Commuting - Help noob chose a commuting bike

Hello, hope this is the right place to ask. Anyway, I have been considering getting a bike for commuting for a while and I finally decided to do so. Not sure if background is needed bit here it is anyway. So far I have yet to use a bike that doesn't come from walmart or similar but then again I have only used them for recreation and quite briefly. My commuting is in Toronto and it is only like 3-4 miles each way, all of it downtown. What I am looking for is something entry level. I have already been to one bikestore and tried some bikes. I was hoping people here would both recommend more stuff to try, if I can find it here and also advice on what's the best value buy. I also plan to use the bike for leisure riding in the weekends and whatnot.

The first bike I tried was the Kona Dew.
http://www.konaworld.com/09_dew_c.cfm
It was the first time I rode a bike in a few years so it felt a bit weird but overall I liked its feeling. I also liked the system it had for changing gears.

The next one was the Kona Smoke
http://www.konaworld.com/09_smoke_c.cfm
I am not sure what it was but this bike felt off since I started riding it, so I am pretty sure I am not getting this one.

The third bike was the Trek 7100
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/hybrid/7100/
This one actually felt really good. The one thing I didn't like was that when I changed a gear it was a bit too noisy but overall I am liking this one a lot. I am thinking of trying the Dew again, since maybe I just wasn't used to riding for a while it felt a bit off at first, dunno.


I am planning on going tomorrow to a store ( www.ucycle.com ) that carries Jamis, KHS and its own brand store.

I was thinking on trying the KHS Urband Xpress and Urban-X as well as anything they recommended
http://www.khsbicycles.com/06_urban_xpress_09.htm
http://www.khsbicycles.com/06_urban_x_09.htm

And was also considering getting the store-built commuter, even if a bit more expensive since it already has stuff I am planning to spend money on (lights, fenders, rack, etc)
http://www.ucycle.com/products/bikes/urbanites/new-2009-urbanite-commuter

Our specialty. Best value hybrid commuter bike built with our own special set of parts for a durable, serviceable, utility ride. Complete with aluminum fenders, rear rack, chain guard, built in rear wheel lock, kick stand, and bell.
Frame: Cromoly
Colour: Sky blue
Speeds: 24
Wheels: Alexrims DM18, Kenda Eurotrek 700c x 35C
Shifters: Shimano rapid-fire shift-brake combo

Someone also offered me a KHS Urban Xpress from 2008 wtth one year of use for 350, so I am considering this one as well
http://www.khsbicycles.com/06_urban_xpress_08.htm

I know there are several retailers around here that carry brabds like Norco, Giant and Specialized. Are there any models you'd recommend I try? Also, in the case of the Dew and the 7100, is it worth to upgrade to the Dew Plus or 7200 for a short commute like mine? And as of Trek bikes, what are the main differences between the 7000 line and the 7.N FX Line.

I appreciate any input and advice in advance.
Cheers

I'm looking at a new commuting bike as well. I've mainly been looking at Specialized/Globe. That seems to be the brand easiest to find in my area. I'm planning on getting the Specialized/Globe Vienna Deluxe 1.
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=40433&eid=178
Not sure if you have a limit on what you're wanting to spend. But it seems to be a little more expensive than some of the bikes you've picked out. But from what I've seen it seems to fit my needs pretty well.

I'm in the same boat as you two. I've narrowed my choices down to the Giant TranSend DX and the Specialized Globe Vienna Deluxe 1. The Breezer Town Villager, too, was among the contenders, but its price made it lose footing.

That Vienna deluxe 1 looks really good. I'll definitely hunt it down and test ride it. I considered the Breezer bikes as well, but the only one being sold around here is the villager which yeah, a bit pricier than what I am looking. If they had one of the cheaper models I'd definitely give them a try at least.

You've narrowed down your search to some decent entry level bikes. I'm not a big fan of hybrids for riding on pavement, unless you have issues with your back where you need the extra 1" of travel on the post shock absorber. The reason is simply that any extra shock absorbtion also absorbs energy from the rider. If you don't have any back issues, I'd recommend going with one of the other bike selections without any shock absorbtion. But then of course, mine is just one opinion. Others undoubtedly will swear by hybrids.

Btw, if I had my choice I'd likely go with one of the KHS models. The used one is likely a good deal.

I always suggest a folding bike because they are easy to store and transport.

The Dew is a much nicer bike than the Trek. Suspension and being very upright might seem great when your first start cycling again, but if you get into it you'll learn to hate it. I know I did, my first adult bike was the Giant equivalent to the Trek 7100.

The main difference between the Trek 7000 and 7.N series is one has front shocks and the other does not. I almost went with a Trek, but settled on a mid level Giant.

Will you have a protected place to park your bike at work? You don't want to leave too nice a bike out in the elements and exposed to theives.

Consider your weather also. Make sure the bike can accept winter tires if you plan to ride on snow. Something with disk brakes might be a consideration.

That Vienna deluxe 1 looks really good. I'll definitely hunt it down and test ride it. I considered the Breezer bikes as well, but the only one being sold around here is the villager which yeah, a bit pricier than what I am looking. If they had one of the cheaper models I'd definitely give them a try at least.

Know that any Breezer Town cheaper than the Villager will have three-speed gearing (which, for me, at least, feels inadequate: the jumps between settings are just too jarring).

I did a bit of thinking about suspension, myself (I even created a thread about it, on this board). I came to the conclusion, for city (pavement) riding, it isn't terribly important — forget rear, and even fork isn't too useful (it might even be awkward). A suspension-seatpost seems like a decent idea, but most "commuter bikes" I've seen forgo one; most don't even have "springy" saddles.

I like the Smoke, only thing is it comes stock w/ grip shift.

First, thanks for the suggestions. I know close to nothing about bikes and their components so I appreciate the replies. I have quite a few more questions thought:

Looking at the Vienna Line recommended here I came across the Sirrus
http://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=38462&eid=121&gold_ses=
Would this bike be the same as what the Trek 7. FX series is to the 7000s? Or how does the Vienna line compares to the Sirrus?


You've narrowed down your search to some decent entry level bikes. I'm not a big fan of hybrids for riding on pavement, unless you have issues with your back where you need the extra 1" of travel on the post shock absorber. The reason is simply that any extra shock absorbtion also absorbs energy from the rider. If you don't have any back issues, I'd recommend going with one of the other bike selections without any shock absorbtion. But then of course, mine is just one opinion. Others undoubtedly will swear by hybrids.

Btw, if I had my choice I'd likely go with one of the KHS models. The used one is likely a good deal.
I am really considering going for the Trek 7.2 fx instead of the 7100 now. And also, do you think it'd be worth going for the Dew Plus instead of just the Dew? Someone else suggested I might look into disc brakes since I will be riding in snow, does any of these two come with that. Did a google search on the brake components of both but what I read didn't really mean much to me yet.


I always suggest a folding bike because they are easy to store and transport.
I am looking more for something I could use for both commuting and going longer distances over the weekend. While I do admit the advantages of a folding bike, it is not really what I am looking for.


The Dew is a much nicer bike than the Trek. Suspension and being very upright might seem great when your first start cycling again, but if you get into it you'll learn to hate it. I know I did, my first adult bike was the Giant equivalent to the Trek 7100.
This is one thing I have been trying to avoid. How would you rate the Dew and Dew Plus compared to the Trek 7.2 Fx?
http://www.trekbikes.com/au/en/bikes/bike_path/fx/72fx/


The main difference between the Trek 7000 and 7.N series is one has front shocks and the other does not. I almost went with a Trek, but settled on a mid level Giant.

Will you have a protected place to park your bike at work? You don't want to leave too nice a bike out in the elements and exposed to theives.

Consider your weather also. Make sure the bike can accept winter tires if you plan to ride on snow. Something with disk brakes might be a consideration.
What's the Giant model you went with, if you don't mind me asking. And yeah, I think my building at work has bike parking space but I will find out for sure before I buy the bike.


Know that any Breezer Town cheaper than the Villager will have three-speed gearing (which, for me, at least, feels inadequate: the jumps between settings are just too jarring).

I didn't remember that and yeah, putting it that way I think the Villager would be my only real option from Breezer. Shame it is a bit out of my range since it looks kind of nice.

For what you are looking for, the Dew Plus or a Giant Seek 3 seem to fit the bill well.

OP, have you looked at the Kona Africa bikes? They're inexpensive, rugged, made for hauling stuff and good for everyday riding around the downtown core. And if it's stolen, you're not out too much dough. No matter what you choose, keep in mind the streetcar tracks that you'll be dealing with. Fat tire bikes handle them better than skinny tire ones.

OP, have you looked at the Kona Africa bikes? They're inexpensive, rugged, made for hauling stuff and good for everyday riding around the downtown core. And if it's stolen, you're not out too much dough. No matter what you choose, keep in mind the streetcar tracks that you'll be dealing with. Fat tire bikes handle them better than skinny tire ones.
I hadn't considered that. Duke's is where I have checked the Konas, and I haven't seen the Africa Bikes there, I will ask there, I am not very keen on the u-frame though, which is the only thing I have seen on the site. The Dew doesn't seem to be much more than the Africa either.


For what you are looking for, the Dew Plus or a Giant Seek 3 seem to fit the bill well.
I have yet to try a Giant, but tried the Dew and quite enjoyed. What'd be the main difference between the Dew and the Dew Plus?

I test-rode today 3 bikes, the two KHS I mentioned in the OP and the 08 Jamis Coda.
The Urban-X ($469 cnd) was okay. It has a really attractive proce, specially considering it comes equipped already and whatnot. I liked the handling more of the Urban X-press ($585), as well as the gear changing stuff.

The Coda ($575) http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/archives/2008/08_coda_archive.html
convinced me more though. And it looks pretty cool too. I tried two sizes, 16 and 19.5'' of which I think neither fit that well, but even so I wanted to keep riding it, heh.

They do have the 08 Coda Sport for a hundred bucks more in 17.5'' which they will assemble and I'll test it tomorrow. I am not sure yet if I am willing to go over the 600 mark just for the bike though.
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/archives/2008/08_codasport_archive.html

At this point I am still unsure of what I'll get.
My top candidate has to be the Kona Dew given its price, 450, or the Kona Dew plus which I haven't tried but can't see how it'd be worse than the regular Dew, close behind are both the Cona and the Cona sport. And I have yet to try any Specialized or Giant bike... Gah! Chosing just one is hard, they're all so pretty :love:

Also, work building does have secure bike parking, which is a big relief.

You expressed a desire for disc brakes...Dew Plus has disc brakes, Dew don't.

north93, I am new to serious biking too, actually I just bought my '08 Jamis Coda today and got back from a short ride. If you really like Jamis call the LBS's that carry them. Thats what I did and found a '08 model discounted down to $380.

north93, I am new to serious biking too, actually I just bought my '08 Jamis Coda today and got back from a short ride. If you really like Jamis call the LBS's that carry them. Thats what I did and found a '08 model discounted down to $380.

Where you at?? I'd risk the wrath of the wife for a deal like that! But there aren't any Jamis dealers in my state, closest one is Springfield MO.

I am really considering going for the Trek 7.2 fx instead of the 7100 now. And also, do you think it'd be worth going for the Dew Plus instead of just the Dew? Someone else suggested I might look into disc brakes since I will be riding in snow, does any of these two come with that. Did a google search on the brake components of both but what I read didn't really mean much to me yet.

I'm not overly knowledgeable of brake component requirements for winter biking. However, with the limited winter biking that I've done, I've been glad to have disc brakes. However you should post this question in the Winter Cycling forum for their opinions.

Where you at?? I'd risk the wrath of the wife for a deal like that! But there aren't any Jamis dealers in my state, closest one is Springfield MO.

I'm in Austin, TX. The LBS that had the deal is a little further away just outside of Austin but it was worth it. Plus the LBS people were very friendly and the store got great reviews online. I will go back there as much as I possibly can for my bike accessories or other needs.

First, thanks for the suggestions. I know close to nothing about bikes and their components so I appreciate the replies. I have quite a few more questions thought:

Looking at the Vienna Line recommended here I came across the Sirrus
http://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=38462&eid=121&gold_ses=
Would this bike be the same as what the Trek 7. FX series is to the 7000s? Or how does the Vienna line compares to the Sirrus?


I am really considering going for the Trek 7.2 fx instead of the 7100 now. And also, do you think it'd be worth going for the Dew Plus instead of just the Dew? Someone else suggested I might look into disc brakes since I will be riding in snow, does any of these two come with that. Did a google search on the brake components of both but what I read didn't really mean much to me yet.


I am looking more for something I could use for both commuting and going longer distances over the weekend. While I do admit the advantages of a folding bike, it is not really what I am looking for.


This is one thing I have been trying to avoid. How would you rate the Dew and Dew Plus compared to the Trek 7.2 Fx?
http://www.trekbikes.com/au/en/bikes/bike_path/fx/72fx/


What's the Giant model you went with, if you don't mind me asking. And yeah, I think my building at work has bike parking space but I will find out for sure before I buy the bike.


I didn't remember that and yeah, putting it that way I think the Villager would be my only real option from Breezer. Shame it is a bit out of my range since it looks kind of nice.

When I went in to a local bike shop and told them what I was looking for ("a bicycle on which to get around the city"), as I recall, the first bike they recommended to me was the Specialized Sirrus. Actually, I didn't like it much. It feels quite different from the Vienna (it's a rather more "aggressive" design), and it's not loaded with any "commuter-friendly accessories" (e.g., fenders, rack, bell, lights). Of course, my comfort doesn't have anything to do with yours, and, if the Sirrus catches your eye, you ought to feel it out for yourself, at your own local store.

Have you looked at the Trek Allant? I think it might be their only real "commuter" model for 2009. It's nice, I suppose (based on specs.; I haven't been on one), but, like most of this year's city-bikes, it lacks lighting.

Is there a reason you want disk-brakes? They're not typically found on this kind of bicycle, and the extra price of having them may not be worth it for general commuting.

Is there a reason you want disk-brakes? They're not typically found on this kind of bicycle, and the extra price of having them may not be worth it for general commuting.

For commuting in the snow and rain, disc brakes are worth it.
If you are a fair-weather-only commuter, not so much.
and yes, they ARE found on this 'type' of bicycle.

For commuting in the snow and rain, disc brakes are worth it.
The OP's in Toronto which I heard gets snow once in a while.

OP, check out Sweet Pete's on Bloor W. They carry Kona, Giant, etc., and are cool guys.

The disk brakes would be pretty much because I plan to ride on the winter. This does put the Dew Plus ahead of the rest at the moment. I think that might end up being the one I buy. I am also probably the only person that likes more the white frame of the dew than the black one of the dew plus... I wonder if I oculd get the white frame with the plus components, heh. I do want to do some more test-riding before I decide though.

Where you at?? I'd risk the wrath of the wife for a deal like that! But there aren't any Jamis dealers in my state, closest one is Springfield MO.
I'll check other dealers for this. I know there is another one close to my place so I guess it is worth trying. Also, the prices I mentioned were Canadian, so even if not as bad as it seems, 575 is around 490 American, which is still not close to the deal you got. I do have to add 13% in taxes though...

The OP's in Toronto which I heard gets snow once in a while.


nooooo...ya think? :lol:

For commuting in the snow and rain, disc brakes are worth it.
If you are a fair-weather-only commuter, not so much.
and yes, they ARE found on this 'type' of bicycle.

I've seen disk-brakes on a few commuter bicycles, but I find that either they're on more "affordable" models that then remove other, probably more useful, accessories, or they're on "fully-loaded" bicycles that cost a hell of a lot. I think it's about what happen to be a rider's priorities and budget: If braking is a greater concern than, say, no-battery lights, OK; or, if money isn't a hugely limiting factor, well... sensational.

I've seen disk-brakes on a few commuter bicycles, but I find that either they're on more "affordable" models that then remove other, probably more useful, accessories, or they're on "fully-loaded" bicycles that cost a hell of a lot. I think it's about what happen to be a rider's priorities and budget: If braking is a greater concern than, say, no-battery lights, OK; or, if money isn't a hugely limiting factor, well... sensational.


What price do you put on your safety on an icy winter day or even on a rainy summer day?

FYI, my battery-powered lights make anything powered by a dynamo look like reflectors...why one would consider something like a dynamo a priority over consistent reliable braking is puzzling.

I've seen disk-brakes on a few commuter bicycles, but I find that either they're on more "affordable" models that then remove other, probably more useful, accessories, or they're on "fully-loaded" bicycles that cost a hell of a lot. I think it's about what happen to be a rider's priorities and budget: If braking is a greater concern than, say, no-battery lights, OK; or, if money isn't a hugely limiting factor, well... sensational.

Did you see the Kona Dew Plus (http://www.konaworld.com/09_dewplus_c.cfm)? It is pretty affordable and comes with Disc Brakes. I am planning on getting my bike this weekend. If none of the test rides I have until then changes anything I'll buy this bike. The only thing I'll probably try to change is to see of the dealer can use the white frame of a Dew on it instead.

What price do you put on your safety on an icy winter day or even on a rainy summer day?

FYI, my battery-powered lights make anything powered by a dynamo look like reflectors...why one would consider something like a dynamo a priority over consistent reliable braking is puzzling.

The vast majority of bikes (especially in the "commuter" genre, but generally, as well), seem to be equipped with rim-brakes, not disk-. Until recently (maybe till the end of the 20th century), it seems, disk-brakes were less than scarce on bicycles. I understand and accept the technology has its place, and may be useful to some, but it seems excessive to say most people will be tangibly unsafe using traditional braking technology (forgive me if that's not what you're claiming).

I get, too, that dynamo-powered lighting is less luminous than (some) battery-powered models. Again, this comes down to a particular rider's needs. If a person is mostly in areas that are reasonably well-lit at night, high-lux halogen products might be unnecessary, and hub-powered versions might be quite useful. I, for instance, found disk-brakes superfluous for my biking, but found hub-powered lights appropriate.


Did you see the Kona Dew Plus (http://www.konaworld.com/09_dewplus_c.cfm)? It is pretty affordable and comes with Disc Brakes. I am planning on getting my bike this weekend. If none of the test rides I have until then changes anything I'll buy this bike. The only thing I'll probably try to change is to see of the dealer can use the white frame of a Dew on it instead.

The Kona Dew Plus looks nice. Have you tried it out? One of the bikes I was considering, which featured disk-brakes, is the Giant TranSend LX. I think it's about $160 more than the Dew Plus, but it has a few additional features (I liked how it felt when I tested it, too).

Good luck finding a bicycle that meets your needs.

The vast majority of bikes (especially in the "commuter" genre, but generally, as well), seem to be equipped with rim-brakes, not disk-. Until recently (maybe till the end of the 20th century), it seems, disk-brakes were less than scarce on bicycles. I understand and accept the technology has its place, and may be useful to some, but it seems excessive to say most people will be tangibly unsafe using traditional braking technology (forgive me if that's not what you're claiming).

I get, too, that dynamo-powered lighting is less luminous than (some) battery-powered models. Again, this comes down to a particular rider's needs. If a person is mostly in areas that are reasonably well-lit at night, high-lux halogen products might be unnecessary, and hub-powered versions might be quite useful. I, for instance, found disk-brakes superfluous for my biking, but found hub-powered lights appropriate.

The Kona Dew Plus looks nice. Have you tried it out? One of the bikes I was considering, which featured disk-brakes, is the Giant TranSend LX. I think it's about $160 more than the Dew Plus, but it has a few additional features (I liked how it felt when I tested it, too).

Good luck finding a bicycle that meets your needs.

1. the 'genre' of commuting bike is a marketing term...any bike can be used for commuting.
2. those commonly used for commuting throughout the world more commonly use roller and coaster brakes.
3. Disc brakes are a fairly recent mass-produced luxury (though I had a rear disk brake on my 70s JC Penney ten speed.
4. Until you actually use disc brakes in inclement weather for a reasonable amount of time, with all due respect, you have no base of experience for giving informed advice on the matter. Having used all types of braking systems in all kinds of weather, even I reluctantly admit the value of disc brakes in those conditons.
5. You can never have too much lighting and even an inexpensive P7 flashlight puts out way more light than a dynamo powered bike light, in addition to having flash mode for visibility in well-lit areas. Dynamo lighting is useful where you need perpetual run time without recharging or spare batteries.
6. The Transcend LX IS probably a better alternative to the Kona Dew Plus, after the cost of fenders, rack, etc, are factored in.

During the kast few days I test rode a bunch of bikes, including the trascend lx, dx, seek3, sirrus and some others. After some consideration I am going for the Kona dew Plus. It was a close draw between the Kona Dew Plus. I asked the prices of accessories and it was still cheaper than the Trnascend LX, givn that the store with the Konas is charing less taxes and have a discount on accessories. Also felt more confident about that store and they provide a longer free tune up service after the purchase. The 08 Jamis Coda was a huge temptation. It was defintely faster and sort of really enjoyed riding it but at the end, disc brakes, cheaper price won. I am going tomorrow to pick up the bike. For reference to those in Toronto I am buying in Sweet Pete's near Bloor and Dufferin.

Good luck with your new bike! :)

So, the people at the bike shop are having problems finding fenders that fit properly. Any other Dew Plus (or dew with disc brakes) folk in here could advise as to what fenders might be a good fit? I think the ones I know were tried were Axion Rainrunners or something like that.

If I didn't already have 5 bikes I'd get the Windsor Tourist for commuting. It's the same as the Fuji touring bike but at a lot lower price.

I couldn't put Axiom fenders on my daughter's 7000 Trek Hybrid, even though the bike had mounts for them, because the stock tires were a bit too fat and crowded the space in the forks. Is that the problem? The Kona site said the stock tires are 42. Do you need them that thick?

So, the guys at the store managed to put in the fenders after all. how? I am not sure but they did put a few hours into it, and I have been riding to and from work for the last weeks... Now I get to work faster, enjoy my commute and no more cramming in the subway. Pretty awesome stuff so far, I'd say.

So, the guys at the store managed to put in the fenders after all. how? I am not sure but they did put a few hours into it, and I have been riding to and from work for the last weeks... Now I get to work faster, enjoy my commute and no more cramming in the subway. Pretty awesome stuff so far, I'd say.
That's great - it's addicting in a good way.