Commuter Bike - Talk to me!
Discussion
Howdy all,
I finished uni this year and I am due to be starting work in Bristol next year, I'm working in Filton but will probably end up living in the centre so I am looking at about a 4 mile 'commute' to work each way which is nothing really - so for the first time I think its time to hang up the car keys, leaving it purely for fun and get on my bike as it were.
I used to cycle loads as a kid and was a bit into mountain biking but not really done much cycling since I was about 16/17 really. I have been trying to read up on this forum but alot of the stuff that you lot are talking about leaves me totally lost and I feel totally out of the loop, I guess when I was younger a bike was a bike and I didn't really think about wear and tear issues or what type I needed for what I was doing.
For information I'm reasonably fit and healthy, 5'11 and about 75 Kgs, Have a budget of about 400-450 (will spend less if I can..) but want something reasonably reliable as I'm gonna be using it to get to work on time. Not adverse to anything second hand if there are deals to be had, I'm an engineer so will probably get some sort of twisted pleasure of making sure the thing is in 100% tip top condition at all times so that should help.
The route will obviously be all along roads but I'm a bit apprehensive of a full on road bike and would like something slightly sturdier that I can use in all weathers and will take a bit of abuse in pot holes etc. I have been looking at hybrids but some people have told me that as a rule they are crap as they are rubbish mountain bikes and rubbish road bikes. Obviously minimal rolling resistance would be great but, I would like to be able to use it for weekend running about on tow paths and things like that so I don't think a full on roadie is the way to go to be honest - I don't look good in lycra and wrap arounds.
I know its a really vague question but I honestly don't know where to start, what sort of bikes/brands would you recommend and why? Is my budget realistic?
I know its sacriledge to say, but what sets apart a 200 pound bike from say a 400-500 bike, where does the extra money go? - I honestly don't get it as apart from punctures I never had anything serious fail on a bike before and I used to cycle a fair bit as a kid.
Where are good places to shop? I do have a good local bike shop that we have always used which I would like to support but if online is going to work out loads cheaper then my head will have to rule my heart probably.
Sorry for the barrage of questions but I feel lost in a sea of manufacturers, models but then worse than that all this talk of changing chainsets and derailleurs leaves me utterly confused.
I finished uni this year and I am due to be starting work in Bristol next year, I'm working in Filton but will probably end up living in the centre so I am looking at about a 4 mile 'commute' to work each way which is nothing really - so for the first time I think its time to hang up the car keys, leaving it purely for fun and get on my bike as it were.
I used to cycle loads as a kid and was a bit into mountain biking but not really done much cycling since I was about 16/17 really. I have been trying to read up on this forum but alot of the stuff that you lot are talking about leaves me totally lost and I feel totally out of the loop, I guess when I was younger a bike was a bike and I didn't really think about wear and tear issues or what type I needed for what I was doing.
For information I'm reasonably fit and healthy, 5'11 and about 75 Kgs, Have a budget of about 400-450 (will spend less if I can..) but want something reasonably reliable as I'm gonna be using it to get to work on time. Not adverse to anything second hand if there are deals to be had, I'm an engineer so will probably get some sort of twisted pleasure of making sure the thing is in 100% tip top condition at all times so that should help.
The route will obviously be all along roads but I'm a bit apprehensive of a full on road bike and would like something slightly sturdier that I can use in all weathers and will take a bit of abuse in pot holes etc. I have been looking at hybrids but some people have told me that as a rule they are crap as they are rubbish mountain bikes and rubbish road bikes. Obviously minimal rolling resistance would be great but, I would like to be able to use it for weekend running about on tow paths and things like that so I don't think a full on roadie is the way to go to be honest - I don't look good in lycra and wrap arounds.
I know its a really vague question but I honestly don't know where to start, what sort of bikes/brands would you recommend and why? Is my budget realistic?
I know its sacriledge to say, but what sets apart a 200 pound bike from say a 400-500 bike, where does the extra money go? - I honestly don't get it as apart from punctures I never had anything serious fail on a bike before and I used to cycle a fair bit as a kid.
Where are good places to shop? I do have a good local bike shop that we have always used which I would like to support but if online is going to work out loads cheaper then my head will have to rule my heart probably.
Sorry for the barrage of questions but I feel lost in a sea of manufacturers, models but then worse than that all this talk of changing chainsets and derailleurs leaves me utterly confused.
Keep it simple - £450 on a hybrid.
No need to know any of the other stuff really until you decide to ride more and get serious.
Hybrid works well enough for basic cycling especially only 8 miles round trip - some of us go in to geometry, blah blah but it's all after some time riding and knowing what we want to meet our specific needs.
Find a local cycle shop that specialises in all rounders rather than specific roadies/mtbs as they will only have limited (and maybe crap) middle of the road stock.
Evans are reasonable priced and have a good range - but try to ensure you've test ridden what you buy first to ensure you like it.
For the budget stick with Aluminium frame, if you're lucky you'll get carbon seat post and forks which will make it more comfy.
No need to know any of the other stuff really until you decide to ride more and get serious.
Hybrid works well enough for basic cycling especially only 8 miles round trip - some of us go in to geometry, blah blah but it's all after some time riding and knowing what we want to meet our specific needs.
Find a local cycle shop that specialises in all rounders rather than specific roadies/mtbs as they will only have limited (and maybe crap) middle of the road stock.
Evans are reasonable priced and have a good range - but try to ensure you've test ridden what you buy first to ensure you like it.
For the budget stick with Aluminium frame, if you're lucky you'll get carbon seat post and forks which will make it more comfy.
don't forget to spend money on a decent lock - a £450 bike with a £10 lock quickly becomes £0 of empty space. Look for the sold secure ratings 
. Helmets, lights etc can come later. As far as cost goes, you look spot on for budget and bike type - above £2-300, more money is mainly buying you more gears, that stay in adjustment longer and shift better, less weight and more bling. Try and ride as many as you can, spec will be roughly consistent so the best bike will be the best fitting.
Oh, and enjoy the caterham you'll be able to buy in a couple of years with the money you've saved
(or monaro - or shiny new bianchi road bike 
)
. Helmets, lights etc can come later. As far as cost goes, you look spot on for budget and bike type - above £2-300, more money is mainly buying you more gears, that stay in adjustment longer and shift better, less weight and more bling. Try and ride as many as you can, spec will be roughly consistent so the best bike will be the best fitting.Oh, and enjoy the caterham you'll be able to buy in a couple of years with the money you've saved
(or monaro - or shiny new bianchi road bike )paranoid airbag said:
don't forget to spend money on a decent lock - a £450 bike with a £10 lock quickly becomes £0 of empty space. Look for the sold secure ratings . Helmets, lights etc can come later. As far as cost goes, you look spot on for budget and bike type - above £2-300, more money is mainly buying you more gears, that stay in adjustment longer and shift better, less weight and more bling. Try and ride as many as you can, spec will be roughly consistent so the best bike will be the best fitting.
Oh, and enjoy the caterham you'll be able to buy in a couple of years with the money you've saved (or monaro - or shiny new bianchi road bike )
Ok cheers for that, and the links above aswell! I'll have a good look through evans, is it worth going back a couple of seasons, (ie. is it like skiing that a perfectly decent pair of brand new skis are now half price because they are lime green instead of flourescent orange..?). Helmets, lights etc can come later. As far as cost goes, you look spot on for budget and bike type - above £2-300, more money is mainly buying you more gears, that stay in adjustment longer and shift better, less weight and more bling. Try and ride as many as you can, spec will be roughly consistent so the best bike will be the best fitting.Oh, and enjoy the caterham you'll be able to buy in a couple of years with the money you've saved
(or monaro - or shiny new bianchi road bike )Btw, you have NO IDEA how close you are to the mark on the caterham idea as that is exactly my plan
, it's already specced out fully and images of me blatting through the alps inhabit my brain 24/7. there's definitely a period when last year's bikes are sold off cheap - can't remember when though, sure some other helpful bod will chip in - it'll be progressively harder to get one in the right size though, I think it's the extreme bike sizes that are the last to go, so least useful for those of average build. Very much my dream/plan on the caterham + alps front too - although I'm still building up the student debt instead of paying it off 
.
.http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
Sorted.
Mudguards, hub geared, disc brakes. Bit of oil on the chain every so often, new brake pads every 6-12 months should be all the maintenance it needs. If you commute every day the last thing you want to do is faff about keeping it "tip top" condition.
Sorted.
Mudguards, hub geared, disc brakes. Bit of oil on the chain every so often, new brake pads every 6-12 months should be all the maintenance it needs. If you commute every day the last thing you want to do is faff about keeping it "tip top" condition.
sjg said:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
Sorted.
Mudguards, hub geared, disc brakes. Bit of oil on the chain every so often, new brake pads every 6-12 months should be all the maintenance it needs. If you commute every day the last thing you want to do is faff about keeping it "tip top" condition.
That looks like a perfect winter commuter, I may have to invest.Sorted.
Mudguards, hub geared, disc brakes. Bit of oil on the chain every so often, new brake pads every 6-12 months should be all the maintenance it needs. If you commute every day the last thing you want to do is faff about keeping it "tip top" condition.
Sorry to do this again guys but
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2873328.htm
Ill even put the road tyre on and discuss discount......
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2873328.htm
Ill even put the road tyre on and discuss discount......
I'd recommend a light hybrid with rigid ali or ideally carbon forks and 700c wheels such as a Specialized Sirrus, Giant FCR/Rapid or Kona Dew. - Have a look at what's on offer on ashcycles.com & paulscycles.com - your local Evans cycles should offer to match their prices.
Any of the above will be much lighter and faster than a slick tyred mtb or 26" wheeled hybrid with cheap front suspension, discs or hub gears - especially in a hilly place like Bristol. My Sirrus handles tow paths and forest roads no problem with 32mm wide cross tyres. For casual riding/shortish commuting I'd probably stick with toe clips & straps over spds to be honest.
If you do fancy trying a bit of mtbing as well that BeOne looks a good buy though and you'd hardly lose any money if you decided it wasn't for you..
Any of the above will be much lighter and faster than a slick tyred mtb or 26" wheeled hybrid with cheap front suspension, discs or hub gears - especially in a hilly place like Bristol. My Sirrus handles tow paths and forest roads no problem with 32mm wide cross tyres. For casual riding/shortish commuting I'd probably stick with toe clips & straps over spds to be honest.
If you do fancy trying a bit of mtbing as well that BeOne looks a good buy though and you'd hardly lose any money if you decided it wasn't for you..
Edited by Roman on Wednesday 29th June 10:43
Great stuff guys, really liking the look of some of these.
I've read somewhere about being able to lock out the front forks? Is that something you can do on any front suspension with like an aftermarket bracket or is it usually a design feature integrated into individual fork designs?
I've read somewhere about being able to lock out the front forks? Is that something you can do on any front suspension with like an aftermarket bracket or is it usually a design feature integrated into individual fork designs?
Its usually a dial on the top of one of the legs if its got it, and then some have a remote kit that come with them or added after that relocates the lock out to a switch on the handlebars, so with the switch next to the brakes you can lock the forks solid for a climb, just like on my lovely BeOne above.
porka944s said:
Its usually a dial on the top of one of the legs if its got it, and then some have a remote kit that come with them or added after that relocates the lock out to a switch on the handlebars, so with the switch next to the brakes you can lock the forks solid for a climb, just like on my lovely BeOne above.
I can't believe no one has snapped up your bike yet!? If I hadn't of got my Boardman just before you advertised this I would have had it in a heart beat. Looks lovely. depends where you are working in filton but Bristol is terrible for bike theft so unless you are on private property, you will need to lock it down with some pretty tough locks.
the giant rapid range always strikes me as nice looking and well specced hybrid. there is a giant shop in bradley stoke. stuff like the kona dew and the specilaised sirrus are very popular too.
i use "strada" in bedminster for most things, they are a good independant shop and far better than the likes of evans. "bike" in clifton opposite habitat is my second point of call and "zero g" (also in bedminster) are worth a look. other than that, there is "fred baker" in stokes croft (next to the tesco that was trashed!).
the ride from the centre to filton is either straight up the busy gloucester road (A38) or out through st pauls and some nice paths along the M32. gloucester road is busy but on the way back into town you will be quicker than any car as its all downhill and only single lane carriageway so cars get held up by buses and the traffic lights - but we'll not go there....
the giant rapid range always strikes me as nice looking and well specced hybrid. there is a giant shop in bradley stoke. stuff like the kona dew and the specilaised sirrus are very popular too.
i use "strada" in bedminster for most things, they are a good independant shop and far better than the likes of evans. "bike" in clifton opposite habitat is my second point of call and "zero g" (also in bedminster) are worth a look. other than that, there is "fred baker" in stokes croft (next to the tesco that was trashed!).
the ride from the centre to filton is either straight up the busy gloucester road (A38) or out through st pauls and some nice paths along the M32. gloucester road is busy but on the way back into town you will be quicker than any car as its all downhill and only single lane carriageway so cars get held up by buses and the traffic lights - but we'll not go there....
pablo said:
i use "strada" in bedminster for most things, they are a good independant shop and far better than the likes of evans. "bike" in clifton opposite habitat is my second point of call and "zero g" (also in bedminster) are worth a look. other than that, there is "fred baker" in stokes croft
None of those shops have pretty barmaids upstairs though! I have had road biased hybrids and mountain bikes for use on my 8 miles commute .... and after 4 years of being 'unsure' which to use have settled on a Specialized Crosstrail ... superb bike for road and bits of tow paths. Comfortable, front suspension to soak up some bumps but fast rolling tyres and a nice riding position. They start at about 300 going up in 200 increments to I think 1200 for the top spec.
Roman said:
None of those shops have pretty barmaids upstairs though!
couldnt care less, mud dock staff are the rudest, most arrogant bunch of cocks i have ever had the misfortune to hand money to. you walk in and you are ignored, they take the "i work in a cycle shop so therefore i am infinately cooler than you, know more about bikes than you and i have decided that you arent worthy of my time and thus I cant even be bothered to serve you" attitude... Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff