After nearly seven months on the Novara commuter, I decided it wasn’t for me. Primarily, because of the drum brakes and nutted axles, it is profoundly difficult to get the bike on the rack of the car. Most of the time, this isn’t even a concern, but once a month (or even two months), when I have to ride home from Jen’s parents’, or the climbing gym, at 9:00 PM in the cold, it is a bit of a problem. So, enter the Kona Smoke 2-9 (note: I have the 2008 model, not this guy). $325, plus a new rear rack, from Trek of Pittsburgh. Hard to pass up.
Yes, it’s, well, cheap. But, this bike will be ridden 15 miles a day, between Morningside and the South Side, with occasional trips to Wilkinsburg and Point Breeze thrown in for good measure. The wider gear range will make for easier trailer toting once spring arrives. I rode it from TOP to the climbing gym this afternoon (after installing the rack in the parking lot, because I’m too cheap, err, self-reliant to have the shop do it. It’s comfortable, lighter than the Novara (this is a fairly low bar to clear), and even with 47mm tires, reasonably spry. The MTB risers are a bit odd after riding drops and swept-back bars for so long, but I’ll get over it (or repalce them with something more interesting). The fenders provide good coverage, and with the 47mm wide stock tires, fitting the studs next winter (or, umm, this winter) shouldn’t be a problem.
I’ll be curious to see how I deal with a proper rear derailleur on a commuter, after riding fixed and/or an internally geared hub for so long. I don’t care much for the indexed shifting on it, and any part of the drivetrain dies, it only gives me a good excuse to get an Albatross bar and some Suntour Power Ratchet shifters. I suspect the bottom bracket will go first, as it is of very low quality, but a mudflap on the front fender may help with longevity. Oh, and the seat, which has more padding that our couch (again, perhaps a low bar to clear), will promptly be replaced by the old Selle Italia in the basement (for which I still owe Mayhew half a pound of coffee).
A full review will be forthcoming.
Posted on 7 March 2009