The Old SU200

The Everything Bike is one of those mythical creatures. Many talk about it, some work towards it, and few achieve it. The Everything Bike is often heard mentioned by cycling n00bs. Usually, people want ridiculous combinations of factors: criterium maneuverability, touring bike durable, hill climber lightness, and commuter stealth. My goals are a little more in reach.

• ability for wide gearing
  
• wall climber for pulling loads uphill
  
• ability to attach a trailer, clearance for fenders, transverse saddlebag, and snow tires
  
• disc brakes for all-weather stopping
  
• light enough to get there in a reasonable amount of time
  
• maneuverable enough for dense urban traffic
  
• stable enough riding with no hands for at least a few blocks
  
• ability to mount whatever I need to mount without jumping through hoops of fire
  

My SU200 has long been my Everything Bike.

Heavy Hauler:


Winter Whip/All-weather Commuter:


Touring Bike:


Generally Usable Bike (notice the light mounts on the fork):


Short of spending a few thousand dollars on a custom frame, nothing else has (or could) come close. Granted, I have spent quite a bit over the years trying out this, that, and the other thing. If you look closely at those photos, you'll notice a lot of various small changes. I now have a solid idea of what works for me and what stands up to long, hard use.

I'll discuss some of these items tomorrow.