What commuter bike?

[Burty88]

Basically, I'm off to uni - possibly in London - late next year and seeing as first years aren't allowed cars I've decided I'll need a bike. I would take my Santa Cruz but it's not exactly built for speed on the road. So I'm selling the Bullit and getting something rapid. I think I've got a short list but am open to new suggestions.

I've decided I need low maintenance to keep costs down so I was thinking single speed or internal hub gear, are they actually any cheaper to look after? Maximum budget ~700 (excl. lock, helmet, Insurance etc...). Not too keen on fixed gear. Not fussy on 26" or 700c.

So far I've come up with this, this, or save a wad of cash and get this

Also, I'm a bit worried about the geometry of these bikes, will I be able to ride in jeans and a T-Shirt? I don't want to have to don lycras for a trip to the shops!

Thanks in advance

[Rico]

Few points...

In London, I'd have a £50 mountain bike at the max unless you've got secure garage at both ends of the journey. It's just not worth risking anything more. I went to uni at KCL and the bike storage there consisted of a few railings. I never saw a decent bike.

If you do have secure storage, then I personally would build up a lightish mountain bike and run road tyres on it. Go for front suspension of some kind. I commuted a bit in London on a bike and found taxis etc get so close, that dodging pot holes or similar things made it hard on fully rigid.

Ultimately, for uni in London I didn't bother with the bike after a while. It's horrid cycling in traffic, taxis seem to see you as a moving target and its just no fun.

Get the tube/bus or walk to uni and keep your proper bike at your parents/friends etc who live near some decent woods.

[moleamol]

Totally agree with Rico, if I did have to use a bike in London it would be a hardtail MTB with semi-slicks so that I could hop on and off stuff to avoid traffic/people or ditches masquerading as potholes. I'll ride wherever is quickest and safest, sod sticking to the road.

[Burty88]

Rico said:

Ultimately, for uni in London I didn't bother with the bike after a while. It's horrid cycling in traffic, taxis seem to see you as a moving target and its just no fun.

Oh, I always imagined cycling through London on a quick bike, dodging traffic, would be some cool jet fighter pilot-like experience. I'm clearly wrong so shall probably wait until I find out what Uni I will be at and exercise my budget accordingly.

Thanks for your helpful replies.

[mk1fan]

Edinburgh Cycle Co-Op do a good range of Urban bikes as part of their Revolution range of cycle goodies. Cheap too - up to £300. No probs with riding in jeans too. To be honest you don't need any suspension in town (even London) in the same way that you don't need a FS to ride UK trails.

I commute 32-miles a day through London on a single-speed Scott Roadster with panniers and 700x28c tyres without issue.

Security is important though. Multiple locks is always better than one. Try and remove all your quick releases and fit puncture resistant tyres (Schwalbe Marathon Plus are pricey but bullet proof). Try and pick up an early 90's rigid mtb off eBay - or from your local LBS - for a cheap hack. They can be converted to single-speed or nine-speed for less than £30. Mudguards - although un-cool - will make riding in the wet so much more acceptable too.

Save the SC for your visits home. Afterall, how are you going to feel having sold your SC to buy a new s/s urban speed machine only for it to be nicked or severly damaged by some scum trying to nick it?

Finally, don't scrimp on lights. I have four on the front and three on the back plus reflectors. Motorists are un-observant enough without giving them an excuse.

[moleamol]

mk1fan said:

Edinburgh Cycle Co-Op do a good range of Urban bikes as part of their Revolution range of cycle goodies. Cheap too - up to £300. No probs with riding in jeans too. To be honest you don't need any suspension in town (even London) in the same way that you don't need a FS to ride UK trails.

I don't think anybody said you need suspension. I suggested it because front suspension suits my riding style better in town, in the same way full suspension makes riding proper DH trails much better and quicker.

[mk1fan]

moleamol said:

mk1fan said:

Edinburgh Cycle Co-Op do a good range of Urban bikes as part of their Revolution range of cycle goodies. Cheap too - up to £300. No probs with riding in jeans too. To be honest you don't need any suspension in town (even London) in the same way that you don't need a FS to ride UK trails.

I don't think anybody said you need suspension. I suggested it because front suspension suits my riding style better in town, in the same way full suspension makes riding proper DH trails much better and quicker.

Other than Rico saying 'go for front suspension' and you saying 'I ride a HT'.

I happen to own a FS that I ride UK Trails on but I don't need it - I've riden the same trails on a HT and a rigid.

My comment was intended to inform the OP that suspension wasn't a critical piece of kit for riding in London. Something others hadn't done. Personally, I don't like riding suspension on the road as it wastes energy. You clearly do like riding suspension. And given the info in the OP I'd say it wasn't required.

[moleamol]

mk1fan said:

moleamol said:

mk1fan said:

Edinburgh Cycle Co-Op do a good range of Urban bikes as part of their Revolution range of cycle goodies. Cheap too - up to £300. No probs with riding in jeans too. To be honest you don't need any suspension in town (even London) in the same way that you don't need a FS to ride UK trails.

I don't think anybody said you need suspension. I suggested it because front suspension suits my riding style better in town, in the same way full suspension makes riding proper DH trails much better and quicker.

Other than Rico saying 'go for front suspension' and you saying 'I ride a HT'.

I happen to own a FS that I ride UK Trails on but I don't need it - I've riden the same trails on a HT and a rigid.

My comment was intended to inform the OP that suspension wasn't a critical piece of kit for riding in London. Something others hadn't done. Personally, I don't like riding suspension on the road as it wastes energy. You clearly do like riding suspension. And given the info in the OP I'd say it wasn't required.

I see what you are saying, and I agree it isn't essential, all as I was saying is that no-one suggested it was. If you stick to the road then rigid may be better, I like to hop about and take short cuts, steps and the like. As well as having a good old play, but saying that I don't commute, which may change my mind if I was doing it every day.

[Vipers]

What is absolutely essential is a HELMET.

As an add on, I would go for a mirror as well on the offside of course. And a bell.

Good luck at uni by the way.

[bga]

mk1fan said:

Edinburgh Cycle Co-Op do a good range of Urban bikes as part of their Revolution range of cycle goodies. Cheap too - up to £300. No probs with riding in jeans too. To be honest you don't need any suspension in town (even London) in the same way that you don't need a FS to ride UK trails.
y a new s/s urban speed machine only for it to be nicked or severly damaged by some scum trying to nick it?

EBC Courier Race is a fantastic bargain at £280. I used one for almost a year to commute from Streatham - Canary Wharf & it was everything I needed. 8 speed, lightweight, tough, cheap.