Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.AliceCuriouse
04-17-08, 05:41 PM
I am sorry for my impatience--posting a question when I could perhaps find this information somewhere--but I have spent about 5 hours today online reading up on bikes and in bike forums--whereas I knew absolutely nothing before. And I guess I'm all worked up and excited about my decision to start commuting by bike.
My commute is about 4.5 miles commute (on pavement) and I do want the option to carry a certain amount of cargo with me -- after work I am a student and I also go to and from the gym, so I have some equipment and books that I will always carry with me.
I feel that, as a 5'1" woman I should definitely get a new bike as my size won't be so easy to fit, but I am not sure I can spend $600-$1000 right now for a new Breezer, or other commute-specific bike. We have small bike shops in my area (Pasadena, CA) but I am betting that they mostly have mountain bikes--I am not sure how easy it will be for me to buy a new commuter bike through a small shop. I am also a bit scared to buy online because making all of the measurements seems confusing and difficult.
Should I try to get a hybrid bike through a shop and then try to put a rack/mirror on it?
Or do you know of a somewhat inexpensive brand of a commuter bike that I should try to purchase online?
Again, sorry for the newbie questions. And thank you very much in advance!
My commute is about 4.5 miles commute (on pavement) and I do want the option to carry a certain amount of cargo with me -- after work I am a student and I also go to and from the gym, so I have some equipment and books that I will always carry with me.
I feel that, as a 5'1" woman I should definitely get a new bike as my size won't be so easy to fit, but I am not sure I can spend $600-$1000 right now for a new Breezer, or other commute-specific bike. We have small bike shops in my area (Pasadena, CA) but I am betting that they mostly have mountain bikes--I am not sure how easy it will be for me to buy a new commuter bike through a small shop. I am also a bit scared to buy online because making all of the measurements seems confusing and difficult.
Should I try to get a hybrid bike through a shop and then try to put a rack/mirror on it?
Or do you know of a somewhat inexpensive brand of a commuter bike that I should try to purchase online?
Again, sorry for the newbie questions. And thank you very much in advance!