Commuting - A new rider needing advise on choosing bike

My very first post. I'm planning to start communiting with bike. I barely know anything about bike and it's been a while since I rode one. Here are some conditions:

-The communite is 26 miles round trip
-There's nice trail (concrete) (Burke-Gilman trail) that covers 90% of the route.
-I live in Seattle. It rains/showers a lot during fall,winter, and spring
-I'm in a decent shape (runs 2-3 times a week. on a average about ~5 miles)
-I don't plan to ride off-road

I'm planning to go to a local used bike shop this weekend, but I have no idea what to look for - for example, brand, features, weight, etc.

Any advise as to what to look for would help me decide on a bike. I'll continue to search through the forum. thanks.

Search through the forums on how to buy a used bike, there is MUCH good info. For a trip that long you'll want a road bike for sure, especially on a bike path it'll make it alot easier. I ride a mountain bike for commuting and there are days I wish I had a road bike... like when I have a severe headwind and can't really tuck down and in to get the better of it.

You'll want a touring bike probably, one that can handle a rack and a set of panniers, and especially one that has or can have fenders on it. When its wet, fenders are the only way to go. Front and rear.

Above all, get a bike that fits you, and don't settle on the first bike you see. Do some test riding and get a feel for it.

And naturally, stay away from department store bikes ;)

Search through the forums on how to buy a used bike, there is MUCH good info. For a trip that long you'll want a road bike for sure, especially on a bike path it'll make it alot easier. I ride a mountain bike for commuting and there are days I wish I had a road bike... like when I have a severe headwind and can't really tuck down and in to get the better of it.

You'll want a touring bike probably, one that can handle a rack and a set of panniers, and especially one that has or can have fenders on it. When its wet, fenders are the only way to go. Front and rear.

Above all, get a bike that fits you, and don't settle on the first bike you see. Do some test riding and get a feel for it.

And naturally, stay away from department store bikes ;)

thanks for advise, rykoala. Any comment on bikes that Costco sells? Or is that considered deparment store? ;)

Is "road bike" same as "touring bike"? Or is "touring" a style of "road bike"? (Man I sound like newb)

Decide what you need on your bike first.
The features you need are: clearance for commuting tyres (25 to 32mm) and fenders, rack and fender eyelets on the frame, low-enough gears for your steepest hill/heaviest load, a reliable wheelset, and the whole bike as light as you can get it without compromising reliability. You also need a bike the right size and shape so you can ride comfortably.
Bikes come in many different styles, and every company/marketing dept seems to name them differently.

Styles which can do the job include touring bikes (eg Trek 520), light touring bikes (with drop bars or modern flat bars), some cyclo cross bikes.
Most road racing bikes lack the clearance and are over-geared. Most hybrid style bikes are too heavy for a long commute.
Check out Specialized Sirrus and Sequoia as some examples that are easy to find.

Well I make no attempts at being an expert, just regurgitating what I've learned. Yes, Costco is "dept store" bikes too. But sometimes they get something better, or so I've heard. I don't shop there.

Here is a site you need to visit: http://www.sheldonbrown.com.

Simply put, there are 3 classes of bikes:

Mountain bikes. You know these, you've seen a million of them.

Road Bikes. Commonly reffered to as "10 speeds" but now sport many more speeds than that! There are different types within this class. Touring bikes are a bit longer and have more relaxed angles in the frame to make them more stable and easier to ride than a race bike. The shorter wheelbase race bikes are great for racing as they are intended for but not for commuting.

Hybrids. Still figuring this one out myself.... don't really "get" hybrids.

Then there are the 'comfort' bikes which are alot like the old beach cruisers. Fat tires, heavy, fewer gear selections, and a very upright sitting position.

Lastly, go to your library and check out books on bicycling, I did this and learned TONS about bikes in general, and know much more than if I hadn't.

whoa. The retail price for Trek 520 is $1100 according to trekbikes.com! Don't think I want to spent that much on my first bike. Can you get decent used touring bike for arond $200?

Sure, I paid $150 for a Giant Excursion, which is a early 1990's touring bike. It has served me very well as a commuting machine. It has also been a nice bicycle to modify/upgrade parts as I got more into commuting and had all that extra money because I didn't spend it on gasoline.

I think the 13 miles each way can be done on any sort of bike so dont get all bent out of shape on the touring thing. Seattle it rains a lot and ur gonna want fenders and lights and maybe a pump and some patches and a lock. So if u have 200 bucks better start thinking 100 bucks for crap and 100 bucks for the bike.

My choice would be a comfort bike like a giant sedona, a used non-suspension mountain bike with semi slick tires, or an old 3 speed. Make sure it fits u right and has eyelets for fenders and racks-- although u can get clip on fenders and racks.
And don't forget to slime those tires unless u like repairing flats in the rain.

[QUOTE=nextsean]My very first post. I'm planning to start communiting with bike . . .


I also live in Seattle and commute about 26 mi. round trip in the rain. My rain bike is an REI house brand Novara Big Buzz. It is aluminum with an aluminum fork, has 700c wheels, fenders, a flat handle bar, and Avid disc brakes. The disc brakes are very nice to have in rainy weather since they retain their braking ability much better than rim brakes. I consider this to be an ideal commuter for Seattle.

I think the 13 miles each way can be done on any sort of bike so dont get all bent out of shape on the touring thing. Seattle it rains a lot and ur gonna want fenders and lights and maybe a pump and some patches and a lock. So if u have 200 bucks better start thinking 100 bucks for crap and 100 bucks for the bike.

My choice would be a comfort bike like a giant sedona, a used non-suspension mountain bike with semi slick tires, or an old 3 speed. Make sure it fits u right and has eyelets for fenders and racks-- although u can get clip on fenders and racks.
And don't forget to slime those tires unless u like repairing flats in the rain.

thanks for the tip! What does it mean by "sliming" the tires? Feels like a real newb asking one question after another. :o

yeah you don't have to spend much money. My commuter is a late 80's Specialized Rock Hopper with semi-slicks on it, and soon to be a rack and panniers. It does great and has the low gearing for when I'm tired and can barely make it up the one hill I see or if the headwind is too stiff. I got it for $95, in GREAT condition for the age.

My next bike purchase WILL be a touring road bike though.

BTW congrats on your decision to commute on bicycle. Its a great thing!

thanks for the tip! What does it mean by "sliming" the tires? Feels like a real newb asking one question after another. :o

Slime is this stuff that comes in a can and seals punctures. Usually u get a can for 10 bucks then put half in each tire, i swear by it.

Also i was looking at a ebay auction but i dont think i can spare the coin this would be a good commuter.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3687547245&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

Oh and dude, get a helmet:

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47693907&parent_category_rn=4782162&

Slime is this stuff that comes in a can and seals punctures. Usually u get a can for 10 bucks then put half in each tire, i swear by it.

Also i was looking at a ebay auction but i dont think i can spare the coin this would be a good commuter.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3687547245&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

Oh and dude, get a helmet:

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47693907&parent_category_rn=4782162&

cool. yeah I'll need a helmet! Just got back from Seattle Flagship REI. They have a really good selection of bikes with high price tags. I think the cheapest one I saw was the Marin flat bar bike for $399. Looks like I'm gonna be heading out to Recycle Cycle one of these days.

Buy gloves too!

I thought it would be an *ahem* different part being sore, but it was actually my hands.

Gloves are really the only "bike" clothing I own, other than my helmet.

I do about the same length of trip as you, up the highway in the Vancouver BC area. My trip is hilly, and the road quality is sketchy at times, so I use older mountain bikes with no suspension. They're usually pretty cheap, and they don't catch your average bike thief's eye. I had a nice new bike for a day, once. And that was about it, if you catch my drift. Anyways... you can fit a rack and panniers on a mountain bike pretty easily. I wouldn't accessorize your ride too much, until you're sure that you want to stick with the commute. I'd make sure your panniers are water repellant though. That's come in handy in this climate.

I need to get ready for the rainy season, myself, but I think I'll wait till it starts, so that the local bike store gets a bit of business at a time when they'll probably need it.

Happy trails.....!

Living in the NW as well-- get a bike that has fenders. It saves lots of time and money in repairs during the rainy season.

The coolest commuter bike:
Novara Big Buzz- disc brakes to handle the wet weather with the ultimate safe braking, plus lightweight and tough for commuter action
http://a1072.g.akamai.net/f/1072/2062/1d/gallery.rei.com//big/chips/704259_991.JPG

The coolest commuter bike:
Novara Big Buzz- disc brakes to handle the wet weather with the ultimate safe braking, plus lightweight and tough for commuter action


You are the 2nd person recommending Big Buzz. I looked at the bike when I swung by REI today. Price tag - $799. Almost half the bike they had are above $1000. Man I had no idea how expensive bikes are.

What's reasonable price to pay for something like Big Buzz if they are a few years old? Do prices drop considerably on older bikes?

That Buzz above does look cool. I just moved over to a road bike from an mtb with slick tyres and I'm loving it. Thin tyres, weight, gearing and riding position are beaut! And don't shy away from road bike style handles, I found them weird at first after moving over but they're good. Just spend enough to buy something that has a frame and components that are in good condition and LOOK AFTER THEM once you have the bike. Don't spend money on suspension, for a pavement you definitely don't need it and you will waste energy bouncing up and down on the shockies.

You could go for a few test rides on new bikes from your local shop - try different types (mtb and road) - and then at least you know what to look for when you go and get a second hand one. Also, buy an older decent bike rather than a new cheapie.

I went to Recycled Cycles today. As I mentioned, I'm 5'10" and unfortunately there were only 3 bikes I could try. And even those were tall enough for their frame to come up right against the crotch. I must be really short-legged. I was disappointed. The guy working there told me to come by whenever because they get a lot of new stuff. He also showed me this Fuji bike. He pulled it off the rack on the ceiling with one hand and I just knew how light that was. The bike was $3600 and they were nice. I know there are a lot more expensive bikes out there, but this was the most expensive bike I saw in person. I couldn't stop gawking at it. Man, was it nice!

For those of you living in Seattle area, anyone know any other places that carry used bikes?

forgot to mention... The cheapest road bike I saw that fit me relatively was $250. Looks like I'm going to have to up my budget for the bike unless I get real lucky.

Guess my plan to buy a front projector and hdd mp3 player is on hold for now until I get this taken care of. I want to get some good practice while we got sun in Seattle.

It sounds like you want a bike for commuting purposes. While this may sound like I'm stating the obvious, the point I'm trying to make is non-trivial. You could buy a spanking new road bike but you'll end up paying at least $500-750 for a decent entry level machine. You could also buy a brand spanking new mountain bike or quasi-mountain bike, but that will likely cost you about the same as a road bike (e.g., the Novara Big Buzz). Either way, this sounds like it's a bit more than you were willing to spend.

Buying a decent used bike can be hard if you don't know what to look for. Like used cars, lemons are everywhere and one must be careful. Always check the chain and front gears for wear and tear. Look for obvious cracks or dents in the body. These all have the potential to cost more to replace/fix than you anticipate. Also, remember to check the brakes and wheels before taking the bike for a test spin.

My recommendation is to first check around for any obvious deals on used bikes from an LBS or in the paper -- but don't buy anything that looks even remotely sketchy.

Assuming you don't find a great bike that feels comfortable and has been sitting in a garage unused for a couple of months, then go to a LBS and buy their recommended commuting bike for somewhere between $250-500. You don't need fancy components for your daily commute; you just need a decent bike that you can ride and forget about 29 days out of each month. A quick lube job every month and a yearly check up with your LBS will be enough to keep you rolling smoothly and hassle free.

Remember to budget for a helmet, LED taillight, and some sort of headlight that allows drivers a reasonable chance of seeing you at night. You will also need to buy a U-lock and chain-lock for securing your ride.

The coolest commuter bike:
Novara Big Buzz- disc brakes to handle the wet weather with the ultimate safe braking, plus lightweight and tough for commuter action
http://a1072.g.akamai.net/f/1072/2062/1d/gallery.rei.com//big/chips/704259_991.JPG

I could never make that nice looking bike my commuter. It's waaaaay too nice and the rain/snow would destroy it. That would be my nice weather bike.

I would really look at Ebay for brands like Univega that come rather inexpensive today. Stay away from heavy 3 speeds of the 70's and look for less expensive bikes from the 80's or 90's.

Need your opinion on buying new vs used bike for a starter commute bike. I'm having little problem deciding between the two now.

Advantage of used bike:
- It's cheap
- I won't have to worry too much if I realize I don't like this bike commuting after a few months
- I would appreicate my next more expensive bike better

Advantage of new bike:
- selections
- reliability (?)
- wouldn't have to worry about buying another one if I really get into cycling

I have the money to buy a new bike if I want, but I want to be economic about it.

Were you first commute bike used or new? Can you share your experience?

You are the 2nd person recommending Big Buzz. I looked at the bike when I swung by REI today. Price tag - $799. Almost half the bike they had are above $1000. Man I had no idea how expensive bikes are.

What's reasonable price to pay for something like Big Buzz if they are a few years old? Do prices drop considerably on older bikes?

NO one HAS to spend big bucks on a NEW bike. The truth is 99% of everyday cyclist can do very well on a quality USED bike for way, way less money. Try yard sales or privete
owners. Take your time to find a really decent used bike.....
cheap!!

It's my opinion that if your are serious about cycling then
learn about it a bit to get savvy about bike......then go
out an find a killer deal on a USED bike.....they are out
there. Just don't get caught up in the elietist bull manure
you read here. It's for the pros , or wanna be's, with lots
of money or a sponsor.

Need your opinion on buying new vs used bike for a starter commute bike. I'm having little problem deciding between the two now.

Advantage of used bike:
- It's cheap
- I won't have to worry too much if I realize I don't like this bike commuting after a few months
- I would appreicate my next more expensive bike better

Advantage of new bike:
- selections
- reliability (?)
- wouldn't have to worry about buying another one if I really get into cycling

I have the money to buy a new bike if I want, but I want to be economic about it. Then start with used. If you really get into cycling, you can then buy a new (or "less used", or better used) bike and sell the first one you buy. If you take decent care of it, clean it up, market it nicely (take a flattering photo for the ad, et al), you might get close to what you paid for it. I've bought and sold at least a half-dozen used bikes over the years. In some cases, I've made money on the deal, even after using the bike for a while.

In the beginning I commute using a mountain bike, later I find out road bike are better than a mountain bike so I using another old road bike. Later I find out there is no point of using mountain bike so I dump the MTB and get another new road bike !!!

thanks for advise, rykoala. Any comment on bikes that Costco sells? Or is that considered deparment store? ;)

Is "road bike" same as "touring bike"? Or is "touring" a style of "road bike"? (Man I sound like newb)


There are 3 kinds of road bike, first is racing bike, 2nd is touring bike and third is track bike. A touring bike is more suitable for commuting. Racing bike are 2 expensive and doesn't last very long. I like track bike but I never see one here. That is the bike they using on the track racing.