Getting close to buying a bike, but oh the $

[midnight armadillo]

Ok, for my 20 mile round trip commute, I am getting closer to buying a bike. I have studied up on racks, fenders, lighting systems, bike types, clipless pedals, "effective cycling", helmets, you name it. I have taken a bike or 2 for road tests, and have determined that I am in miserable shape for cycing. My plan is to get a new or used bike from a LBS, not from Craig's List or some other source. I don't know enough to tell if a used bike is a good deal or it'll fit me well. And did I mention the bike needs to be stored in my apartment attic until I move, up 4 flights of stairs:scared: ?

A touring or cyclocross bike seems like a good choice, but those run $900. I can get a rack for free and build my own lighting system, but with pedals, shoes etc am looking at about $300 in accessories.

The road-bikish hybrid bikes with flat bars can be had around $475 new (I'm thinking Giant FCR4, for example). Would these more hybrid frames, with flat bars, be comfortable for a 10 mile hilly commute? When I move next winter the commute would grow to 14-15 miles each way.

The irony here is I can put off til next spring some car maintenance if I don't drive it so much, to the tune of $650-1450, which pays for the bike. And then there's the gas savings at about $100/mo. Still, I am suffering sticker shock a bit. Can I get away with an inexpensive bike like the FCR4, or should I save some pennies, recycle some cans, and get something like the Surly Cross-Check or Bianchi Volpe for ~$950? Any thoughts?

[Kolesar]

1. You have to ride hills and to ride far, so the weight of the bike will make a difference

You could economize a bit on a new bike by getting an eight speed rear cluster instead of nine or ten speeds. Cheaper road bikes tend to put the weight on. Heavier components are used.

Commuters who have to deal with traffic prefer flat handlebars--good view and the brakes are right under your hands. A slight sweep-back would be comfortable. Drops are fun when you do go down hill and start going 16 to 30 mph or faster. It is hard to get a mirror to work on drop handle bars.

I think Bianchi makes the greatest designs for efficiency. That makes sense for your long commutes.

You could commute on the slickest, weight reduced, racing bike if you wanted. It would be nice if the rear had "Lugs" for fenders and a rack, but you can work around that. Cycling enthusiasts often want to sell these rigs to buy the next great thing. You might snag a bargain.

[midnight armadillo]

2. not ready for a used bike

right now I don't have the experience to judge the quality and condition of a used bike, so it's the LBS for me.

I like the drop bars or the flared drop bars like on the Raleigh Sojourn. Since my commute will be pretty suburban-y I actually won't hit that many lights and I guess I'll have lots of downhills :)

I think what I need to do is make some room in the budget and save my pennies. Even if I spend $900 on the bike it'll pay for itself inside of a year. I could also tell my insurance co. that I want low-mileage coverage for my car and save some $ there.

What the hell, it's just $, right?

[wtmusic]

3. Giant - excellent choice

Giant has a great rep for off-the-rack bikes. Shimano components, sturdy & light frames, not much to go wrong.

Agree with Boreal Avenger, when you're comparison shopping put a premium on low weight. If you're carrying it up steps every ounce will make a difference.

Other than that, insist on a great fit -- don't let your LBS sell you into something because they don't have it in stock. If they don't offer a "fitting" (measuring for frame size, then setting seat height & handlebars) find another store.

For pedals, I love Speedplay Zeroes. Extremely easy to clip in and out of, without looking. But don't just get plain pedals if you're doing hills, you'll have a lot more power if you can push and pull.

[midnight armadillo]

5. I'm going with Speedplay Frogs

I like the mountain bike style for better walkability, and given my past adventures with knee injuries the 'float' will probably be a good idea.

In fact I'm selling off some car parts on Ebay to partially fund my bike purchase :)

[wtmusic]

6. Cool. Let us know what you end up with. nt

[frylock]

10. i opted for the crank bros mallets for my new trance x1..

they have a large enough surface area to ride without being cleated in; perfect for those technical descents. if you decide to go with an SPD cleat, SINZ makes some real nice platforms for BMX racing that are quite functional on an MTB or 'brid.



http://www.sinz-racing.com/index.htm

[AndyTiedye]

4. The Hybrid is More Likely to Have the Low Gears You Want for Hills

You can get low gearing on a road bike, but they usually don't come that way.
Hybrids are often available with mountain-bike gearing, which is what you want if you have hills.

[bhikkhu]

7. I just got this Giant for my 8 mile commute

With trip computer, patch kit, pump, $353 at a local bike shop.

I put 15 miles on it today (came home for lunch), and it is very nice to ride. It would be easy to spend a lot more, but this one has all the essentials in a pretty light and durable set-up. Also, my last bike was stolen and I'd rather not suffer too much in the event of another loss.

I think the idea is to get a light and sturdy frame that fits you, and make sure everything else is reasonably functional out of the box so the riding is enjoyable. I have to replace the stem to get the bar in a better position, but that's about it. I'll upgrade the tires when the stock ones wear out, and probably get a bullhorn bar to replace the odd original...but that's about it.

[wtmusic]

8. Nice.

FYI, you might want to check out CO2 inflators (many find them easier/faster than a pump). Love my Ultraflate Plus:

http://www.genuineinnovations.com/bikeprods.aspx?subcat=0

[bhikkhu]

9. Thanks. At 50 miles now, after a week of commuting

and I have to say this $300 mountain bike is as good to ride as my old road bike was. I wish I made the switch a year ago, and am not sorry at all I didn't spend another 5 or 7 hundred for a better bike. This one goes and stops and handles and shifts perfectly so far.

I don't think I'll ever have the money to invest in a CO2 inflator, but the site was interesting.