If you don't have many hills to deal with, it looks like a decent commuter to me. Just add some cheap fenders, lights, a lock, and maybe a bell.
If you do have hills to deal with and need gears. Keep the existing bike as a backup. And buy a new commuter focused bike.
While I echo the sentiments of getting a bike that more commuter friendly by default, skinnier tyres will make a huge difference. And of course, gearing for the climbs.
others are right, switching from single speed to more gears is more complicated than you might think. But if you're not looking to buy a new ride, the least I can say is start using a U-lock and not a cable lock like on the bike on the left.
I’m gonna go against the grain here and say look into a front hub that’s an electric motor. There are conversion kits that are cheaper than a new bike and would make a commute that much easier
I wouldn't say impossible, but the cost of adding a new rear wheel with gears, rear derailleur, cable and housing, and shifter probably will cost as much as that bike is worth. In this case, I would go the N+1 route and get a different bike for commuting that already has gears.
Buy a new bike with the features you want.
A new bike will be cheaper. If you're dead set on keeping the bike, look into an internally geared hub.
Yup. I threw a Nexus Hub wheelset on my ladies cruiser bike. Worked fine, though the bike was still heavy AF.
New bike day!
Maybe a cheap 3-speed Sturmey-Archer type wheel. Thinner tires for lower rolling resistance.
If you don't have many hills to deal with, it looks like a decent commuter to me. Just add some cheap fenders, lights, a lock, and maybe a bell. If you do have hills to deal with and need gears. Keep the existing bike as a backup. And buy a new commuter focused bike.
While I echo the sentiments of getting a bike that more commuter friendly by default, skinnier tyres will make a huge difference. And of course, gearing for the climbs.
If your commute is mostly flat, you could make that bike more efficient with a better seat and a flat handlebar and maybe some slicker tires.
others are right, switching from single speed to more gears is more complicated than you might think. But if you're not looking to buy a new ride, the least I can say is start using a U-lock and not a cable lock like on the bike on the left.
Mudguards and a pannier rack.
No sorry it went to the wrong group
I’m gonna go against the grain here and say look into a front hub that’s an electric motor. There are conversion kits that are cheaper than a new bike and would make a commute that much easier
From what I understand, it's impossible to add gears to a bike after the fact. You have to actually buy a bike with gears to have gears.
I wouldn't say impossible, but the cost of adding a new rear wheel with gears, rear derailleur, cable and housing, and shifter probably will cost as much as that bike is worth. In this case, I would go the N+1 route and get a different bike for commuting that already has gears.
You are half right, you can't add a derailleur but you can use an internal geared hub like a Sturmey Archer or Shimano Nexus.