Commuting - What is the best bike for commuting for around $500.00?

I work in new york and I am looking for a good commuter. For around $500.00 what is a good commuter bike? I'm looking for a compact geometry roadie thats fast. As to whether it should have flat bars for agility or hoods I guess I could be flexible with that. Should the tires be thick or thin?
I'm not sure what to get. :(

I use the Specialized Sirrus. Lightweight but can pack a load. I use 28c tires to zip around town, but some prefer a wider tire for greater durability. Upright handlebars to help you get a better view of your surroundings. Three water bottle mounts for carrying odds and ends, and even a water bottle if you want to. Front and rear rack mounts. Room for fenders (I use the Planet Bike road set). This bike has been a real workhorse for me. I don't know the price in NY, but down here it is about $450 for the base model, which is what I have.

Sirrus is good, maybe a Jamis Coda Sport or a Trek 7300/7500 FX

I commute on a Sirrus Elite. Got a pretty good deal on an '05 for $670 USD. I love it. I would definetly look at the Sirrus. There are so many models, and you can just climb the latter depending on what components you want and how much you want to spend.

Go used and expand your choices

I got a Trek 7000fx for less than $500 and I love it - although the dumb plastic sheild between the spokes and the rear cassette is all wonky for some reason. Other than that, a strong, sturdy durable bike, esp with the 35 tires.

Uh, I meant the 35 mm tires....

Is five-hundred bucks your whole bike commuting budget? If so, look for a three-hundred dollar bike. If you're like me you'll spend the other two-hundred (at least) on extras. Lights, water bottles, fenders, rain gear and packs of some sort are all things you'll need or want for your ride.

Redline 925. Compact road geometry, moustache bars, fenders, and fixed gear. I think they are selling for $479. In my humble opinion, very functional and very cool.
http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/925.html

Kona Smoke-- for $350 list. (any Kona dealer can order it-- they may try to sell you something else, but don't go for it. LBS hate to sell bikes this cheap). Get a rack and good lights for it and you'll spend $500 or so.

The reasons for getting the Smoke are...

1. threadless headset.
2.steel frame.
3. Standard MTB wheels
4. Good street tires
5. fenders

As far as being *fast*? Ah, that depends on you!

Is five-hundred bucks your whole bike commuting budget? If so, look for a three-hundred dollar bike. If you're like me you'll spend the other two-hundred (at least) on extras. Lights, water bottles, fenders, rain gear and packs of some sort are all things you'll need or want for your ride.

Or if you're like me, you'll spend $50 on an old beater that you've fixed up and spend the other $450 on accessories. :eek: ;)

Or if you're like me, you'll spend $50 on an old beater that you've fixed up and spend the other $450 on accessories.

Seriously. Buy a cheap old used bike: $20. Buy a pair of cranks that fit me: $60. A seat? $30. Kevlar-belted tire? $30. New rear freewheel? $15.

Seriously. Buy a cheap old used bike: $20. Buy a pair of cranks that fit me: $60. A seat? $30. Kevlar-belted tire? $30. New rear freewheel? $15.

And don't forget lights $100. Helmet $50. Panniers and rack $100. Getting close to $500 already. Heck, my rack is worth more than the bike. In fact, I think even the tires are worth more than the bike. :eek:

I commute on a Sirrus Elite. Got a pretty good deal on an '05 for $670 USD. I love it. I would definetly look at the Sirrus. There are so many models, and you can just climb the latter depending on what components you want and how much you want to spend.

Elite? Do you mean the comp? I can't find an elite version of the sirrus on the specialized site. And also, which is better for the money the sirrus or the trek FX bikes? They seem to look like each other and perform similarly.

Or if you're like me, you'll spend $50 on an old beater that you've fixed up and spend the other $450 on accessories. :eek: ;)

LOL I wish! Would rather spend 300 on an excellent but used roadie and save 200 bucks on some winter clothes. :|

For new york, old english 3 speed. Good handling, upright position, bulletproof drive train,,just clean the chain every once in a while and drip some oil in the hub. Fenders and chain guard keep you clothes clean.

Elite? Do you mean the comp? I can't find an elite version of the sirrus on the specialized site. And also, which is better for the money the sirrus or the trek FX bikes? They seem to look like each other and perform similarly.

Specialized might not make an Elite version any more. My girlfriend has an '05 Sirrus and my dad has a 7300FX. The Sirrus cost about $40-80 more but is in my opinion, a much nicer bike. The 7300FX is a good bit heavier and just looks chunkier (may or may not matter to you). The 7300FX comes with 35mm tires whereas the Sirrus has 28mm tires standard. The 7300FX can take larger tires than the Sirrus but you can fit up to 35mm tires on a Sirrus if you wanted to. The 7300FX has a wider range cassette than the Sirrus but if your ride is flat or if you are used to road gearing, this won't matter. Both are 8 speed bikes although the next level up for each is 9 speed (but it's also out of your price range).

Go used and expand your choices
+1 to that! See if you can find a used cyclocross bike. A Kona Jake the Snake would work great, as would the Redline or Fuji cross bikes. You should be able to run 28C tires and fenders, plus spiked tires in the winter. ANy of those bikes can be switched to a flat bar for about $50 - less if you have a tickle trunk of old MTB parts in your basement.

And don't forget lights $100. Helmet $50. Panniers and rack $100.

I spent $20 on a helmet, $15 on fenders, $13.55 on a rack (came with a bike that was missing seat and front tire) and about $25 on the do-it-yourself stuff I use in place of panniers. $30 or $45 for my lights- a pair of 3-LED cateye blinkies suits my purposes.

I guess all the stuff I use for my current bike cost me about $260. Add in the junk bikes, tools, and incompatible parts I've bought when doing, or trying to do, repairs for it... then the price is more like $430. (Buying junk bikes for their wheels after I dented or bent mine, a couple times, is part of that.)

Go used and expand your choices

+2. and count on the bike being stolen at some point. part of the cost of commuting in ny is replacing a bike every year or so (assuming you lock it up outside). only when the value of the bike is less than the chain used to lock it up do you stand a realistic chance of avoiding theft and/or debilitating vandalism.

+2. and count on the bike being stolen at some point. part of the cost of commuting in ny is replacing a bike every year or so (assuming you lock it up outside). only when the value of the bike is less than the chain used to lock it up do you stand a realistic chance of avoiding theft and/or debilitating vandalism.

Yeah, if this thing can't come inside in NY, then maybe you should be over in the Folding Bikes forum.

Yeah, if this thing can't come inside in NY, then maybe you should be over in the Folding Bikes forum.

Nope, any bike i commute with gonna come upstairs to the office with me. Its gonna sit like 3 inches from me too. :D
Here is a thought....what if I convert my specialized hardrock sport? I mean, I have slicks for it already but if I were to get a rigid fork for it and a new cassette that its better for the road.....would that be good? o_O

Nope, any bike i commute with gonna come upstairs to the office with me. Its gonna sit like 3 inches from me too. :D


that's awesome. I would be looking for a cannondale t-800 or t-1000 on ebay - might luck out and get one for $500.

on the hardrock conversion, slicks are a great idea, but I would consider leaving the suspension fork. it's a fair bit of cost and work to swap it out and there are enough potholes and rough surfaces to justify a suspension fork.

Save your money and ride the MTB. I know it will slow you down sooooo much, but just ride it anyway. It will make you stronger and you will notice the difference when you get back on your roadie.

Nope, any bike i commute with gonna come upstairs to the office with me. Its gonna sit like 3 inches from me too. :D
Here is a thought....what if I convert my specialized hardrock sport? I mean, I have slicks for it already but if I were to get a rigid fork for it and a new cassette that its better for the road.....would that be good? o_O

Wasn't it suggested before in another thread to convert your MTB? Anyway, I have the same bike (2003 model) that I converted for my commute. I got a Surly 1X1 rigid fork from Speedgoat for $55 to do the conversion. I needed another star fangled nut so I just bought a cheap headset from Performance (now I have all the other parts as spares if I need them) for about $15. It makes the bike much more rideable on the roads. The 1.5" slicks absorb potholes good enough for me, especially compared to my road bikes.

Why would you want to change the cassette? If you had a lot of 35+ mph descents, then you might want a different crankset but the 42 (or 44?)/11 on my MTB does just fine for me.

Elite? Do you mean the comp? I can't find an elite version of the sirrus on the specialized site. And also, which is better for the money the sirrus or the trek FX bikes? They seem to look like each other and perform similarly.

Looks like they arent making the Elite in '06. Check the archives on the specialized site, it is there under 2005.

http://specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2005&spid=9619&JServSessionIdroot=t97cpgbjts.j27007

How far are you commuting?

If it's not more than 10 miles or so, just get some accessories for the bike you have. I'd recommend keeping the suspension fork. In my experience, I only notice the fork slowing me down if I check my stats on the computer after the ride. YMMV. You can minimize speed loss by tightening the fork a little (if possible). Fewer jarring road bumps = good.

And now you've got $500 to buy goodies with....

Just scored my new commuter a few weeks ago. Kona Dew Deluxe, barely ridden (still got the original tires) and I snagged it on E-Bay for $375. Added fenders and lights that I already had and I'm good to go.

The bike's aluminum, so rust isn't an issue (prefer the ride of steel, though), disc brakes will stop it on a dime, even when it's wet. I like the ride -- agile and fast. The saddle's got to go, though. It's a barcalounger.

Look around, buy used, and plan to spend on accessories. If you've got any kind of commute at all, you'll pay for the bike in gas savings in no time.

Don't know how athletic you are or what your inclinations are, but if I was commuting in NYC, I might start looking at IRO. A fixie with a front brake might be my ride of choice there.

Wasn't it suggested before in another thread to convert your MTB? Anyway, I have the same bike (2003 model) that I converted for my commute. I got a Surly 1X1 rigid fork from Speedgoat for $55 to do the conversion. I needed another star fangled nut so I just bought a cheap headset from Performance (now I have all the other parts as spares if I need them) for about $15. It makes the bike much more rideable on the roads. The 1.5" slicks absorb potholes good enough for me, especially compared to my road bikes.

Why would you want to change the cassette? If you had a lot of 35+ mph descents, then you might want a different crankset but the 42 (or 44?)/11 on my MTB does just fine for me.

Actually, the issue was never really settled. There were too many opinions for both buying a roadie and for a conversion. I wasn't able to figure out what to do. I mean, if I do keep the mtb as is then I would be giving up speed. Today for instance, I decided to bring in my mtb and ride up on the west side highway bike lane so I could compare its performance to my roadbike. Well, it sure soaked up the potholes and I was able to jump from the curb N what not. But when I got to the bike lane on the west side......it was like riding in a sea of glue. :|
Every stomp on the pedal and the inefficiency of the suspension fork on the smooth surface was apparent. I had grannies on their freakin road machines drop me like I was nuthin. "Get outta my way sonny boy!"
I think I would probably give up the convenience of the suspension and go for a rigid fork for the sake of speed. Don't the sirrus or trek fx bikes have suspension in the seatpost though?

Wasn't it suggested before in another thread to convert your MTB? Anyway, I have the same bike (2003 model) that I converted for my commute. I got a Surly 1X1 rigid fork from Speedgoat for $55 to do the conversion. I needed another star fangled nut so I just bought a cheap headset from Performance (now I have all the other parts as spares if I need them) for about $15. It makes the bike much more rideable on the roads. The 1.5" slicks absorb potholes good enough for me, especially compared to my road bikes.

Why would you want to change the cassette? If you had a lot of 35+ mph descents, then you might want a different crankset but the 42 (or 44?)/11 on my MTB does just fine for me.

I dunno. I mean like, if I were to have a cassette that is more commonly found on a road bike installed on the mtb then wouldn't that change the ride characteristics of it on the road? The sirrus for instance.....what cassette does it use and how does that compare to the one on a mtb like the hardrock?

Go used and expand your choices

Agreed.

If you have to leave the bike outside, a brand new $500.00 dollar bike may not last long on the streets of New York City.

I think maybe you are getting too many opinions from the members of the forums. You might just need to sit down and decide for yourself what is best. If you keep asking you will get even more undecided as to what your best course of action should be.

Stalker, go with your gut instinct. If you think you need a road bike for commuting get one.

Comfort bike or used road bike.

For new york, old english 3 speed. Good handling, upright position, bulletproof drive train,,just clean the chain every once in a while and drip some oil in the hub. Fenders and chain guard keep you clothes clean.

Good idea.

The New York 3000 is a must but that will set you back $80.00 USD. Lights and two or three rear blinkies will set you back an additional $70.00 USD! I would buy new tires and Tuffy Tire lines or you'll be fixing flats no time soon but that will set you back an additional $60.00 USD!

How far are you commuting?

If it's not more than 10 miles or so, just get some accessories for the bike you have. I'd recommend keeping the suspension fork. In my experience, I only notice the fork slowing me down if I check my stats on the computer after the ride. YMMV. You can minimize speed loss by tightening the fork a little (if possible). Fewer jarring road bumps = good.

And now you've got $500 to buy goodies with....

You must be in great shape if you don't notice a speed difference. Although, my suspicion is that you haven't gone up against granny armstrong in a head to head race. :|

Comfort bike or used road bike.

Of those two choices I would go with a used road. But the reason why I'm considering a conversion of the mtb is that I am trying to save money. If there isn't much of a price savings on doing a conversion versus getting a used roadie then I wouldn't bother and just get a used roadie.
But for me at least it seems to be slim pickins on ebay.

Why is it you guys always get the cool deals on ebay and I always get the scraps from the barrel? :(

Why is it you guys always get the cool deals on ebay and I always get the scraps from the barrel? :(

Because you need to be decisive on ebay. If you hem and haw and do not bid, the item is gone. Many times has a person asked about an ebay deal and then missed out on it because they were waiting to hear back from the forum members. Go with the force, young Stalker. :)

Because you need to be decisive on ebay. If you hem and haw and do not bid, the item is gone. Many times has a person asked about an ebay deal and then missed out on it because they were waiting to hear back from the forum members. Go with the force, young Stalker. :)

How about giving a guy a heads up when ya hear about a good deal? :(
Just pm me cause I check bikeforums ever day. It one of my homepages. :|

How about giving a guy a heads up when ya hear about a good deal? :(
Just pm me cause I check bikeforums ever day. It one of my homepages. :|


You are missing my point. Convert your MTB and then you will not have to worry about ebay. Problem solved.

For the budget you gave,the Kona Smoke would be a good idea. Even better would be a Dew-series,you can find them on eBay for reasonable.

I had a Sirrus,and can't really recommend them. Ride was kind of harsh,and the gearing was tall for the hills I do. I replaced it with my Jamis Coda Comp,which rocks. Mine was $600 on sale,so you might be able to find a leftover '05 or a Sport for $500.

Don't know about the FX Treks. The alum forks might not be too smooth. I've never ridden one,so I can't say,but I know the alum fork on my Absolute was bad enough that I had to go carbon. Also,the stock Bontrager tires suck(too much drag).

Have you adjusted the fork on your MTB? I tweaked the settings on my Giant and it made a big difference. Also,what tires are you running? I've got 1.5" WTB Slickasauruses on my Marin and they run real smooth. The 1.75" Vittoria Randonneaurs on my Buzz are also pretty good.

Don't the sirrus or trek fx bikes have suspension in the seatpost though?

The lower end models do but it won't rob anywhere near as much power as a suspension fork. Actually, to be honest, they don't do much at all and if your LBS would swap it out for free, have them do that. Or find a cheap seatpost (<$20) and be done with it.



I dunno. I mean like, if I were to have a cassette that is more commonly found on a road bike installed on the mtb then wouldn't that change the ride characteristics of it on the road? The sirrus for instance.....what cassette does it use and how does that compare to the one on a mtb like the hardrock?

The Sirrus uses a road cassette and the Trek's use a MTB cassette. The MTB cassette gets you a wider range of gearing at the expense of bigger jumps between gears. For a commuter, this shouldn't be an issue either way. But if you've got lots of hills, you may like the wider range of the MTB cassette.



Don't know about the FX Treks. The alum forks might not be too smooth. I've never ridden one,so I can't say,but I know the alum fork on my Absolute was bad enough that I had to go carbon.

The Trek FX bikes and the Sirrus all use steel forks.

You are missing my point. Convert your MTB and then you will not have to worry about ebay. Problem solved.

Ok say I do...can the 26 inch wheels be changed out for 700c wheels? Or maybe 650c wheels?

Put some slicks on your MTB and ride the damn thing.
The time diff between my mtb and my road commuter is like 10 minutes a day over 25 miles.

why the need to go so fast? Geez, you want to get to work that badly? Just ride the dang mtb and be done with all the "What if's" You seem to be trying to find reasons NOT to commute to work. The Roubaix is too expensive...the MTB is too slow...I cannot afford a new road bike. Please just ride the MTB.

Honestly, no offense, you seem to need a good kick in the arse :D

For the budget you gave,the Kona Smoke would be a good idea. Even better would be a Dew-series,you can find them on eBay for reasonable.

I had a Sirrus,and can't really recommend them. Ride was kind of harsh,and the gearing was tall for the hills I do. I replaced it with my Jamis Coda Comp,which rocks. Mine was $600 on sale,so you might be able to find a leftover '05 or a Sport for $500.

Don't know about the FX Treks. The alum forks might not be too smooth. I've never ridden one,so I can't say,but I know the alum fork on my Absolute was bad enough that I had to go carbon. Also,the stock Bontrager tires suck(too much drag).

Have you adjusted the fork on your MTB? I tweaked the settings on my Giant and it made a big difference. Also,what tires are you running? I've got 1.5" WTB Slickasauruses on my Marin and they run real smooth. The 1.75" Vittoria Randonneaurs on my Buzz are also pretty good.

Well its the entry level hardrock sport. And that includes the sucky RST gila t5 suspension fork. Not much adjusting can be done to it. And it certainly can't be locked out. Also, I'm running it with 1.5 armadillo nimbus slicks.

why the need to go so fast? Geez, you want to get to work that badly? Just ride the dang mtb and be done with all the "What if's" You seem to be trying to find reasons NOT to commute to work. The Roubaix is too expensive...the MTB is too slow...I cannot afford a new road bike. Please just ride the MTB.

Honestly, no offense, you seem to need a good kick in the arse :D

Oh, for goodness sake! I want to have my cake and eat it too! I want an inexpensive road bike I don't mind beating up during a weekly commute....and I want it to be fast. Anddddd I want my ultra expensive roadie for the weekends or whenever I have free time.
Anddddddd I do intend on commuting when it gets really really cold. :|

The Trek FX bikes and the Sirrus all use steel forks.

7500 has alum:
http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2005/citybike/7500fx.jsp

Also,the cromo fork on my Sirrus Sport Disc wasn't all that smooth. Both my Kona and my old Raleigh are smoother.

Ok say I do...can the 26 inch wheels be changed out for 700c wheels? Or maybe 650c wheels?

So give me some heads up so I don't look like a total idiot when I talk to allen at sheepshead cycle this week. Can the wheels be upgraded to either the 650c or 700c?

no

Want to fast? Save money? Never mind fast and used? Get a track bike with a front brake. Tons of fun, one gear, plenty sprinty, change gears for commuting and weekend.
It takes 10 minutes to change a cog.

7500 has alum:
http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2005/citybike/7500fx.jsp

Also,the cromo fork on my Sirrus Sport Disc wasn't all that smooth. Both my Kona and my old Raleigh are smoother.

My mistake. I only checked the 7200FX and 7300FX.