Recumbent - Advice on Commuting Bike Choice

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View Full Version : Advice on Commuting Bike Choice


JumboRider
10-28-05, 07:36 AM
I have been stuggling with the bike buying decision to start commuting to work. I am a big guy at 6'4" 350LBS and have only ridden DF's. My commute is 15 miles round trip with some fair hills but no mountains. Later I would like to do some touring. I think I have ruled out trikes due to low height, width, and for the delta's the old man look. I think I have settled on one of these bikes and ask for you oppinions.

Lightfoot Ranger
This is the bike (http://www.lightfootcycles.com/ramodel.htm)

Koga Miyata Traveler
The Koga Bike (http://usa.koga.com/) click touring to see the bike

Surly LHT or Karate Monkey

thanks


CBBaron
10-28-05, 03:30 PM
All would make a good choice. For a commuter. The Karate Monkey will make the best off-roader if you want or need that capability. If you city commute or park inside an office the Ranger will be a little difficult to navigate. However if you have a long commute the Ranger with be much more comfortable.
For all of these bikes the most important point will be to have some good wheels built. If you buy machine built wheels retrue and tighten the spokes before riding and in either case have them retrued after a few hundred miles. That should ensure many reliable miles on the wheels. Running with a 30mm+ tire will also help.
Good luck and have fun
Craig
PS. I like the Ranger

JumboRider
11-01-05, 07:27 AM
Thanks for the response. I am leaning hard to the lightfoot Ranger.