I would second Winsor's recommendation for a folder (or other alternative
bike). I have a Bike Friday that I'm very happy with. But the
incompatibility between skinny high pressure tires and gravel roads is even
greater with small diameter tires. Other than that it will perform as well
as a conventional drop handle bar road bike.
If the chain falling off was the biggest problem folding it, I noticed B.F.
has an accessory that is supposed to prevent that. I haven't tried it. Other
than the chain falling off, I find it very easy to fold. Even when not
folding it, the small size is a plus.
For regular commuting I would recommend a recumbent. Sitting up with
minimized wind resistance is very pleasurable. Typically you can't load a
recumbent with as much gear as a conventional bike even though they tend to
be long. Speed and comfort are where they excel.
I also agree that building a bike from pieces is very expensive.
-jeff
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Winsor Crosby
>
>
> You might consider a folder which was designed and popular as
> a commuter bike.
snip
> I have a Bike Friday which is an
> amazingly good bike. Best riding experience I have had, but I
> am not very experienced. The folding sucks though. It is more
> like disassembly. I just got a Brompton and so far so good.
> Wonderful to throw it in the trunk of the car to take to a
> recreational spot.
>
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