Commuting - can't make up my mind!

i'm new to cycling and i'm looking for a bike to commute to work and for excercising. so far i have read good reviews about the surly crosscheck... can you guys recommend anything else? i did not want to spend too much money on my first bike (preferably under $300) so i was going to try to find a used one. i was looking at hybrids but can't make up my mind. help please
also what size should i look for. i'm 5'11"

thanx
Emilsan

there seem to be so many choices i'm just lost, trek U100, 2.5FX, crosscheck. can someone direct me in the right direction. i hear most people like road bikes more than hybrids. i would be using it to commute about 4 miles each way and for excercising.

What type of riding are you going to do: how often, how far, what's the terrain like, what's the road surface like (any trails), do you prefer speed or more upright position?.. Tell us more about how you're gonna use it and we'll tell you what you want. :D

Edit: Oh, I just so some more info... Still would be good to know about all the other stuff (how much and how intensively you're going to exercise for example).

Anyway, here are a few general considerations:

SIZING

You needn't worry too much about this: any decent bike shop is going to find a frame that's right for you. The rule of thumb is that if you straddle the bike, there is gotta be a few inches of space between the top tube and, um, you. :) There is a lot more info on Google, for example on this page: http://www.ehow.com/how_14104_determine-correct-frame.html .

HYBRID vs. ROAD

There are several things to consider when you decide which type of bike you want. One, and probably the main one, is just flat out, purely subjective personal preference. Some people prefer the speed and agility of a road bike, while others opt for the more upright position and wider tires of a hybrid. Nobody except for you can know what rocks your boat, so you should probably test ride a few bikes on your own to see what you prefer.

To move away from the subjective factor, here are the main differences between a hybrid and a road bike. New hybrids start much lower in pricing than road bikes: a decent entry-level hybrid will probably cost on the order of $300-400, while road bikes start at around $650-700. Hybrids are built more for comfort (upright position, wider tires, some have suspension - although some people complain that straight handlebars don't allow for varying hand positions) and road bikes - for speed (aerodynamic posture, light weight). Hybrids usually have eyelets for racks and fenders and clearance for wider tires (and fenders) - most road bikes don't. In fact, that's what often makes them a poor choice for commuting: if you have to carry a bunch of stuff with you, you gotta haul it in a backpack which is often inconvenient - or you have to devise some ingenious methods for attaching rack and fenders (if you intend to ride in rain or on wet pavement). Also hybrids can take a bit more of an abuse than lightweight and fragile road bikes.

However, it doesn't have to be road vs. hybrid. There are other options. One is a touring bike. These bikes resemble road bikes in the way they look, but have a more relaxed geometry (to allow for long hours in the saddle) and eyelets and clearance for racks, fenders, wider tires and what not. They are made for carrying lots of stuff over long distances. They are heavier and slower than road bikes, but sturdier and more comfortable (more upright posture, don't have as stiff of a frame so that they absorb the shock of the road). Unfortunately there aren't too many bikes like this on the market and they are generally priced higher than hybrids.

Another option is a cyclocross bikes. They are built tough and fast: to be able to go through dirt paths at top speeds. They are good off-road and good on the road. Unfortunately they are usually pretty pricey.

There are more options too... My commuter, for example, is a used rigid (no-suspension) mountain bike with narrow and slick tires. Works for me.

Now, your commute is pretty short, so it doesn't really matter what bike you buy for it: any functional bike will get you there and back without too much trouble. So the question is how much exercising you intend to do on the bike and what sort of exercise that would be. Another question is that of theft: do you have a secure place at work to store your bike (e.g. can you bring it into your office with you)? If you have to lock it up outside, you definitely don't want something expensive or flashy.

For that price level, I would suggest a hybrid. The Trek FX might be a little over your budget, but it's really worth the price.

I would buy a used rigid MTB and put some slicks on it to start. This will get you going, and it will get you thinking about what you like/don't like. I thought I would want a road bike, but I've found I like the more upright posture of a MTB. You should be able to score a halfway decent used MTB for under $100 bucks. $30 dollars will buy you some slicks and you'll be on your way. You can start saving some money for the bike you decide you really want and keep the other for back up (or trail riding).

ok, this info helps me a lot. thanks guys. i will either look for a used hybrid or a rigid mtb like you suggested with some slicks, any suggestions on the size of the tires? i will be using the bike mainly on paved surfaces and possibly some grass areas. and i'm guessing i will be riding it for about 60 or 90 minutes at least three times a week.

i'd say (of course!), get a fixed gear. simple and you really don't need gears. you really don't.:) :)

ok, this info helps me a lot. thanks guys. i will either look for a used hybrid or a rigid mtb like you suggested with some slicks, any suggestions on the size of the tires? i will be using the bike mainly on paved surfaces and possibly some grass areas. and i'm guessing i will be riding it for about 60 or 90 minutes at least three times a week.

Continental makes some nice tires for commuting. They are a thick rubber tire (puncture resistant) with grooves for water shedding like a motorbike tire and are good on pavement. They are NOT an off road tire, but are good for gravel trails. Just dont expect to fly on single track dirt trails and have firm traction!

Check this link out: http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/bicycle/themes/tires/city/contact/contact_en.html

i went today to my LBS and tested the trek 7100. it feels pretty good to me but they only had a 22.5". the guy said they have to wait and see when they would get more bikes in. i think i will try another shop and maybe look at other options similar to the 7100.

any suggestions?

i went today to my LBS and tested the trek 7100. it feels pretty good to me but they only had a 22.5". the guy said they have to wait and see when they would get more bikes in. i think i will try another shop and maybe look at other options similar to the 7100.

any suggestions?

Good luck! I hope they can get you your bike. The issue is at this time of year is supply. When I got my bike last year, I snagged the last Jake the Snake in Canada my size (whew).... The supplier was right out of them. Hopefully you wont run into this problem. Check out specialized bicycles. You usually get a lot of bang for your buck with those bikes. I am not sure which one to suggest, but talk to the LBS.

i found a used trek 7200fx 2005 model for $250 but it is a 17.5" frame. i think it would be too small since i tried a 20" at my LBS and it felt better.

the guy says he's 6' and it fits him good. do sizes change from one model to the other even if they are both trek? how about year to year, does the size change even if it's the same model?

i hate to be asking these newbie questions but i had a GT outpost about 5 years ago that i stopped riding because it was too big and i felt uncomfortable riding after about 10 minutes. just wanna make sure i dont waste my money again.

any suggestions?

Remember to consider the following: two people, both 6 feet tall, can be vastly differently proportioned. So a bike that fits me, might not fit you. For instance, one rider could have long legs, and a short torso. The second rider could be the exact opposite. You will literally have to try it and see if it works for you. Good luck!

What sgtsmile said is true. I ride a 51cm bike (about 20"), and I know people my size who ride everything from 58cm to just under 51cm. It just depends on the person. Also, if you like the bike but don't like the handlebar position, you can get the LBS to reconfigure the stem and handlebar. They will probably swap stuff out with store credit for different items.

i found a used trek 7200fx 2005 model for $250 but it is a 17.5" frame. i think it would be too small since i tried a 20" at my LBS and it felt better. Try it out. Test ride it. And, yes, measurements MAY occasionally change from year to year for the same model.

However, I'd be a bit skeptical about a fit of a 17.5" Trek FX frame for someone 6 feet tall. I am about 5'7" myself and I find that my boyfriend's 20" Trek FX fits me perfectly. So I suspect a 17.5" frame would be a bit small even for me... However, a bicycle a bit too small is better than one a bit too big. Often it is possible to achieve a good fit on bicycle that's a bit smaller by raising the seat and possibly the handlebars. Too big is just too dangerous though - if you can't clear the top tube by a few inches, the bike isn't gonna work for you.