. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> If this bicycle and not that bicycle makes the student happier at >>>>>>> college then pick this bicycle. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Peace, >>>>>>> Curtis >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Wed, Aug 9, 2023, 4:47 AM Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! < >>>>>>> jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Wow, this thread has generated a lot of response, and I’ve enjoyed >>>>>>>> reading every post. It’s such a shame we have to go to extremes to >>>>>>>> avoid >>>>>>>> bike theft - carrying heavy u-locks, being so choosy about parking and >>>>>>>> locking, replacing parts, making the bike ugly, choosing to ride an >>>>>>>> undesirable bike so we can preserve our desirable bike… >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Then there’s the other variable - how careful is the kid going to >>>>>>>> be with the bike? Well, bikes are not precious to him. He likes his >>>>>>>> bike, >>>>>>>> sees beauty and usefulness in it, but please do not bore him with too >>>>>>>> many >>>>>>>> details about it. I don’t think he will worry about it like I would; >>>>>>>> and >>>>>>>> that may lead to carelessness that gets his bike stolen. But also, he >>>>>>>> has >>>>>>>> the Mr. Magoo-like quality of walking through life blissfully unaware >>>>>>>> of >>>>>>>> the evil that lurks around every corner and arriving unscathed at his >>>>>>>> destination. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> The campus in question does not have a lot of bike pirates roaming >>>>>>>> about, although yes, I know they exist everywhere. But they are not >>>>>>>> prolific on this particular campus. I’m still undecided about what >>>>>>>> bike to >>>>>>>> send, but any bike that goes with him will get skewers that are locked >>>>>>>> and >>>>>>>> nuts that prevent the theft of stem, saddle and seat post. Hexlox >>>>>>>> makes all >>>>>>>> these products, if anyone is wondering. We’ll have good u-locks, too. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> And thanks to Jim for the mention of coverage under homeowners’ >>>>>>>> insurance. I’ll be looking into that for sure. >>>>>>>> Leah >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 7:04:07 PM UTC-4 nlerner wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Similar to Mackenzy, I’ve been bike commuting to college campuses >>>>>>>>> for many decades, the last 30 of which have been in the Boston area. >>>>>>>>> I’ve >>>>>>>>> never had a bike stolen likely because (1) I use a decent lock and >>>>>>>>> (2) >>>>>>>>> never park it outside overnight. I have colleagues who would never >>>>>>>>> leave >>>>>>>>> their bikes outside at all and schlep them up to their offices, >>>>>>>>> navigating >>>>>>>>> too small elevators and lots of doorways, but I’ve never seen the >>>>>>>>> need. >>>>>>>>> Sure, bikes get stolen around here all the time, but I’m convinced >>>>>>>>> those >>>>>>>>> are the ones easiest to steal, e.g., unlocked on a porch or in a >>>>>>>>> backyard >>>>>>>>> or part of a larger home break in. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Now that doesn’t mean I necessarily endorse bringing the Clem to >>>>>>>>> college as it will likely get thoroughly trashed from daily wear and >>>>>>>>> tear >>>>>>>>> (bike racks are not bike-friendly spaces). But I’m also always >>>>>>>>> looking for >>>>>>>>> an excuse to build up a commuter for colleagues. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Neal Lerner >>>>>>>>> Brookline MA >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 5:07:52 PM UTC-4 Mackenzy Albright >>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I'm amazed at the amount of discouragement of use of the Clem as >>>>>>>>>> a college commuting bike. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I've worked at universities a good chunk of my life and commuted >>>>>>>>>> with high(er) end bikes and never had any issues. I like riding nice >>>>>>>>>> bikes >>>>>>>>>> - which is why I own them. I've parked in high foot traffic zones >>>>>>>>>> (in front >>>>>>>>>> of libraries, security, etc.) or bring my bike inside ( absolute in >>>>>>>>>> downtown Vancouver) when possible or parking my bike is in eyesight >>>>>>>>>> (outside my old office at a bike rack in UVIC). Just the standard >>>>>>>>>> back >>>>>>>>>> wheel lock with cable around the front wheel. Nothing fancy. (no QR >>>>>>>>>> seat) >>>>>>>>>> Never ever ever leave them parked over night. I always avoid dark or >>>>>>>>>> hidden >>>>>>>>>> area's, especially near residence halls or maintenance buildings. >>>>>>>>>> Granted - >>>>>>>>>> some universities and colleges are more sketchy than others. I've >>>>>>>>>> found >>>>>>>>>> eventually other cyclists with nice or similar bikes will start >>>>>>>>>> parking >>>>>>>>>> around you. It's a little heartwarming. My biggest issue is the >>>>>>>>>> occasional >>>>>>>>>> bike jammer - which leads to fender misalignment or dents. Scratches >>>>>>>>>> etc. >>>>>>>>>> It's the life of a bike. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I am of the opinion have a wonderful bike to have a wonderful >>>>>>>>>> ride everyday not to hide in the garage. On the counterpoint - if >>>>>>>>>> one is >>>>>>>>>> going to be riding to the bars or parties or potential overnight >>>>>>>>>> parking...this is where the shenanigans will happen. It could be >>>>>>>>>> good >>>>>>>>>> having a "bar hopper" single speed or something of the sort if >>>>>>>>>> biking is >>>>>>>>>> desired in these situations. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 1:50:41 PM UTC-7 Ian A wrote: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Have you considered a Brompton for a college bike? The folding >>>>>>>>>>> nature of it means it can always be safely inside with your son. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> IanA Alberta Canada >>>>>>>>>>> On Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 8:54:39 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle >>>>>>>>>>> Ding Ding! wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> It nearly kills me to say it, but my older son will be heading >>>>>>>>>>>> to college in a year. Freshman aren’t to bring cars to campus, so >>>>>>>>>>>> that >>>>>>>>>>>> leaves buses, bikes, and your own two feet for transportation. My >>>>>>>>>>>> boys have >>>>>>>>>>>> grown up riding Clem Hs; this son rides a 52 cm cast-off from my >>>>>>>>>>>> husband >>>>>>>>>>>> (who doesn’t ride, sigh). >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> My 6’3” Dad had a blue 59 cm Clem on order when he died >>>>>>>>>>>> suddenly in 2020, and his blue Clem has sat, boxed, waiting for my >>>>>>>>>>>> boy to >>>>>>>>>>>> grow into it. I lugged the gargantuan box up from the basement >>>>>>>>>>>> last week to >>>>>>>>>>>> see how if the bike would fit. “Now that I’ve obtained optimal >>>>>>>>>>>> height,” my >>>>>>>>>>>> son is fond of saying… >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Anyway, he’s 6’1” now (likely still growing) and I need him to >>>>>>>>>>>> decide if he wants to stick with his old Clem H (that he was fond >>>>>>>>>>>> of) or >>>>>>>>>>>> settle into this Clem L. Because whichever bike he chooses is >>>>>>>>>>>> getting new >>>>>>>>>>>> wheels, dyno and fenders and going to college with him. At first >>>>>>>>>>>> he was >>>>>>>>>>>> opposed to the idea of a new Clem; he liked his old Clem, thought >>>>>>>>>>>> it looked >>>>>>>>>>>> cool. But after the - as he calls it - Big Bike was assembled, he >>>>>>>>>>>> really >>>>>>>>>>>> began to like it. “It looks elegant,” he said. It really does, all >>>>>>>>>>>> long and >>>>>>>>>>>> lithe, in blue and silver. He put his saddle and bags on the bike >>>>>>>>>>>> and we >>>>>>>>>>>> test rode it tonight. He said, “I am really liking the Big Bike. I >>>>>>>>>>>> like >>>>>>>>>>>> that my knees don’t have anything to hit (geez, were his knees >>>>>>>>>>>> hitting his >>>>>>>>>>>> bars?!) and it looks elegant. It feels more at home now that I >>>>>>>>>>>> have my old >>>>>>>>>>>> saddle on it.” >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> I have mixed feelings about sending him to college with this >>>>>>>>>>>> bike, because it’s so nice. I also doubt he’ll be able to get it >>>>>>>>>>>> on a bus >>>>>>>>>>>> bike rack - and I have no idea how often he will want to do that. >>>>>>>>>>>> His bike >>>>>>>>>>>> life is totally unknown at this point. All I know is that I’m >>>>>>>>>>>> getting him >>>>>>>>>>>> dyno because the kid has never remembered to charge a light in his >>>>>>>>>>>> LIFE and >>>>>>>>>>>> I will not sleep at night without it.The 52 takes 650b wheels and >>>>>>>>>>>> the 59 >>>>>>>>>>>> takes 700c, so I don’t want to buy the wheels until I know which >>>>>>>>>>>> bike he >>>>>>>>>>>> really wants. But as of now, he wants his new bike. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> I know people will say we should just get a beater. I know why >>>>>>>>>>>> that would be advisable, but I also hate to think of a Clem >>>>>>>>>>>> languishing >>>>>>>>>>>> when it could be serving a noble purpose. I’d love for him and his >>>>>>>>>>>> Clem to >>>>>>>>>>>> journey through undergrad together. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> I am wondering…has anyone gone to college or sent their kid to >>>>>>>>>>>> college with a Clem? What do you have to say about it? Photos in >>>>>>>>>>>> the next >>>>>>>>>>>> post… >>>>>>>>>>>> Leah >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>>>>>> Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >>>>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, >>>>>>>> send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/b5fd99dd-cf85-4de8-ad5b-d88225c98139n%40googlegroups.com >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/b5fd99dd-cf85-4de8-ad5b-d88225c98139n%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>>>>>> . >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/9a41b3ef-de37-4115-8b49-3c6a9ae03050n%40googlegroups.com.
