Commuting - Is there any better?

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dooweedoowap
05-25-06, 10:15 AM
I was wondering whether, for the price (GBP399 or US700), anyone could think of a better commuting bike (on roads in a major city) than the Scott Sub 20? I'm not sure there is but then, I doubt I have the budda like wisdom of some people on this forum.......

Any input on this greatly appreciated.

ken cummings
05-27-06, 11:10 PM
Hard to answer your question from this side of the pond. I looked at a parts list for the bike and did not recognise most of the names. Even the Shimano parts were new to me. A give-away was the little chart saying the bike was for beginners and commuters, not enthusiasts or racers. It looks like your Scott Sub 20 is a "starter" bike. Parts and frame are likely to be cheaper and heavier. If a beginner does not like it, they hve not lost much. If they do like cycling they will soon jump to a (much?) higher order of bike. Suitable for short-distance commuting in your neighborhood. If it breaks down you can just walk to help. A recent issue of the American magazine "Bicycling" listed several entry level bikes at your $400 British pounds or less. Find the article and compare the bikes with the Scott.
Ziemas
05-28-06, 12:45 AM
Merida makes some nice, affordiable bikes. Check out http://www.merida.com/s0_global/main_control.php?group0=home

playbig
05-28-06, 06:20 AM
The Scott SUB series seems to be marketed to the same group who would be interested in Trek's SU100 and SU200 and I think the Specialized Sirrus. They are great for mid range urban/suburban riding. I know Scott's SUB is an acronym for "Speed Urban Bike." Bicycling magazine printed a nice review of the SUB series a little over a year ago (April 2005) and several months ago in the annual buyers guide again highlighted the Scott SUB as an excellent commuter bike. I believe Scott retailers lowered the prices this spring.

The Scott SUB series bikes are light and responsive but are not particularly comfortable rides. Scott's frames are light and rigid and you'll feel every bump and hole in the road. You'll be trading speed and looks for comfort.

I ride a Scott SUB20 with 700c wheels on my 10 mile commute (each way) 4 days a week. The route is a mixture of bike trails, residential and side roads with as little sidewalk as possible depending on the time of day. On Monday's I have another office I must visit during the day so my mileage that day totals close to 40 miles and even on that day I don't have any soreness from the ride. But again....the ride is not comfy.