Commuting - New to forum and biking, a little help please?:-)

I've spent the last few days reading through all these posts, as many as i can get through anyway (there are a LOT), and I've learned QUITE a bit.
But I'm hoping for some advice about my situation from all those who are wiser and more experienced than me.
First off, i'm 23, in ok shape (hoping to get in much more shape), 5'8 about 200 lbs. And I would like to commute to work and to school. My commute would be about 10 miles one way. There is a main highway I can take to both work and school, as well as many back roads. I live in a very urban area in south eastern wisconsin.
I went to the local bike shop today. The guy was very helpful. He recommended a Trek hybrid, 7100, 7200, or 7300. My total budget is about 500 +/- 100, and that's including the extras and such. So the hybrids he recommended seem to fit within the budget at around 300 each. So what do you think of those bikes for a 10 mile commute on flat paved roads? He told me road bikes would be faster, but that the hybrid would be fast enough for me. The road bikes are out of my price range.
I have looked around for some used bikes as well, but haven't seen much. The guy at the store showed me some of the used bikes they had there as well.
He also said I might think about a Trek 72FX. It looked pretty nice as well.
All the bikes were lined up really close together. Is it ok to ask to try one out? That may seem like a dumb question but the guy didn't offer or anything like that. So I want to know when I go back.
Also, what can I expect from a 10 mile commute on these bikes? Am I going to arrive drenched in sweat and winded and exhausted? Is it a slow comfortable ride? etc. What about winter? Wisconsin winters can be brutal.
Ok, Ive probably asked too many questions, and I know i saw some threads about winter riding, so ignore that one. But let me know about those bikes I mentioned for my commute.
Thanks!

I went to the local bike shop today. The guy was very helpful. He recommended a Trek hybrid, 7100, 7200, or 7300. My total budget is about 500 +/- 100, and that's including the extras and such. So the hybrids he recommended seem to fit within the budget at around 300 each. So what do you think of those bikes for a 10 mile commute on flat paved roads? He told me road bikes would be faster, but that the hybrid would be fast enough for me. The road bikes are out of my price range.
I have looked around for some used bikes as well, but haven't seen much. The guy at the store showed me some of the used bikes they had there as well.

I can't really say much about hybrids as I don't have any hybrids. The important part is for the bike to fit you. You may want to ask them to find a bike that fits you. Also ask them to do the measuring that take a really long time. The fit is really important.


All the bikes were lined up really close together. Is it ok to ask to try one out? That may seem like a dumb question but the guy didn't offer or anything like that. So I want to know when I go back.

Of course, you should always try on a bike. If it doesn't feel comfortable, immediately find another one. Always ask to try one out. ride it around, not around the store, but in the parking lot, big spaces, and try to find a place where it will feel like the place you commute in.




Also, what can I expect from a 10 mile commute on these bikes? Am I going to arrive drenched in sweat and winded and exhausted? Is it a slow comfortable ride? etc. What about winter? Wisconsin winters can be brutal.
Winter can be very harsh. I live in NY and it's cold here. A 10 mile commute will probably take you around 30min to 1 hr. If you travel at 10mph slowest. I've never trued a hybrid. I have a really old road bike. My hands feels tired on a road bike so I get to switch positions but I don't know about hybrids. I don't particullarly like hybirds because it's a combination of both but it can't do anything right. It's not fast and it's still a very bumpy ride, unlike a mountain bike. But like I said, I never tried a hybrid.

Regardless of bikes, any bike, I strongly recommend switching the saddle. The saddles that come with the bikes are extremely bad and painful.



Ok, Ive probably asked too many questions, and I know i saw some threads about winter riding, so ignore that one. But let me know about those bikes I mentioned for my commute. Thanks!
Always ask question, don't be afraid to ask. It's a really nice community here at BF.


I really hope this helps.

EDIT: Try to get a 2005 bike, a last years bike so you can talk about the price with the shop owner and ask for a discount. Last years bikes are usually cheaper.

Test ride all the bikes, make sure the LBS guy fits you and adjusts your bike to fit you. Make sure you're comfy, then have him throw in some discounts on the helmet, lights, chain and lock. Make sure you have the right clothing. Something that wicks and breathes, an insulating layer and a windproof shell. No matter what you ride, you're gonna be drenched in sweat after 10 miles. Also make sure you include the cost of carrying your stuff in your budget (bag, panniers, milk crate, etc.) Ride your route a few times trying different combos til you find the right one, then have fun! Bring water cuz you'll need it if you're new.

Hybrid will be fine at that distance.
You wont arrive much less sweaty on a road bike than on a hybrid. Thats more dependant on your fitness, not your bike. In fact the hybrid will get you in shape more since it'll be heavier :)

I always recomend a cross bike, since it has drop bars, but they are more expensive.

Ask about trading up in a year, see what they say. Also are there any other shops in the area ? Go to as many as possible, ride as many as possible, find a shop that you like, then buy from them whats in your budget :)

There don't seem to be a lot of shops in the area. I drove past another one today after I went to that one, and it looked kinda dingy and was closed anyway. I really liked the one I went to.
I guess I just wanted to know if the hybrid will be good enough for what I want to do with it (commuting 20 miles a day round trip)
I would also like to know if anyone knows if the parts that come standard on the Trek hybrid are good, or if wheels or whatever should be changed?
Any advice u have is welcomed :-)

You seem to have hit on all the questions everyone asks before they start commuting. I've been at it for about a year now and ride 12 miles one way.

On your choice of bike -- ask a dozen bikers and you'll get 20 answers on the best bike to ride. Its just the nature of the beast!. So here are my thoughts:
I and probably many other new riders use hybrids because the riding position is a little more comfortable if you haven't ridden a lot. Also sitting a little more upright can make it easier to negotiate traffic. And the price is right for someone just starting out.
I think you will also find that a hybrid with 35mm tires gives you a little softer and more stable ride than a roadbike. Also a hybrid is probably a little more rugged in construction than a roadbike which can be good if your roads get potholed, etc. The desirability of a suspension fork and/seatpost are heavily debated here. My own experience suggests suspension seatposts aren't worth it (mine was always bottomed out anyway) but the suspension fork can be nice in rough terrain. I would not make it a major factor in the decision, but it might be an additional factor given otherwise equal bikes. Also if you decide to ride in winter or in the rain you will find it easier to mount fenders on a hybrid. The same goes for putting studded tires on the bike for riding in serious snow and ice.
Speed wise they will more than accomodate your needs. I can pretty easily do 15 mph on the trail I ride and can do 19-20 mph if I push hard, so speed should not be a major concern.
On the ride itself you are the master of your own two wheeled domain as a bike commuter. I would suggest starting slow until you get a sense of how much conditioning you need to be comfortable. Most people can do 10mph without killing themselves, so that might be a reasonable target pace to start with. Especially if you don't have a good place to clean up after a ride, you will want to ride a little slower to avoid working up a sweat. Over the course of a few weeks you will likely find it gets easier and you get less sweaty. If you ride a few commutes and feel comfortable then you can always pick up the pace. I look at commuting as a long term endeavor so I just try to make slow steady progress rather than rapid improvements.
I would suggest starting with riding every other day or so to see how it goes. You will probably want to wait until you have decent weather to start your commute. While it is possible to bike commute in pretty much any weather of conditions, cold rain requires pretty good rain gear and snow and ice require more gear and more skills of a practiced rider. All of which you will get in time, but can be a bit intimidating at the outset.
You can definitely ask to take bikes out on test rides. How far you can go will depend on the shop owner, but you want to ride a reasonable distance so you can feel how well the bike fits you and how it handles. It sounds like you are already dealing with a good LBS, but my main advice to any new rider is to pick a shop where you feel comfortable and where you feel the staff is treating you fairly. Of course they have to sell stuff, but some places are such a hard sell or really only want to deal with the racers or hard core riders that simple commuters can get lost in the shuffle.
Good luck with your bike shopping and your commute and we're always around to answer more questions if you can't find an existing thread on the topic.

I will apologize in advance to all those who own hybrids... my experience (I rented one in San Francisco a couple of years ago) is that a hybrid combines the worst aspects of the mountain bike and of the road bike. It is not good on the road and it is not good off the road. Either get a mountain bike with slicks or get a road bike, or a cross bike (or a fixie). That's my 2 cents...

but, like has been said above, the most important thing is bike fit.

train safe-

I will apologize in advance to all those who own hybrids... my experience (I rented one in San Francisco a couple of years ago) is that a hybrid combines the worst aspects of the mountain bike and of the road bike. It is not good on the road and it is not good off the road. Either get a mountain bike with slicks or get a road bike, or a cross bike (or a fixie). That's my 2 cents...

but, like has been said above, the most important thing is bike fit.

train safe-

+1

For a new rider a road bike can be "different" and not as eay to negotiate as an All terrain/mountain bike, due to the drop bars. I would suggest a flat bar road bike like the Novara Forza (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47992730&parent_category_rn=4500865)

I suggest keeping you eye out for a used road/touring bike and get some flat bars for it. It will be a smoother ride with the controlability that a new rider will like.

You should absolutely expect and demand to test ride all of the bikes. Hybrids fine for 10 mile trips, good choice. www.icebike.com for winter suggestions. As far as being sweaty and all that, I keep clean clothes at work in a box underneath my desk, and change into them, also I don't have to carry clothes on my bike. I exchange clothes during my carpool days. No shower, but I use unscented baby wipes, works great and is cheap.

also assume 10 MPH until you figure out how fast you'll ultimately be, which I'm sure will be faster. you just don't want to make yourself late to work on your first day bike commuting. you want to be early and make a good impression.

Check out the Winter Cycling -forum here. It has tons of info about how to "winterise" your bike and yourself.

My commute is about the same length as yours and I've been riding it for more than 10 years now with a hybrid. I like the heavy build and the ability to fit large panniers and haul stuff if need be. A hybrid will be OK, just find one that fits you.

--J

Thanks for all the advice and info!
I guess my next question would be...how do you know when a bike fits you? What should I look for?
The guy at the bike shop said I should get about 17.5" frame. Does that sound about right? (5'8 height)

The best style of bike for a 10mile ride on decent roads is probably a flat-bar road bike such as the Specialized Sirrus, Jamis Coda, Trek FX . These are really light-touring/sports bikes: they take medium width tyres, fenders and rear luggage rack and come with lower gear ratios than a race bike.
Tyre size makes a big difference to performance. On longer commutes, many riders opt for a tough 28mm width as a good compromise between speed and reliability.
The difference between flat bars and drop bars is more apparent on longer rides where drops give you more alternate hand positions. You can set flats to be fairly aerodynamic but you are stuck with one position.

Winter riding may require a different bike altogether. You may require studded tyres so need much more clearance. Having 2 bikes is always a good idea. Non sus MTBs make excellent winter commuter bikes.

If anyone would be able to help me out a little bit more, I'd appreciate it. I found this list of bikes that are on sale at a different local bike shop. Just wanting to know if these are good prices or not. I'm specifically looking at the Trek hybrids.
Here is the link.
http://www.southport-rigging.com/page.htm?PG=05NovBikeSale

Just a note, the numbers next to the bikes listed don't mean a whole lot to me.
TREK 7300 17.5 @ 2 20 @ 3 22.5 @ 2 - what does all that mean?

My current ride is at trek 7100fx. While I do admit it's not the faster or lightest bike in the world, it's fast enough for me.The gears are low enough to climb comfortably most of my local hills. Put on some bar ends, rear rack, bike computer & a good set of lights - hey it's a good commuter. I'm using 35mm tyres at the moment, & they handle the city roads/bike paths alright.
Last year I took it on 560Km week-long supported bike tour. The bike (and me) made it through the week without too many problems. Admittingly the road bikes passed me regularly, but at least I wasn't last in each day.

Keeping that in mind, I've got my eye on one of the new "Avanti" flat bar road bikes. They cost a little more, than I spent on my Trek. But if I were to upgrade my ride, they're be on the top of my list

By the way, this evening I took my Trek on a 28Km evening ride (including a few hills). I didn't find it particulary hard. So, with a bit of practise, a 10mile commute is quite doable. If you're worrying about sweating too much, just keep at a moderate pace & remember it's not a race.

17.5"/20"/22.5" - They refer to the sizing. I'm 5feet7 and my Trek is a womans 17.5".
I tweaked around the handlebar/Seat height, & I find it a good fit.

.

I think a hybrid is the way to go... especially for a newby. b/c they are pretty solid bikes... mine is anyway. Once you own a hybrid... you start to learn what you really like or want in a commuter, assuming that's the only use of your hybrid. same would be for mtn bikes and road bikes. whatever you decide... good luck!!

ride safe,

Rich

Go for the hybrid, trek makes fine ones, my first was a 7200fx.

If your very tight budget wise, I wouldnt get anything above a 7200. Save the cash, get the accessories you need, and save up for a better bike in a year or 2. By that time you'll be in shape, less weight, and know exactly what you do and dont want in a bike.

If you have a shop that deals in used bikes nearby or better yet some type of bicycle co-op, I wouldn't rule out used bikes as a good solution.

I've been commuting 60 to 100 miles per week on an old Peugeot road bike frame to which I added upright (cruiser style) bars, a rack, clipless pedals, and a powerful homebrew headlight setup. I found the frame in a scrap steel dumpster at the local county-sponsored household hazardous waste collection facilty. The rack is off of a different frame found in the same dumpster a different time, and the pedals and headlight components were bought new. Somewhat wiggly dumpster wheels were replaced with nice used alloy wheels from my local bike co-op ($20, including good used tubes and tires).

If you can find an old road frame that fits you well, there really is no reason not to use it for a commuter. Remember that you'll be riding this bike in inclement weather and probably leaving it locked and unattended in less than desirable circumstances. One of the best ways to deter would-be thieves is to ride an undesirable bike (and the biggest part of the secret is to find a universally undesirable bike that you personally really like and are comfortable on). A slightly beat-up road frame from the 80s with not-so-hot components and weird customizations will get you around just fine as long as you maintain the bike properly (which you still have to do with a new bike).

Roughly where in Wisconsin are you located? If you are within a reasonable drive of the twin cities, I would highly recommend you stop by the Sibley Bike Depot and see what they have. Many of the bikes there are already fixed up to a rideable state, but there are also plenty of bikes that have not been repaired yet. If you want to learn bike maintenance, this is a great way to do it. Adopt an old bike and rebuild it with new grease, a few new parts, etc. and take it home with you for a ton less than a new bike. If you can spend $100 on a used/reconditioned bike, you will have $400 left in your budget to get a nice helmet, lights, pedals, shoes, clothes, and other accessories, all of which will almost certainly not be included in the price of the new bikes you are looking at. Some people prefer to pay for a new bike and have it ready to go, but I personally love to solve problems with a more grassroots approach and get as involved as I can.

Here's Sibley's website. They're located in downtown St. Paul, and their seasonal hours are listed on the website.
http://bikeped.org/

I have been commuting via bike for almost a year. I had the same questions as you did when I was looking for a bike last spring.

I rode bikes at several shops before I purchased a Marin Muirwoods. The Marin is very close in price to the Treks you are considering -- in fact, I considered the same Trek bikes. I ended up choosing the Marin (in part) because I wanted to have something a little different than everyone else.

I have discovered that my LBS (across the street) is a great shop; but, my experience depends greatly on what employee I talk to. There is a girl there who knows almost nothing and has been completely unhelpful. There is an older guy (manager or owner) who is somewhat helpful. And there is a pair of young guys (both mechanics there) who have given me tons of valuable information and advice. I would encourage you to visit a variety of shops multiple times and talk to different people.

I have had zero flats with my 26" x 1.5" wheels/tires (WTB Slickasaurus). The tires are very smooth, with a just a few shallow grooves on the sides to help with turns. They roll very easily and work well on my urban commute.

My commute is 7.6 miles each way and is no problem on the hybrid. I do no off-road riding so the mountain-bike geometry is not of use to me. I also do not race and technically do not require a faster or lighter bike.

Even though I am mostly happy with my hybrid, if I had to make the choice again I think I would find a way to pay more money and get a cyclo-cross bike. My bike is heavier than I want, and does not have an aggressive enough riding position. Furthermore, I would prefer to have drop bars.

Ultimately, I think you should make an effort to ride as many bikes as you can. Ride them for as long as the shop will let you. Ride them multiple times. Ride bikes from different shops and different brands. Try different styles even if you are planning on getting the hybrid.

Regardless of the equipment you choose, I think you will find commuting by bike to be an enjoyable experience. I feel great every time I ride.

Best source for used bikes is garage sales in the spring. Some credit unions have monthly free classified add fliers with bikes for sale. I've had good luck finding used bikes at bike shops near colleges. Some people have luck at thrift stores such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill. I haven't tried that myself.

Make sure you get one that has threaded eyelets at the fork ends and chainstay ends so you can attache racks and fenders.

While shock absorbers are not a disqualifying feature if you find a good deal on a bike you like, you don't need them and shouldn't pay more to get them.

I'm in the same situation as you - I just got my bike last Saturday with the intention to commute (but my commute is nowhere near as long as yours). I got a Trek 7300.

So far, I'm really happy with the quality of it. But, in retrospect, I wish I had tried out a 7.3 FX or 7.2 FX. I'm not sure if anyone already mentioned it but the big difference between the 7300 and the 7.3 FX is the FX has trigger shifters and a flat handle bar.

The 7300 has grip shifters, the handle bar has a bit of an angle, and it has front suspension.

I've found the front suspension to do nothing worthwhile. The grip shifters can be annoying at times. So if you can try out an FX, I'd recommend it.

Also, try to find all your local bike shops and go there and see what they have! I'm kicking myself because I dismissed a local shop because I thought they were all BMX and mountain bikes. It turns out they carried Jamis, a brand I'm very interested in trying. The shop wasn't listed on the Jamis dealer site so I had no idea till a friend told me. So go everywhere, and ride anything that fits your price range and needs.

In the end, just make sure you get a bike you're happy with from a shop that you feel treats you fairly.

Probably the best commuter bike I have seen under $500:
http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/bikes/images/925.jpg
http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/925.html
Come outfitted with fenders, good tires and comfortable bars. If I remember correct SE Wisconsin doesn't have too many hills so even a newbie you can still handle a single speed and if you want to try something really fun you can go fixed. Over all its a good value.
A hybrid is a decent bike for that type of commute but they are heavy and the upright riding position creates more air drag. It will be easier to ride and seem more comfortable at first but a hybrid will be more limiting and less comfortable with more miles.
Like someone else said people have lots of different opinions on what makes a good commuter so if you pick a bike you like I'm sure it will work well for you. Just make sure any bike you pick can easily mount full fenders and a decent sized tire (28mm or more).
Craig

Thanks for all the great info again!
I drove home from school this morning on the backstreets to see what it was like and how many miles. It came out to be about 8.5 miles. So, a little less than i thought.
I guess while i was driving I had a few questions/concerns. Like, where are you supposed to ride the bike on the street? Do you stay on the right shoulder if there is one, do you stay in a lane like a car? What about at stoplights, do you stay far to the right and allow a car to pull up along side you? Where do you go if you have to turn left from a left turn lane? So many questions, I know. lol
It's hard because I hardly see anyone biking in this area, especially this time of year. Though maybe I just haven't been looking out for them as much until now.
Another concern I have is about parking on campus. There are only two bike racks that I have found, and usually no bikes there. (The campus is set right outside the city, so it's nearly in a rural area. Most people commute by car obviously). Would you be afraid to lock a bike at a bike rack that had no other bikes on it? If so, where would you park the bike then? This is not a high crime area by any stretch of the imagination, but I'm sure bikes still get stolen.
I live in southeastern Wisconsin, between Milwaukee and Chicago on Lake Michigan. There are few hills, if any at all.
Im going to keep doing my research and try some bikes out. You guys are all great.

I also like a single speeds for commuting, as long as you don't have any massive hills in your way. The simplicty and ease of maintnance in poor conditions are real plusses. If the part of WI you are in is flat, a SS may be a good choice as a commuter.

I had a hybrid for a bit, but unless you are really wedded to a more upright riding position, get a road style bike. You will want to go faster soon... Used steel road bikes are great (often much nicer than the lower end modern road bikes you would get in the same price range).

Above all else, buy a good pump and learn how to fix a flat on the road. It is going to happen sooner than later.

I would not recommend single speeds for a 8 mile commute for someone not in shape. Use the gears, that's why they are there.

I would also not recommend a flat handle bar, you can have the same upright riding position with road bars plus 2 more riding positions. Sometimes it is nice to give you body a rest and take a new position.

Other advice seems good. Have fun.

I would not recommend single speeds for a 8 mile commute for someone not in shape. Use the gears, that's why they are there.

I would also not recommend a flat handle bar, you can have the same upright riding position with road bars plus 2 more riding positions. Sometimes it is nice to give you body a rest and take a new position.

Other advice seems good. Have fun.
I agree with you on the flat bar but have to disagree about the single speed. Most novice cyclist will be in the wrong gear any ways and on a < 10mile flat ride a single speed will not be more difficult than a geared bike. I'm willing to bet on the ride described that the 925 I suggested will be faster with less effort than any of the $300 hybrids others have suggested. Its true a begining cyclist will have more difficulty with hills on a SS but for a flat commute the SS will be more reliable and easier to maintain.
Craig

Thanks for all the great info again!
I drove home from school this morning on the backstreets to see what it was like and how many miles. It came out to be about 8.5 miles. So, a little less than i thought.
I guess while i was driving I had a few questions/concerns. Like, where are you supposed to ride the bike on the street? Do you stay on the right shoulder if there is one, do you stay in a lane like a car? What about at stoplights, do you stay far to the right and allow a car to pull up along side you? Where do you go if you have to turn left from a left turn lane? So many questions, I know. lol
It's hard because I hardly see anyone biking in this area, especially this time of year. Though maybe I just haven't been looking out for them as much until now.
Another concern I have is about parking on campus. There are only two bike racks that I have found, and usually no bikes there. (The campus is set right outside the city, so it's nearly in a rural area. Most people commute by car obviously). Would you be afraid to lock a bike at a bike rack that had no other bikes on it? If so, where would you park the bike then? This is not a high crime area by any stretch of the imagination, but I'm sure bikes still get stolen.
I live in southeastern Wisconsin, between Milwaukee and Chicago on Lake Michigan. There are few hills, if any at all.
Im going to keep doing my research and try some bikes out. You guys are all great.

It sounds like a nice commute.
If the shoulder is clean a of sufficient width to ride then you can ride on the shoulder otherwise take some space on the right side of the road. If traffic is light they will be able to easily pass you and you will be visible. If traffic is heavy enough that it backs up behind you consider moving to the side or even stopping if you are uncomfortable with cars passing closely. At stop signs I will usually sit in the right tire mark until it is clear to proceed. Then move back to your normal position. To turn left indicate a left turn and move to the left side of the road before making the turn. Always be aware of traffic entering and exiting the road. These vehicles are usually the ones that cause accidents with cyclists. Use a flashing light front and rear if it is not a bright sunny day. And wear bright clothes to improve your visibility.
As for locking your bike. If it is a low crime area but you have to leave your bike unattended for a long time, you should be OK as long as you use good locks. Use a good Ulock to lock the rear wheel and frame to a stationary object. Also use a cable to secure your seat and front wheel. I like the OnGuard Bulldog DT for this purpose as it includes both the U-lock and the cable, though the cable maybe short. Just make sure you use something that will take considerable effort to defeat. Don't use a thin cable that can be cut with wire cutters. Most bikes stolen are either not locked or are locked with cheap locks.
Good luck
Craig

Probably the best commuter bike I have seen under $500:
http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/bikes/images/925.jpg
http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/925.html
Come outfitted with fenders, good tires and comfortable bars. If I remember correct SE Wisconsin doesn't have too many hills so even a newbie you can still handle a single speed and if you want to try something really fun you can go fixed. Over all its a good value.
A hybrid is a decent bike for that type of commute but they are heavy and the upright riding position creates more air drag. It will be easier to ride and seem more comfortable at first but a hybrid will be more limiting and less comfortable with more miles.
Like someone else said people have lots of different opinions on what makes a good commuter so if you pick a bike you like I'm sure it will work well for you. Just make sure any bike you pick can easily mount full fenders and a decent sized tire (28mm or more).
Craig
Saw one of those today at "Behind Bars" in Minneapolis. It looked like a good commuter. Good recommendation.

Thanks again for the replies.
I'm going to open this thread back up though with another question. :-)
I've been looking through the threads, and elsewhere online about information about locks. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what I need to look for in a lock. I imagine the bike shop will have locks and I can purchase them there and be shown how to use them.
Also, any recommendations on where to secure my bike? I will be commuting to school and work. On campus there are bike racks, but generally not any bikes there, especially this time of year. Is that still the best place to lock it up? The bike racks are located right outside of main academic buildings and nearly every student on campus will pass right by them. But the University Police will as well.
Work is a different story. I work for the Home Depot in a busy shopping plaza. The crime in the area isnt too bad, but I know of at least one car having been stolen out of our parking lot. However, there are NO bike racks anywhere in the shopping center. So I have no idea where I can store a bike while at work. Of course I am going to ask my store manager if they would let me store it in the building in the back during my shifts (i'm only there on the weekends), but if he says no, what can i do?
Any advice?
Thanks

One thing I don't like about hybrids is the insistence by the mfgs to put on useless "suspension" forks and seatposts. They really don't add much (if any) comfort and instead add useless weight and more stuff to wear out and break down.

I recommend the cyclocross style of bike for commuting. Lots of hand positions, quick handling, light weight, ability to accept larger tires with fenders, racks, etc.

I agree with you on the flat bar but have to disagree about the single speed. Most novice cyclist will be in the wrong gear any ways and on a < 10mile flat ride a single speed will not be more difficult than a geared bike. I'm willing to bet on the ride described that the 925 I suggested will be faster with less effort than any of the $300 hybrids others have suggested. Its true a begining cyclist will have more difficulty with hills on a SS but for a flat commute the SS will be more reliable and easier to maintain.
Craig
Heh... I just ordered a fixie to use for my commute on nice days. My commute is fairly short and pretty flat, so I think the fixie will be lots of fun!

The fixie (a Milwaukee Bicycle Company "Orange One") won't be replacing my Soma Doublecross. The Soma will still be the workhorse, but on days when it'll be sunny and warm and I don't need lights and fenders the fixie will get the nod.

Thanks for all the great info again!
I drove home from school this morning on the backstreets to see what it was like and how many miles. It came out to be about 8.5 miles. So, a little less than i thought.
I guess while i was driving I had a few questions/concerns. Like, where are you supposed to ride the bike on the street? Do you stay on the right shoulder if there is one, do you stay in a lane like a car? What about at stoplights, do you stay far to the right and allow a car to pull up along side you? Where do you go if you have to turn left from a left turn lane?
The Advocacy and Safety forum on this site will keep you busy reading advice for weeks regarding the question of "where to ride". I'm no expert, but here's what I do on my commute. The key questions are how fast are the cars going, and how much room is there for me.

50 mph road with 8 foot wide gravel shoulder. I ride on the shoulder.

Low traffic wide boulevard type road that is intended to be the main artery for new housing developments. I ride on the right side of the road. I don't ride on the bike trail that runs parallel since it is full of rubbish. When this area is fully developed and the road is busy, I might use the trail. It will depend on the pedestrian traffic.

Crossing 4 lane bridge over highway. I ride on the sidewalk. The lanes are narrow and there is no shoulder. Its always crowded. Motorists are a little tense right there because there are 4 traffic lights and they don't want to miss their opportunity go get on the highway. I think a large percentage of cyclist deaths happen when the cyclist is transitioning from a sidewalk to the road. When I'm over the bridge and want to rejoin traffic, I slow way down and look all directions. I wait patiently for the coast to clear. This junction is the most dangerous part of my commute. I am very much paying attention.

After the bridge, I want to make a left turn. If the coast is clear, I use the left turn lane. Usually, I take the lane of a cross street waiting at the light. I have used the pedestrian crosswalk sometimes. If I do so, I walk the bike.

Residential neighborhood. I ride on the street positioned about where your right tires would be if you were driving a car. I can go about as fast as the cars should be going. So, I'm not worried about being in the way. Besides, it is low traffic and they could pass on the left if they wanted. I don't like hugging the right curb too close, because I think I get better visibility for people backing out of their driveways if I'm more out into the road.

Busy 4-way stop. I get right out into the middle of the lane and make cars behind me stop and wait their turn. I don't want them trying to go in the same turn as me. That would reduce my visibility to other drivers and cause ambiguity about if I'm going or waiting. I really try to sprint through the intersection when it's my turn. I'll use the full road and assert my right of way when it is my safest option, but I try to minimize how long they need to wait on me.

In summary, if I can ride about as fast as the cars, or they have an easy way to pass me then I ride with the cars. If they are going way faster than me, then I look for someway to get out of their way such as a shoulder, bike trail, or sidewalk.

I guess I just wanted to know if the hybrid will be good enough for what I want to do with it (commuting 20 miles a day round trip)
I haven't read all the replies yet, but I can answer this question with a definite YES. I have been commuting year-round 3 1/2 years now, about 11 miles a day, on a hybrid the whole time. A shorter distance than you, true, but I think it still applies. My first was a Diamondback Crestview, which just last week became too expensive to repair, so that is now a backup bike to my new (used) Giant Cypress DX.

One thing I don't like about hybrids is the insistence by the mfgs to put on useless "suspension" forks and seatposts. They really don't add much (if any) comfort and instead add useless weight and more stuff to wear out and break down.

+1. Around here it can be very difficult to find a decent hybrid without suspension forks and / or seatpost nowadays. I had to buy an entry level hybrid to avoid the useless suspensions schemes on the (otherwise) more decent models. So the components in my bike were not very good to begin with, but I've been gradually upgrading them as I wear them out.

--J

Like, where are you supposed to ride the bike on the street? Do you stay on the right shoulder if there is one, do you stay in a lane like a car? What about at stoplights, do you stay far to the right and allow a car to pull up along side you? Where do you go if you have to turn left from a left turn lane?

I started riding a few months ago and had the same questions. I was very wary of riding in the street and had no idea how to approach it. You'll find a lot of posts on here advocating for one side or another of the debate, but it's hard to find clear answers that consider all sides. After some research on here, I found a recommendation for The Art of Urban Cycling (http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-0762727837-0). The author, Robert Hurst, considers all the arguments and safety issues carefully and makes well thought out suggestions. After reading this book, I was much more confident about riding in the street and haven't had any problems yet.

By the way, I have a Trek 7300FX and it would be great for riding around the city if it weren't too small for me. To reiterate, make sure your LBS fits you properly for the bike! (Luckily, my bike is just the right size for my girlfriend and she wants to buy it from me once I get a new one.) I've found that, after getting a better idea of what I want in a bike, I now want a road bike instead anyway. After reading a lot of stuff on here, I've decided (for now, it might change again in a few days :eek: ) that I want to get a cyclocross bike for commuting and I'm probably going to convert an old Schwinn bike that I got free from a friend to fixed-gear for fun. So be careful, once you get started with bikes it gets addictive. :D

Good luck finding the right solution for you, these forums are a great resource. I just wish that I had stumbled upon them before buying my bike.

I've been commuting on my bike for about the past 6 months. My ride is ~3 miles round-trip, that I do twice daily, as I go home for lunch. Sometime in December I went from riding daily, to riding about 50% of the days.

I started with a ~15 year old mountain bike that I've had since it was new. Sometime in the fall I bought a pair of semi-slick 26x1.9 tires (these made a world of difference!).

Once I had a good feel for what I didn't like about the mountian bike, I started shopping for a replacement. Tried a Jamis Coda Sport, Trek 7500FX, and KHS Flyte 200 (all more performance type hybrids). Would have liked to see about the Releigh Route models, but they aren't available in Canada. Also looked at but didn't ride a Specialized Sirrus. All of these seemed like fairly good value for the money (although I personally didn't like the feel of the KHS when I tried it).

In the end, I justified the bit of extra money to get a Kona Jake (entry-level cyclocross). As I plan to keep the mountain bike for really bad weather, and to allow a spare so I don't have to rush trough any maintenance, I thought the 'cross bike differred more from my mountain bike than any of the hybrids.

As many others have said, make sure you ride before you buy. While I found that some local shops don't like test-rides in the winter (even on some of the nice thawed-out days we've had this season), several did. I decided the ones that didn't, didn't really want my business.

I wouldn't bother with anything that has a suspension fork, it's just something else that can break; you likely won't see the benefit from it anyway.

Regardless of which bike you pick, enjoy the commute!

Before you buy, try riding a bike with 28 mm tires and another with 35 mm tires. That will give you an idea of whether you would prefer the lower rolling resistance or the increased pothole resistance. The shop can swap out the tires to suit your preference when you decide on the best bike. I dont see any benefit to suspension fork, but that may not matter to you since you dont have hills where excess weight is most noticed. A hybrid would be fine but bar ends can be added to give another hand position. If you are riding narrower streets and cars are approaching from both directions, move out from the edge so the car coming from behind isnt tempted to try to squeeze through.

Thanks for the great advice once again, this is a great place!
I'm going this afternoon to try out some more bikes.
I also drove around a bit between classes this morning to find a good bike route to school. The only problem I've come across is that no matter which route I take, inevitably I will end up on a narrow county highway with no paved shoulder for at least a portion of the trip. It's not the busiest stretch of road, but there are still plenty of cars approaching from both directions, and only one lane going in each direction. How do you manage biking on this type of road?

I ride a somewhat hilly 6 mile commute to school. I really like my 7300FX, and would really recommend it as a good commuter for a college student. That model is also available with discs, if you ride in snow often. I find them useful in the rain.

As for getting to class or work all sweaty, I usually bring an extra shirt and a can of AXE or something similar. Lock up your bike, spray down, and change your shirt. I've sat through 3-hour block classes after a hot, sweaty commute without reeking, so it's possible. I've also heard good things about baby wipes.

Thanks for the great advice once again, this is a great place!
I'm going this afternoon to try out some more bikes.
I also drove around a bit between classes this morning to find a good bike route to school. The only problem I've come across is that no matter which route I take, inevitably I will end up on a narrow county highway with no paved shoulder for at least a portion of the trip. It's not the busiest stretch of road, but there are still plenty of cars approaching from both directions, and only one lane going in each direction. How do you manage biking on this type of road?

One of the routes I could take to work includes a narrow two lane country road with no shoulder of any kind and continual short hills. I don't ride on this road. I'm sure some car would pop over the top of one of those hills at 60 mph and not see me until the rebound off of the windshield.

You said "no paved shoulder". I ride on a good condition 8 foot wide gravel shoulder for part of my commute. That's no problem. I wouldn't want to do it with a skinny tired bike. If you want to ride on the gravel shoulder, maybe consider a mountain bike or hybrid with some tires at least 1.5 inches wide.

Rkalex25, you seem to be getting some good advice here but one thing I'm not seeing as I scan through this thread is the importance of feeling comfortable and trusting of your local bike shop (LBS). While many of us here can try to give you our opinions having the one on one connection with a good bike shop- that will ultimately service your bike, where you'll buy your parts, buy your bike route maps, meet other riders etc can be essential for a novice cyclist. They're the ones who know your area best, who can give you tips on riding because they know exactly what roads you might be riding on and what ones should be avoided. Once you get more experienced you'll grow less dependent on the LBS for advice and service (if you're mechanical) but for now they are a primary resource.

If you are not trusting the shop you are considering buying the bike from and are not getting good help and advice look for another shop. To save $20-$50 on a new bike is not worth it if you ended up getting the wrong bike, or the wrong fit or the employees are just not helpful. The area you are in must have some good shops- if you're at a good one I'd trust their advice first and take all this stuff you get from us as your "second opinion". And hybrid includes a wide variety of bikes some of which could make your ride quite taxing and others almost as swift as on a lighter road bike. You'll see that tire size ends up being a huge determinant in how a bike rides and handles.

Thanks for all your help.
Well I took all your advice to hear, and spent a great deal of time in a few LBS's today, finally returning to the one I went to originally. Same guy was there, and he spent a couple hours with me going over EVERYTHING they had it seemed, as well as letting me try different ones. He seemed very knowledgable and very patient, and answered all of my thousands of questions.
I went ahead and opted for the 7300FX. It fit me perfectly and was exactly the kind of ride I was looking for (so far at least, the real test will come when i commute it 10+ miles.)
I'll be picking it up wednesday. He threw in a free kickstand and knocked 20$ off the cost of the accesories I chose, and is putting everything on for me. Then on wednesday he said he'd spend some time with me showing me how everything works and how to do maintenance, as well as helping me to pick out a helmet and some locks and lights. He's a real good guy, I'm glad I found this LBS and really glad I found this forum.
:-)

Hearty congratulations.

One thing. Depending on your existing fitness level, age, etc., you may find 10 miles one-way to be a bit more taxing than you expect, at least at first. You may be dog-tired when you get there the first time, and you may find yourself in no mood whatsoever to get back on the bike for that long ride home. The morning after the first day you may hurt all over like you've been beaten with tire irons. Your butt in particulrar may feel like you've been on the wrong end of an unspeakable crime.

DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED.

The first day is the hardest. You may even want to drive or take the bus the next day, but get on the bike again as soon as you think you can manage it. There may well be a brief period during which your body has to adjust to the unaccustomed work, but you will move through that period quickly and soon be loving every minute.

It's possible, too, even with the attention of a careful shop, that some further minor adjustments might be required to the bike's initial set up. Let your body be your guide for that. If you're experiencing persistent aches or pains go back to the shop for a double check on your positioning.

When you first start, you may also encounter difficulties choosing the perfect clothing, misjudging the weather, dealing with flats or other unexpected mishaps, etc.

Again, DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED.

You'll soon be making your commute in comfort and style. You may have to get through an initial conditioning and learning period, but don't let any starting difficulties make you doubt that this is something you can do. You're on your way to a great change in the way you live your whole life.

And keep coming back to this forum. It's full of great people and helpful advice, and folks will want to hear from you how things are going.

P.S.

--"Then on wednesday he said he'd spend some time with me showing me how everything works and how to do maintenance, as well as helping me to pick out a helmet and some locks and lights."--

-- This does indeed sound like a very good shop.

Glad to help you on your way to the addiction! :D

--J

Big Helmet is right. My commute is only 5 miles. I thought it was going to kill me the first time I rode to work. It gets easier pretty quickly.

Thanks for the great advice once again, this is a great place!
I'm going this afternoon to try out some more bikes.
I also drove around a bit between classes this morning to find a good bike route to school. The only problem I've come across is that no matter which route I take, inevitably I will end up on a narrow county highway with no paved shoulder for at least a portion of the trip. It's not the busiest stretch of road, but there are still plenty of cars approaching from both directions, and only one lane going in each direction. How do you manage biking on this type of road?

Well, I take the more "VC" approach :D. (VC = Vehicular Cycling, you'll see it a lot in the advocacy forum).

Ride in the right tire mark on the road at all times. There's no trash/nails/loose gravel/etc there because the car tires keep it clean. Cars are not tempted to squeeze past you because you're taking a decent fraction of the lane. And very important: You have the shoulder to veer onto if it is necessary to dodge something. If you're riding on a narrow shoulder or on the white line at the edge of the road or something and you have to dodge a pothole or obstacle, you have the options of going off the road or swerving into the lane, neither of which is very good.

I have a 45-mph 2-lane (1 lane each way) that I ride every day. It's no big deal, cars just pass you when the oncoming lane is clear. Remember you're riding on the right side of the road, so even if you're moving 10 mph and cars are stacking up behing you, that's OK, everyone'll get where they are going eventually. Think of it as if you were a tractor or Amish buggy or something. Same deal, you're just a slow moving vehicle.

The two things that will really take some getting used to are A) being passed by cars and B) being honked at. A) happens all the time for me, because I commute in the suburbs. If you're in a more urban area, you might be travelling as fast or faster than the cars due to traffic lights etc. B) happens when there're idiots on the road. I probably get honked at once a week or so. Oddly enough I get honked at more often on the 4-lane 35mph road where there's a whole other lane for passing me. I don't think I've ever been honked at on the 2-lane 45mph road. Oh yeah some people choose to yell really inventive things like "Get off the road" instead of honking. The thing is, this does not happen because you're in the lane. It happens because you're there. You get honked or yelled at on the shoulder too. It's a factor of the idiots driving, not what you're doing.

Now I'll take a step back and say do what makes you comfortable in the situation ;). Just remember that the less you're in the lane, the less visible you are to drivers and the more careful you have to be. Drivers are very focused on things in the lanes on the road, and not so focused on stuff on the sidewalk, shoulders, etc. So as someone above said, the transition from sidewalk or shoulder to lane is the most dangerous time. That's when you "came out of nowhere" from the driver's point of view.

As far as the bike goes, I think you made a good choice with the hybrid. I bought a hybrid almost a year ago and am still riding it... I no longer consider it my ideal bike, but it definitely got me started and now I have an idea of what I like and what I don't like about it. That's something to keep in mind too, you're probably going to get a lot of transitory equipment as you get more into commuting. You'll try out a jacket, and it'll work for a while, then you'll see one that has bigger pit zips or more reflective stuff or whatever you decide you like better and you'll get that one. Most folks on here justify it with the savings you have from not driving :). But it's really a matter of not knowing ahead of time what you want and finding out through trial and error. No big deal but don't be surprised :).

Since you're commuting in winter in wisconsin, I'd recommend getting a face mask of some sort. I found a ski mask that just velcros around the back with a fairly thin strap... which is ideal for me because I get hot so I don't want the top/back of my head covered, but I need something to keep the wind off my face. Lots of people will have lots of advice, but in general I'd suggest stuff that you can adjust easily while riding. A thin windbreaker jacket is good because you can unzip the front as you heat up. I have some windproof long running pants with elastic at the ankles. When I get hot I can pull them up to my knees (and the elastic keeps 'em from sliding down again). Just takes a second but makes me a lot more comfortable. Of course I look like a dork, but hey I'm riding my bike to work in the middle of winter. Coolness is not an option :D.