01 — Why
Why this direction exists
Most city rides are short, stop-start and done in ordinary clothes. A 1990s mountain bike already has low gears, strong brakes and room for useful tires. Commute adds the parts that make it easy to reach for: a slightly taller cockpit, swept-back bars and comfortable contact points.
Keep the scratches. Keep the steel frame. Make it the bike that gets you to work, the café and the long way home.
02 — Position
The position
Upright enough to see traffic and relax your wrists, without turning the bike into a deck chair. Moderate backsweep keeps the steering natural; fast-rolling 26-inch tires handle pavement, alleys and the park path without fuss.
03 — Fit
Best for — and not for
Best for: commuting, coffee stops, errands, river paths and unhurried weekend rides.
Not for: heavy cargo or riding through every kind of weather — Utility is built for that.
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SimWorks Getaround CrMo Handlebar — Dull Silver / 25.4mm
Vendor:SIM WORKSRegular price $139.99 CADRegular price -
NITTO MT-10 Dirt Drop Quill Stem — Silver / 100mm
Vendor:NITTORegular price $109.99 CADRegular price -
VLCmade Open Bar Handlebar — Polish Silver / 31.8mm
Vendor:VLCmadeRegular price $129.99 CADRegular price -
VLCmade Look Up Stem — Polish Silver / 35° / 90mm
Vendor:VLCmadeRegular price $89.99 CADRegular price -
DIA-COMPE MX-2 Brake Lever Set — Silver
Vendor:DIA-COMPERegular price $79.99 CADRegular price -
DIA-COMPE VC733 V-Brake Set — Silver / Front + Rear
Vendor:DIA-COMPERegular price $109.99 CADRegular price -
MKS PAMBDA BL Special Pedals
Vendor:MKSRegular price $99.99 CADRegular price -
OURY V2 Single-Compound Grips — Tan / BLUE LUG Special
Vendor:OURYRegular price $31.99 CADRegular price -
VLCmade Allday Saddle — 143mm
Vendor:VLCmadeRegular price $69.99 CADRegular price -
VLCmade Wednesday Night Stainless Rear Rack — Polished Silver
Vendor:VLCmadeRegular price $249.99 CADRegular price -
VLCmade Rocket Light Front Rack — Painted Silver
Vendor:VLCmadeRegular price $139.99 CADRegular price -
BLUE LUG Retro Bell
Vendor:BLUE LUGRegular price $24.99 CADRegular price -
Tiny Detour Bicycle Valve Caps — Pair
Vendor:Good DetourRegular price $14.99 CADRegular price -
GHOOOST Twist Flower — Random Colour
Vendor:GHOOOSTRegular price $15.99 CADRegular price -
VLCmade Post Lock Rack Mount — Silver
Vendor:VLCmadeRegular price $49.99 CADRegular price
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Too Close to Drive, Too Far to Walk
Good DetourA simple front rack turns a capable 2020 Kona gravel bike into an everyday grocery getter for the Canadian distances that feel too close to drive and too far to...
Too Close to Drive, Too Far to Walk
Good DetourA simple front rack turns a capable 2020 Kona gravel bike into an everyday grocery getter for the Canadian distances that feel too close to drive and too far to...
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Built for Speed. Ready for Everyday Life
Good DetourA vintage Italian Pavarin with Columbus SL tubing and Shimano 600 becomes an everyday utility bike with a relaxed cockpit, Brooks saddle, and front rack.
Built for Speed. Ready for Everyday Life
Good DetourA vintage Italian Pavarin with Columbus SL tubing and Shimano 600 becomes an everyday utility bike with a relaxed cockpit, Brooks saddle, and front rack.
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A Peugeot PR10 That Learned to Slow Down
Good DetourA 1970s Peugeot PR10 trades its low racing posture for a tall stem and swept-back bar, keeping the classic parts that still work while becoming easier to ride every day.
A Peugeot PR10 That Learned to Slow Down
Good DetourA 1970s Peugeot PR10 trades its low racing posture for a tall stem and swept-back bar, keeping the classic parts that still work while becoming easier to ride every day.
Configure a Commute build
Choose the parts and make your build your own.