Hybrid for commute - any recommendations?
Discussion
Looking for a bike for the 4 mile each way commute each day. I've ruled out a road bike, as it simply wouldn't get the use outside of the commute.
Would like to spend around £300-£500. Currently interested in the Cannondale Bad Boy 9 at around £599 but hoping to get it a little cheaper.
Any other suggestions?
Would like to spend around £300-£500. Currently interested in the Cannondale Bad Boy 9 at around £599 but hoping to get it a little cheaper.
Any other suggestions?
I was in your position early last year: I wanted a bike purely for commuting on (had no intention on doing much, if any, cycling outside that). So, I bought a Giant Seek 2, which had all the features I needed (low gearing and disc brakes for going up and down steep hills, more upright position for traffic, 32c tryes etc). Within 8 months, I'd bought an old second-hand road bike as I wanted to do more longer rides, and the Seek isn't the best for that. I now find myself going on 100+ km rides, which is something I had no intention of doing when I started...
Now, the Seek is still my commuter machine and I don't think that will ever change as it really is much more suitable than the road bike given the terrain. However, I do wish I had a better road bike, and if my commuting route was flatter and better surfaced I would probably prefer to have a good all-weather road bike instead of a good hybrid and old battered road bike.
In short, never assume that you'll "only be commuting" on the bike
Now, the Seek is still my commuter machine and I don't think that will ever change as it really is much more suitable than the road bike given the terrain. However, I do wish I had a better road bike, and if my commuting route was flatter and better surfaced I would probably prefer to have a good all-weather road bike instead of a good hybrid and old battered road bike.
In short, never assume that you'll "only be commuting" on the bike
Unlight said:
I've tried a road bike and don't like being hunched over as much - it's just not comfortable for me!
I was in exactly the same situation a while back. I tried a friend's road bike and it just felt wrong somehow. I eventually bought a Giant Rapid and put some cane creek bar ends on it. It's ideal for my needs and I'm very comfortable on it.
Unlight said:
I've tried a road bike and don't like being hunched over as much - it's just not comfortable for me!
There are a very wide variety of road-bike shapes with different levels of "hunch". They are also (IMHO) more sensitive to correct sizing than a hybrid or mountain bike - if you borrowed someone else's then odds are it didn't fit you right.A properly set up road bike should be comfortable, they are designed for multiple hour rides after all!
That said, they are overkill if all you will ever do is the 4 mile commute. My priorities for that would be mudguards and a sturdy rack. Those two things will make more difference than anything else!
Good Morning.
I use a Trek 7.1fx Hybrid bought secondhand.
last year i rode 2000 miles on it...part from chain oil no costs or issues.
this year so far 700 miles and 2 new tyres and one set of brake pads...
i cycle 18 miles per day.
.
and just signed up for the 90mile Oxford - Cambridge ride in Sept...hahah....
yep my bike looks like a postmans...flat bars and mud guards...loads of bike lights and a rear view mirror!!!
.
and last week bought some fancy (secondhand) pedals and shoes.....
.
but hey it suits my ride to work .....hahahaha....
.
good luck finding a bike....
I use a Trek 7.1fx Hybrid bought secondhand.
last year i rode 2000 miles on it...part from chain oil no costs or issues.
this year so far 700 miles and 2 new tyres and one set of brake pads...
i cycle 18 miles per day.
.
and just signed up for the 90mile Oxford - Cambridge ride in Sept...hahah....
yep my bike looks like a postmans...flat bars and mud guards...loads of bike lights and a rear view mirror!!!
.
and last week bought some fancy (secondhand) pedals and shoes.....
.
but hey it suits my ride to work .....hahahaha....
.
good luck finding a bike....
IN51GHT said:
Get a 2nd hand Brompton for 4miles.
Why, if he doesn't need a folder??Small wheels are slower and do not deal with bumps as well as larger wheels.
The Boardman hybrids sold at Halfords look decent value and are nice bikes.
Also check out the Cube range as they offer good specs for the money - betetr value than the more mainstream brands like Specialized, Trek, etc...
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