Commuting - Communter Bike of Choice

I'm strong thinking about communting 22 miles to work in the Seattle metro area. I'm looking for a road style steel frame bike that's great for communiting and some weekend road trips with a price range of $800-$1200. What would be your recommendation.

Any Bianchi that is in that price range. I own a San Remo that works well in our commute area. But I was also looking at the Eros last fall before I decided to buy an MTB just to broaden my cycling horizons. What Impressed me about the Eros was the comfort in the ride It has a steel frame and a longer wheel base and is designed with the century rider in mind. It was going for $900 at Bicycle Centers of Everett last fall I am not sure who carries Bianchi in the Seattle area. Where exactly is your commute? I bus from Everett to Northgate and then ride into Fremont to work. And now that the weather is nicer I am beginning to scout out a new route home. Last year whenever I rode home I took the BG trial to Bothel Landing then jumped on the Bothel Everett Highway. The first time I rode home I did a north route out of Fremont hooked up with Meridian into Edmonds then took the Interurban Trail into Everett but that took way to much time and was not very direct. I am thinking about doing Meridian until it runs into 99 and heading North to Everett that way I think it may be pretty quick I just worry about the car traffic, once you cross into the Everett city limits you lose the shoulder and the speed limit up there is 45 which means more like 55.

Might be better with a more tour orientated frame, to allow carrying of loads etc. At least it would have pannier fittings

Originally posted by ngateguy
I am not sure who carries Bianchi in the Seattle area.

Montake Cycles just down the road from me in Kirkland carry a good selection of Bianchi. They have other stores in Seattle and Bellevue: Their Website (http://www.montlakebike.com)

Originally posted by ngateguy
Last year whenever I rode home I took the BG trial to Bothel Landing then jumped on the Bothel Everett Highway. The first time I rode home I did a north route out of Fremont hooked up with Meridian into Edmonds then took the Interurban Trail into Everett but that took way to much time and was not very direct. I am thinking about doing Meridian until it runs into 99 and heading North to Everett that way I think it may be pretty quick I just worry about the car traffic, once you cross into the Everett city limits you lose the shoulder and the speed limit up there is 45 which means more like 55.

Hey, I just rode the Interurban Trial for the 1st time a couple weeks ago, and then took a side street to the Bothell Everett highway back to Bothell and then Woodinville where I live. During the ride I was wondering if there was a decent way to go from any these points to the Mukilteo ferry. I'd love to do a bike to the San Juan's trip sometime. As you clearly know the area, do you have any ideas?

Try this thread here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21280&perpage=15&pagenumber=1). The price range you indicated will provide you with many options.

Good Evening ngateguy,

Thanks for the heads up! I'll be communting from the southend of King Count, Kent. I live a few miles from the Interurban Trail that runs from Puyallup to Southcenter. From there I'll trying to firgue out the quickest way to the Pill Hill area. Ya! I work on First Hill. I look in a Bianchi bike and dealer.

Good Evening chewa,

Here in the States we lack the stock of touring style types bikes. I tired the Terk 520 - the ride was alright but a few things would need to be changed out. Mite of well find a bike with what I looking for.

Good Evening Mine'sApint

Thanks for heads up on the web page; I'll check it out.



Thanks Everyone for the input.

trapper

Check out the Kona Dr. Dew. It has a road style frame with flat bars and disc brakes. I think there is also mounts for a rear rack. $999 MSRP

I am loving my Trek 520. Its very comfortable, and carries everything I need to carry. Not to mention the ability to add fenders which is key in the rain.