I've created this channel to share my cycling commutes and ideas on urban cycling and commuting. In doing so, I have decided to call myself the "Toronto Cycle Commuter" since Toronto, Ontario, Canada is my home town and where I live and work.
I also must acknowledge some other channels that have inspired me to do this: Bike Blogger, cjhoyle, and Ride on Cycling
So come along and join me as I ride around my city (well... mostly to and from work). I hope you enjoy my videos and channel as I figure things out. I seem to be uploading videos on Saturdays, so I'm trying to keep that consistent.
An honest and informative video with real content, thanks. Minor note, direct-drive on the Alfine 8 is 5th gear, not 4th. That's when no gears are in play inside the hub, resulting in a 1:1 ratio through the hub, and the most efficient power transmission.
Hi, i am thinking about putting drop bars on my bike with a gear hub, your video already helped me put quite a bit but i'm looking for the inline cable tensioner you used may you write the link of it in the camments?
One thing I recommend ever commuter/utilitarian cyclist to always bring is a roll of electricians tape. Very useful for attaching odd shaped items to the bike.
Interesting thing with Carradice seat bags is that they made are in waterproof fabrics, but the straps for the saddle loops go straight through two holes into the dowel inside the bag. So there is plenty of hole for water to get inside. But that has never been a problem. I’ve used them since 2004. I like them a lot. For one thing they do not take any wind.
Toronto looks nice, to bad the government is so evil in Canada. But thats normal in most places these days. My dad lived in Hamilton, iirc, back in 1978-9. I was fascinated with the Canadian flag back then and drew it every chance I got. Still think it’s very pretty.
Hi from Chicago! Thanks for the video. I just put a holding payment down on this bike in the new silver colorway and I've been looking for build/accessory inspiration! Will definitely be considering the Surly rack. You've got some gorgeous trails up there!
I usually cut a couple centimeters on a front fender then adding a handmade flap from a black ducktape. It protects well the bottom bracket and my boots, but at the same time gives a fair clearance for curbs, roots etc. You just tape together 2 pieces to hide glue and then cut with scissors triangle shape. Takes about 2 min, I change them every 1000-1500km during the winter season
I really enjoyed this video. I have been looking all over the internet to read or watch a review on an internally geared hub. I customized a 2010 Trek Gritty 4130 Chromoly frame single speed to a Sturmey Archer 8 speed and a Shimano dyno hub EV Pure head and rear light. The bike is held up reliably with Schwalbe Marathon tires, SKS longbow fenders, similar setup, I have extended Mountain bike handlebars. I purchased the bike in 2010, the internally geared hub and dyno hub I have run for a good eight years, with no problems. You will love your All City, even more, the older it gets.
Is the gearing too tall? I just test rode one and the gearing is too tall (fast) for me. The handlebars are super wide at 750 mm. Loved the bike though. Thinking of purchasing it.
Hi there! Just wanna know do you have any issues on the sliding dropouts loosening? Been reading online lately and there seems to be a problem. Appreciate the help! Thanks!
Chain tensioner screws need some Loctite probably - I’ve read the same. I’m getting my SP SS before the end of the month and might report back, if I ‘member. But I’ll prolly forgor 💀
This conversation works well on a steel frame, I wouldn't try it on an aluminium or carbon frame because of the "non turn washers"... Trust me they will turn eventually and distroy the drop outs. (Unless you can make yourself a torque arm like a rolhoff). It is possible to weld those non turn washers.
This bike just has commuter tires because I use it around the city a lot. It has Schwalbe Marathons. If you want faster tires, there are a lot of options for "light and supple" tires. I guess it also depends a lot on tire size. My other bike has tires from a brand called Teravail: teravail.com/products/washburn-tire#/ I don't know that much about tires, but I kind of like them.
Nice! I've been wondering about the internal gear hub. I'm trying to work up towards riding to work but I work on top of a decent sized hill, I wasn't sure if the hub would be worth it on the climb. Thanks!
It depends. For commuting and errands, I like the Nelson, it just has more space. The little side pockets are also perfect for tool pouches and spares and little things like that. The long flap is really good, as I can use it to "wrap" larger, light items on top of things that are packed in to the back. For me, the Jammer is perfect for day rides. It's a massive pocket so I can easily fit a bunch of food and different layers for changing conditions. The Jammer has now taken residence on my road bike and I really like it for longer rides. I would say, if I want things more organized, and they're going stay organized for the duration of the ride, like a commute, or a trip, I'd go with the Nelson. If I'm going for a "trunk" and I'm not taking as many items, the Jammer is ideal.
@@jonathonmcneill7726 The short answer is, I don't think it would matter, I would just make sure the bag is secure. Here's what I Mean: Since the Nelson is attached by a quick release at the top of the back, it has a bit of a picot point, and it could bounce around. However, these bags have a "loop" that would be used "normally" to secure the bag to the seat post. If I were using the Nelson, i would use some straps, like a Voile Strap to secure it to the Bagman Rack on the bottom. That would alleviate any concerns about bumps. Since the Jammer is a handlebar bag, it was has the same strap set-up, but with more adjustability. If I was bombing some super bumpy trails with roots or something, I might consider the Jammer "more secure." But if it's just gravel or dirt roads, I don't think I'd be worried with the Nelson if I did it as I describe above. Both bags would flop around a bit, and I've taken gravel / dirt paths on my commutes and haven't had any issues. As far as I know, all these bags have multiple attachment points, either because they are made to attach to a seat post, or as a handlebar bag.
Thank you by this video I`m from Brazil and was thinking that really should help me have some gears, but I didn`t want to lose the feel of riding my fixie, and you make me more certain on my choice, but I was still with some doubt about if it is nice to ride this sistem , it it will not give the sensation of something that do what is made to but still not on a good way, what is your impression sidding this to a speedy one, and how much you spent on this one, here where I live is about to 300 USD the same kit but the Nexus one.
I like this conversion. The rear wheel is definitely heavy. I won't be racing up any hills. But it is comfortable and reliable. I like unique bicycles and i like this bike a lot because it is unique and special to me.
@@TOCycleCommuter could you share what is the shifter you used, I'm with the same problem of finding compatible shifter. you have mapped what models of shifters work with this system?
@@FerWAISIAN For Shimano, which is what I have. In no particular order: www.jtekengineering.com/products/jtek-bar-end-shifter-internal-hub/ www.jtekengineering.com/products/jtek-mk2-bar-end-shifter-8-speed-shimano-internal-hubs/ www.microshift.com/products/components/shifters/igh-shifters/ Good Luck!
I ride gravel routes a lot and have had no issues. I've even fallen a few times in rain and snow, and it's all been fine. The "rail" has two bolts that hold it in place. This makes it adjustable, and if something gets bent out of shape, you just loosen the two bolts and re-align everything.
Hey Thanks for this great video can you please share the links where can I find the parts to do the same and convert the flat to drop bars for a nexus 8 hub gear ? I wan also to do same as u did..thanks in advance
Hey Thank toi for your vidéos..I have qq on nexus gear with drop bars ..I have a city flat bars and wants to convert it in drop bars I see that you did it before do you have a video showing this please ..thanks again
ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zvnkxHxtEW8.html There is good information in the comments from others. Since doing this myself, I found that microshift sells drop bar shifters, of different types, for Shimano hubs. Good Luck!
The brand is Crane. It's the Suzu, but I don't remember if it's the "mini" or the "regular." I also have tried the "e-ne," which is a different style. I like both, and the Suzu is great.
Debating building a rear for a cheap cruiser with a smaller fat tire.. I haven't picked up the frame yet. Cool rig. I go between an Opus Zermatt and a Trek XCaliber8. The Opus does 100km days with ease. What made you choose the hub you did? Would you have considered a cheaper component?
I had trouble finding a bar-end shifter or drop bar compatible shifter set up (at the time). I have since learned that micro-shift makes a lot of options. In the end, I went with this set-up because I found a shop that had all the parts and this what i ended up with. I also think that Sturmey Archer has made some nice hubs i'd like, but went with what was available at the time
Great review! I have the next size down the Barley which I find ideal as a day trip bag. Its a great quality product, the Carridice factory is only 25 miles from me.
ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-IKl5HYGCUSo.html that video has details about the rack with lots of close ups. yes, it's the Bagman Expedition. I really like the rack.
Should be mandatory to ring your bell, when passing pedestrians. I got scared a few times be rude rides. Is there problem if are lessening to loud music. It should be our decency, since we go faster and possibly dangerous! Like the gear hub. Get one soon. Thx
I ring from quite a distance in trails like this. What I've found is their reaction depends more on which bike and thus prejudice they would apply. My cute Opus Zermatt Urbanista always gets smiles. My XC Trek will have people say I'm going to fast and other rudeness.
Every time I ring my bell to warn pedestrians, they don't care, aren't listening or just don't even acknowledge it....................Hell, I doubt a train horn will work with some inconsiderate pedestrians with their airpods on full blast.
finally took the time to look it up: www.microshift.com/en/product-category/city/shifters-en/ for those that stumble upon this. Every year I get more impressed with Microshift