Commuting - A Beginer Bike

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ECHO7
04-12-08, 02:20 PM
New commuter. I have been looking at the Giant FCR 3, Scott SUB, Novara Big Buzz and the Novara Divano. Curious to know the communities thoughts on these guys or what else I should be looking that is worthy in the $700 or less range.

Thanks for the help as always.

ban guzzi
04-12-08, 03:35 PM
how far? Any hills? what are you lockable facilities? How often?

My Giant does well at $500 and slicks. I average 15 mph over a 40 mile trip if that helps any...
bdinger
04-12-08, 06:48 PM
Ride everything in and out of your price range. FWIW I've gone through two commuters, and decided to finally drop a lot of change on a semi-custom Surly Long Haul Trucker because, well, they're perfect for me. I've basically found that as I ride and commute more, my needs have changed, and led me further. My hope is that this next build start with something versatile enough that I can build upon further.

My recommendation to you would be to really carefully consider what bike you buy. I've found out the hard way that resale value on bikes stinks, and trying to sell them stinks even worse! :)

toThinkistoBe
04-13-08, 10:29 AM
examples:

miyata (http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/640753898.html) + wheels (http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/bik/640465952.html) = $425
raleigh (http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/bik/640634895.html) = $250
trek 1100 (http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/640451721.html) = $375
another miyata (http://cgi.ebay.com/Miyata-512-Competition-Road-Bike-Classic-57cm_W0QQitemZ170207799204QQihZ007QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
bianchi (no rack/fender mounts) (http://cgi.ebay.com/Edoardo-BIANCHI-mod-SPRINT-vintage-ROAD-BIKE-NO-RESERVE_W0QQitemZ120244598903QQihZ002QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

the list goes on... :)

Getting a good quality used bike will allow you to buy all the accessories you need (fenders, lights, rack, etc) without going over your budget.