Utility Cycling - Which of these would be better?

I am currently in the market for a new bike, and it's going to be doing everything that I can make it.

I am a college student, and I have a car.. but the gas is killing me, and I love to bike... so it's a win win.

Currently I bike a minimum of around 5-8 miles a day to and from the university and work there, but the good grocery store is a 11 mile round trip. The roads are kinda bad no large potholes but a lot of small ones, and uneven at a lot of places. Road bike out of the question? I'd say could easily hit 15 - 30 holes about 4inches wide daily.

I have been saving and am looking currently at these bikes which I could go buy cash on Friday if I wanted. I just can't decide... I want to be able to have my racks on there and carry goods without a lot of hassle, and the disc brakes seem to be able to provide the stopping power for myself the bike and a load... so I kinda lean between the disc brake option....

On average I ride 50-65 miles a week depending on how much time I have for "fun riding".


P.S. I appreciate the help in advance ;)


Raleigh Mojave 4.0 2008Model
http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=11&itemid=389

Raleigh Mojave 8.0 2008Model
http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=11&itemid=391

Trek 820 2008Model
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/mountain_hardtail/820/820/

Trek 4300Disc 2008Model
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/mountain_hardtail/4_series/4300disc/

Trek 7.2FX Road 2008Model
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/road/fx/72fx/

I have a Trek 7300fx (older version of the new 7.3fx) and love it. I would highly recommend.

How 'bout the Raleigh Detour Deluxe?

Bottom line--if you want a bike for transportation, you will use every feature on that bike. Why try to hodge-podge it all together?

My other suggestion is a Breezer Villager, although it has "V" brakes. They are very capable for such a ride. I ride 16 miles a day, 3 to 5 times a week and load it up pretty good. Plus, I go shopping with it regularly.

Whatever you buy make 110% sure that it has bomb proof wheels with that many
potholes in your route.

How 'bout the Raleigh Detour Deluxe?

THIS!

I ordered my Detour Deluxe in June; 3 months before they even started manufacturing them. I love mine. The shifting is crisp and the gearing is great, i have shifted into the lowest gears for hauling a loaded trailer up a steep hill but I've yet to top out the gearing. The brakes are great for stopping my clydesdale body and whatever cargo I'm hauling. The lights/racks/fenders/dynamo hub are all standard so you dont have to buy a bunch of extra stuff on top of the price of the bike. The geometry is comfortabl for spirited rides in cycle clothing but also do-able for regular street clothes.

Overall I HIGHLY recommend this bike for anyone who wants a utility bike for short to medium distance commutes and utility cycling.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h170/HandsomeRyan/Bike1.jpg

I like the looks of the Raleigh Detour, but how would you get groceries or books home on it? You would need some panniers or baskets -- can't hump around a backpack forever. I favor the dowdy basket myself. Less theft possibilities.

I like the looks of the Raleigh Detour, but how would you get groceries or books home on it? You would need some panniers or baskets -- can't hump around a backpack forever. I favor the dowdy basket myself. Less theft possibilities.

The beauty of the rear rack is putting on a pannier. They are great. So is a trunk bag.

Here two models to look at:
http://www.lickbike.com/sectionsublist.aspx?SECTION='0027'&SUBSECTION='250'&SECTIONNAME='Bags'&SUBSECTIONNAME='BASKETS'
This attaches right to the rack.

This one goes on top of the rack.
http://www.lickbike.com/sectionsublist.aspx?SECTION='0027'&SUBSECTION='300'&SECTIONNAME='Bags'&SUBSECTIONNAME='RACK%20TRUNKS'

Forget the backpack.:)

how would you get groceries or books home on it?

As you can see in the right side of my bike's pic, I made custom hard luggage for mine to haul 'stuff'.

very few bikes come with panniers/baskets. these are a personal item that most people prefer to pick for themselves. My RDD came with a sturdy rack on the rear, and the fork has mounts for a front rack as well. The disc brakes are nice if you'll be hauling a lot of weight too.

Thanks for all the helpful information, I started another thread here http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?threadid=5873553 with all the info and pic of me with my new bike.

Thanks for all the helpful information, I started another thread here http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?threadid=5873553 with all the info and pic of me with my new bike.

Linky no worky.

"Best" bike in the bunch for a daily commuter is the Trek 7.2 fx. Fastest, most responsive handling, easiest to mount racks on etc. Can you go to a shop and take them out for a test ride to compare? and can you get the 7.2 in your size?

Disks and front suspension are more trouble than they are worth for most city and school riders. Stick with rim brakes and a rigid front fork.

I'd say Trek 7.2.

Just Do It.