Commuting - Top Urban/Commuter Bike..rate these

Here is my criteria..

live in San Francisco...mostly paved roads (not all smooth)
Lots of Hills
Commute of 5 Miles each way a few times a week
Weekend Fun Trips around 20 miles or so..maybe longer...

Bike now is Heavy, front Suspension, not really for the daily grind...but it was only $200....
The Bikes I have read or heard about that fit are:

Trek 7500 FX ($500 apprx)
Giant Cypress SX ($600)
Novara Buzz ($500) only 9 Speed
Novara BIG BUZZ ($800)

These bikes are all light, and sturdy...and comfortable rides, according to reviews and comments...Please rate, or give feedback on what you think I should get, the difference between them..etc. IS there another bike I should be Looking at? (Someone said a FUJI America)...

I love the upright position, the straight handle bar...I dont want to go 40 MPH, but My wife has a trek 7000 with skinny tires and its a big deal for me to keep up...Thanks for your input.

Specialized Sirrus, several models available - http://www.specialized.com/ibeCSrdSrchResults.jsp?ds=0&kw=Sirrus&x=15&y=3

Here is my criteria..

live in San Francisco...mostly paved roads (not all smooth)
Lots of Hills
Commute of 5 Miles each way a few times a week
Weekend Fun Trips around 20 miles or so..maybe longer...

Bike now is Heavy, front Suspension, not really for the daily grind...but it was only $200....
The Bikes I have read or heard about that fit are:

Trek 7500 FX ($500 apprx)
Giant Cypress SX ($600)
Novara Buzz ($500) only 9 Speed
Novara BIG BUZZ ($800)

These bikes are all light, and sturdy...and comfortable rides, according to reviews and comments...Please rate, or give feedback on what you think I should get, the difference between them..etc. IS there another bike I should be Looking at? (Someone said a FUJI America)...

I love the upright position, the straight handle bar...I dont want to go 40 MPH, but My wife has a trek 7000 with skinny tires and its a big deal for me to keep up...Thanks for your input.


Check out www.nycbikes.com, a small NYC company that makes city commuting bikes. They are good for the conditions you describe, with an emphasis on being both light and sturdy. The wheels are built with double walls, for example to make them tough for crummy city streets, but they accept skinny, high pressure tires that will let you roll fast (and keep up with your wife!). Another plus is they will custom build it for you, even for a $300 to $400 bike. I have never owned one but I hear good things about them.

http://www.mrstacey.com/archived_storage/craigslist/my_bike4.jpg

I've been looking at exactly all of these bikes. The Giant is new (I haven't considered them yet), but I like the look of the Cypress SX. May need to consider it! And the components seem worthy too.

Novara Buzz ($500) only 9 Speed


I considered the Buzz for a commuter. I liked the "only 9 speed" aspect, since I avoid extreme up-hills. Go for a test ride and see if the gear range is wide enough for ya. I only test-rode it on the flats. Maybe you can change some of the gears later? The Buzz was more like $650 when I was shopping, so I ended up with the Fuji Absolute for quite a bit less.

bkr, hater of chainrings

I considered the Buzz for a commuter. I liked the "only 9 speed" aspect, since I avoid extreme up-hills. Go for a test ride and see if the gear range is wide enough for ya. I only test-rode it on the flats. Maybe you can change some of the gears later? The Buzz was more like $650 when I was shopping, so I ended up with the Fuji Absolute for quite a bit less.

bkr, hater of chainrings

The Cannodale "Bad Boy" reminds me of the Buzz.

http://www.mrstacey.com/archived_storage/craigslist/my_bike4.jpg

Is that a gold chain on that bike with golden rims and tires? BLING BLING!

http://www.mrstacey.com/archived_storage/craigslist/my_bike4.jpg

Very sweet looking bike. Nice choice in rides. What did it go for?

[Hey there...how do you like the Fuji Absolute? I dont think I will buy a bike till the end of the year...so many to choose from:

Novara Buzz or Big Buzz
Giant Cypress SX
Trek 7500 FX

I only want to spend $500 max....i bought a raleigh C30...and already am regretting it, but at least I am riding and learning what i like..its not that bad a bike but now i want a serious bike..its only been 2 months...i need to be more patient.

Try a Bianchi Strada.

man. them nyc bikes look like a great deal. waht's up with the little ass front wheel on the bomber?

This bike looks very interesting.

http://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/2004/COR-LT-Details.html