Commuting - Bicycling Magazine's Commuter Bike of the Year

I'm sure some of you have seen this already, but Bicycling Magazine's web site now lists its just nominees for Best Road Bikes of 2010 (http://www.bicycling.com/bke/slide/home/1,8155,s1-1-322-0,00.html). In the commuter category, the nominees are:

1) The Globe Haul 2 (page 24)

2) The Raleigh Detoure Deluxe (page 25)

3) The Breezer Uptown 8 (page 26)

They don't state their criteria for what makes the best commuter bike, just a few positives and negatives for each model (as is typical for their reviews).

So, assuming they mean "mass market" bikes that are new for this year, are there better commuter bikes out there? Better, is of course, relative, so I would be very interested to hear what actual commuters think. While I'm just beginning to look at commuter bikes, I think they ought to have listed the Batavus BUB (new styling from a traditional European manufacturer, and lots of features for the price) and the Raleigh Alley Way (one of the better-looking implementations of the carbon belt drive). Those two bikes have received some good reviews & awards this year.

The Uptown is the one I want, as it fixes the couple of issues I have with my Villager, which I enjoy riding so much. A full chainguard would be great. That said, if you have heavy use of panniers, looks like the longer wheelbase Haul 2 is your ticket.

Woo hoo - my commuter is on there, too! :thumb:

http://www.bicycling.com/bke/slide/home/1,8155,s1-1-322-0,00.html

edit - oops! No direct linky - it's slide #13, in any event.

My bet woudl be that the criteria is that those are the bikes labeled as "commuter" by the companies that spend the most advertising with that magazine.

As best I can tell, most of Bicycling's judgment seems to be centered around bottom brackets -- they always cite the size, rigidity, whatever.

That said, nice to see that under the new editor the mag is paying a little attention to bikes that a lot of us prefer to ride and use.

My bet would be that the criteria is that those are the bikes labeled as "commuter" by the companies that spend the most advertising with that magazine.

This, just more product placement.

My bet would be that the criteria is that those are the bikes labeled as "commuter" by the companies that spend the most advertising with that magazine.

I don't want to assume that Bicycling is the New York Times - that's one of the reasons I mentioned "mass market" bikes. I would assume they would at least start with a list of bikes made by their advertisers, and go from there. On the other hand, I thought of two other bikes that might have made their list - the Trek Belleville and the Civia Loring. I would assume that Trek is one of their major advertisers (I don't normally read Bicycling, so I could be wrong).

They're heavy and partially-featured (well, apart from the Raleigh, anyway -- that looks pretty good). The Globe looks more like a boulevardier, not a commuter (that built-in rack looks almost totally useless, especially if you choose the wrong panniers). At least they included two with dynohubs.

Wow.. an entry level bike is $1000? I thought I had a pretty nice bike until I saw those reviews.

Wow.. an entry level bike is $1000? I thought I had a pretty nice bike until I saw those reviews.

Remember, it's an article from Buy-cycling magazine. $1000 is a drop in the bucket when you look at some of their other ads: European spa vacations, high-end luxury SUVs so you can haul your $12,000 cray-bon dream machine to the start of the charity century in comfort and style.

My bet woudl be that the criteria is that those are the bikes labeled as "commuter" by the companies that spend the most advertising with that magazine.

Actually, I don't think I've ever seen Breezer advertise in Bicycling Magazine, and maybe not Raleigh either. That's not to say the magazine isn't a thinly veiled catalog, lightly seasoned with its brief monthly exercise in how many different ways Chris Carmichael can say, "I'm Lance's coach. Do intervals."

As for the "commuter" category, it appears to me that the criteria are: internally geared hub, fenders, rack, upright riding position -- bonus points for disc brakes. That fits a certain model of commuting -- under 10 miles each way, all weather commuting. These criteria seem to fit a lot of what I read here.

My complaint is that outside of urban areas, most people seem to live more than 10 miles from work, and they'd like a bike that can do something other than commuting. The "commuter" bikes would distinctly not be good for these people. On the other hand, the bikes that would be wouldn't be the best choice for the other group. So I'd propose a second category, multipurpose commuter bikes. My criteria: rack and fender ready, room for at least 32mm tires with fenders, drop bars, comfortable. My nominees:

Salsa Vaya
Kona Jake
Soma Double Cross DC
Surly Cross Check
Surly Long Haul Trucker
Trek Portland

Wow.. an entry level bike is $1000? I thought I had a pretty nice bike until I saw those reviews.

Really! And here I'm pushing 21,000 miles on a $300 bike. To think, I've been doing it wrong all this time. Oh well, see you at 30,000.

Really! And here I'm pushing 21,000 miles on a $300 bike. To think, I've been doing it wrong all this time. Oh well, see you at 30,000.

You would be having 66% more fun on a $1000 bike; it's simple mathematics. :lol:

The Uptown 8 is a very well conceived and completely equipped bicycle that is also a very nice ride... speed freaks need not apply.

It also a pretty heavy bike that curbs out in the middle 30's and is what I would consider a light roadster.

They are like a Timex in that they can take a licking, and keep on ticking and have received very positive reviews and has been considered one of the best off the peg commuter bikes made.

Intervals, really? Got it.

You would be having 66% more fun on a $1000 bike; it's simple mathematics. :lol:

Wow. It's a good thing I never bought that Atlantis, it must be better than sex, and I'd have ridden myself to death.

I love the looks of the Haul 2, but I'm not sure there is much of a market for it. It stops short of being a long-tail utility bike. It doesn't look like it can handle the mega-panniers that a Big Dummy, a Mundo, or even a Ute uses. I think people who want a bike that can really haul stuff would get a true long-tail. People that want to cruise around town, do a coffee shop run, then bring home a 12-pack, don't necessarily need the Haul to do it.

Wow. It's a good thing I never bought that Atlantis, it must be better than sex, and I'd have ridden myself to death.

I don't doubt it. You should see the glazed look of happiness the guys in my club get after saddling up on their full custom bikes. (and two of them just might ride themselves to death competing for the RUSA distance record this year.)

Remember, it's an article from Buy-cycling magazine. $1000 is a drop in the bucket when you look at some of their other ads: European spa vacations, high-end luxury SUVs so you can haul your $12,000 cray-bon dream machine to the start of the charity 10K run/walk in comfort and style.

Fixed. ;)

To think I've been doing the 17 to 25 mile commute each way all wrong the last 6 years - commuting on a mtb bike for 5 1/2, and a Trek Soho for 1/2 a year.



Actually, I don't think I've ever seen Breezer advertise in Bicycling Magazine, and maybe not Raleigh either. That's not to say the magazine isn't a thinly veiled catalog, lightly seasoned with its brief monthly exercise in how many different ways Chris Carmichael can say, "I'm Lance's coach. Do intervals."

As for the "commuter" category, it appears to me that the criteria are: internally geared hub, fenders, rack, upright riding position -- bonus points for disc brakes. That fits a certain model of commuting -- under 10 miles each way, all weather commuting. These criteria seem to fit a lot of what I read here.

My complaint is that outside of urban areas, most people seem to live more than 10 miles from work, and they'd like a bike that can do something other than commuting. The "commuter" bikes would distinctly not be good for these people. On the other hand, the bikes that would be wouldn't be the best choice for the other group. So I'd propose a second category, multipurpose commuter bikes. My criteria: rack and fender ready, room for at least 32mm tires with fenders, drop bars, comfortable. My nominees:

Salsa Vaya
Kona Jake
Soma Double Cross DC
Surly Cross Check
Surly Long Haul Trucker
Trek Portland

They don't state their criteria for what makes the best commuter bike, just a few positives and negatives for each model (as is typical for their reviews).


I believe that the criteria are tied to the advertising that the manufacturers run.

To think I've been doing the 17 to 25 mile commute each way all wrong the last 6 years - commuting on a mtb bike for 5 1/2, and a Trek Soho for 1/2 a year.

Yep. You're doing it wrong. :D

Remember, it's an article from Buy-cycling magazine. $1000 is a drop in the bucket when you look at some of their other ads: European spa vacations, high-end luxury SUVs so you can haul your $12,000 cray-bon dream machine to the start of the charity century in comfort and style.

I used to participate in their forums before I discovered BF. Whenever some noob brought up the "what bike" and wondered if a cyclocross bike would work, one of the old-timers there would vehemently say no. Yet I come here and there is a love thread for the Kona Jake in Commuting and the Cross Check gets much love as well...

To think I've been doing the 17 to 25 mile commute each way all wrong the last 6 years - commuting on a mtb bike for 5 1/2, and a Trek Soho for 1/2 a year.

Bicycling Magazine...lol.
Lots of money to be made convincing us we're 'all' doing it wrong.
Until you get out the checkbook, our equipment, tools, and clothing are horribly inept to the task, and woefully unhip.
Save a tree....

I could talk about the nice issue of Bicycling that my wife stuck in my stocking this Christmas. I kind of enjoyed reading it.

But I'd really rather post that I dig the Bikes Direct Kilo WT5.

Okay, so nobody likes the bikes that Bicycling recommended. I'm not surprised. What, then, are the best new bikes of 2010? I mean all-new for this year, popular enough to be stocked at a good LBS somewhere near you, where a newbie commuter (not that I know anyone like that) could actually go and buy one. Also assuming that said commuter wanted to go and buy a brand-new bike (instead of used), and wanted one ready for commuting - with racks, fenders, etc. Based on reading some commuting-oriented bicycling blogs (Ecovelo, Bikes for the Rest of Us), magazines like Bicycle Times, lots of threads here, etc. I would think that the average newbie commuter, after reading all of that, would think that the following would make that list:

Civia Loring
Raleigh Alleyway
Batavus BUB
Trek Belleville

I bought one issue of Bicycling, ever. It didn't have a single word or image in it that spoke to me. I've picked it up while browsing magazines and flipped through since then and still have the same opinion.

I drive a car and don't subscribe to Road & Track either.

"The."

I bought one issue of Bicycling, ever. It didn't have a single word or image in it that spoke to me. I've picked it up while browsing magazines and flipped through since then and still have the same opinion.

You don't look like this? :eek:

http://www.spinemd.com/images/bicycling-magazine.jpg



I drive a car and don't subscribe to Road & Track either.

Not since Motor Trend named the Chevy Vega "Car of the Year"... :lol:
I think it was 1972.

But I'd really rather post that I dig the Bikes Direct Kilo WT5.

I also dig this bike. Can someone come over here and steal my bike so I can get a new one? Thanks!

I'll admit it, I like Bicycling magazine and think the bad rap it's gotten is only partially deserved ;-)

A few months ago there was a great and extended article about a guy who was basically housebound due to being overweight until he bought a bike.

Though the emphasis on racing tips and products is still there, there's more and more space devoted to commuting and other non-racing cycling pursuits. And along with the ultra expensive gear there was recently a description of how to build a DIY bike repair stand for like $30. Granted, there's plenty of DIY workstand info on the Internet but to say that "Bicycling" is just thinly veiled advertising isn't entirely true.

I don't understand why some people get so upset about this. If you don't like it, don't buy the damn magazine. Nothing is going to be more effective than that. Simple.

My bet woudl be that the criteria is that those are the bikes labeled as "commuter" by the companies that spend the most advertising with that magazine.

+1... I'm not normally a cynic, but I really think that's true.

That Globe Haul is sexy as hell! I love the look of a matching rack on a bike and the fact that it's got a wood deck, well, just gives me wood. LOL!


I'm sure some of you have seen this already, but Bicycling Magazine's web site now lists its just nominees for Best Road Bikes of 2010 (http://www.bicycling.com/bke/slide/home/1,8155,s1-1-322-0,00.html). In the commuter category, the nominees are:

1) The Globe Haul 2 (page 24)

2) The Raleigh Detoure Deluxe (page 25)

3) The Breezer Uptown 8 (page 26)

They don't state their criteria for what makes the best commuter bike, just a few positives and negatives for each model (as is typical for their reviews).

So, assuming they mean "mass market" bikes that are new for this year, are there better commuter bikes out there? Better, is of course, relative, so I would be very interested to hear what actual commuters think. While I'm just beginning to look at commuter bikes, I think they ought to have listed the Batavus BUB (new styling from a traditional European manufacturer, and lots of features for the price) and the Raleigh Alley Way (one of the better-looking implementations of the carbon belt drive). Those two bikes have received some good reviews & awards this year.

The best commuting bike is completely dictated by the commute, Amount of stuff you need to carry, terrain involved and your individual love for the bike. Listing out the best commuters is simply a top ten or 3 pages advertisement for all of their advertisers new rides.

I bought one issue of Bicycling, ever. It didn't have a single word or image in it that spoke to me. I've picked it up while browsing magazines and flipped through since then and still have the same opinion.

I drive a car and don't subscribe to Road & Track either.
I subscribed to Bicycling Magazine a few years ago and I was bored reading it.

Recently I discovered Bicycle Times... which I now subscribe to... It's geared more to the commuter/urban transport angle.

http://www.bicycletimesmag.com/

I've spent a couple of years researching urban commuter bikes and for my needs the Uptown 8 is the clear winner. It's a total package. I've put nearly 5,000 miles on mine riding this year here in Denver. I don't own a car.

I've been riding bicycles and motorcycles for almost 50 years now and don't mind paying for function and comfort. The Breezer has both. Price is relative of course, but to me the bike seems inexpensive, especially compared to the carbon fiber race bikes or, for that matter what I have to pay to put new tires on my motorcycle.

One thing to keep in mind with 8 speed internal hub bikes is that rear tire changing is tricky. I put Schwalb tires and liners on to prevent flats but...

I'll probably buy a Co-Motion Pangea for long distance touring but I can't find anything better for Urban riding than the Breezer. The Globe is a close second, but I figure Joe Breeze has been doing this longer and "transportation vehicles" are the main focus of the company.

Regardless of the merits of the individual bikes, I'm glad to learn that Bicycling has broadened its view of cycling to include bikes designed for convenient transportation.


Paul

I subscribed to Bicycling Magazine a few years ago and I was bored reading it.

Recently I discovered Bicycle Times... which I now subscribe to... It's geared more to the commuter/urban transport angle.

http://www.bicycletimesmag.com/

+1 on that. I also went back and ordered all the back issues I could find.



The best commuting bike is completely dictated by the commute, Amount of stuff you need to carry, terrain involved and your individual love for the bike. Listing out the best commuters is simply a top ten or 3 pages advertisement for all of their advertisers new rides.

I agree that personal factors should be the first step in narrowing down one's commuter choices. Then, there's the whole new-versus-used debate. Then there's comfort and fit and, as you said, your individual love of the bike. However, I think brand reputation, reliability, manufacturing quality, and design all play a part, and that's where a well-written review can really help with that. If you don't trust Bicycling's judgment, whom do you trust? To that end, I've found Bicycle Times to be very helpful. But I also started this thread to get the input of more experienced real-world commuters. As long as the posters here are stating their unbiased personal opinions and not secretly shilling for a particular brand, then I'm all for it.

You would be having 66% more fun on a $1000 bike; it's simple mathematics. :lol:

If it was simple mathematics, wouldn't it be 200% more fun?

I don't understand why people are so offended by those selections. Yeah, I know that Bicycling Magazine has a habit of being silly about some things. But those bikes, particularly the Breeze and the Detour Deluxe, seem like perfectly reasonable selections for someone wanting an all-in-one ready-to-go commuter. Previous versions of both have gotten quite positive reviews from many sources. I almost bought a Detour Deluxe myself; I went with my Dr. Dew primarily because I wanted something less fully upright.

I think people are transferring some of their derision for Bicycling Magazine in general to their specific selections for Best of 2010.

I wasn't ripping on the bikes themselves, I was just saying that I wouldn't give any weight at all to the fact that Bicycling magazine choose them. Whatever their criteria, it was probably not purely practical.

For that matter, I think it's kind of silly to choose a "best commuter" - I don't think there's any such thing, unless the choice is made only by people of the same ability and experience as you, riding in exactly the same conditions.

I ride 8 miles a day on gravel road that is usually pretty bad, and the other 13 miles on paved rural roads with very little traffic. My perfect commuter is not going to be the same as someone who rides on great pavement all the way, or has a lot of hills, or no hills, or has to deal with city conditions, jumping potholes or curbs, or someone who has bike paths a lot of the way.

I don't understand why people are so offended by those selections.

I wouldn't say that I'm offended, just that I think there are better choices for a medium- to long-distance everyday commuter.

To be fair, that's getting nitpicky on the details, like how I can't use my existing panniers on the Globe's integrated rack (they attach at the bottom with rings on bungee cords, meaning that they need a rack to have free tubing ends to hook around; I can't tell if the Globe has them or not), and the fact that none of the three have drop bars. Heck, I'd rather take that Trek 1.5 road bike (#2) and put a rack and fenders on it.

They're also pretty darned close to the bike I use almost every day to go to work, a Bianchi Valle -- but there are times I wish it had drops and disc brakes, too, so I can't call it my perfect commuter. I wouldn't be using it if I had a substantial commute, either.

The "Show us your commuter" thread illustrates how incredibly varied our bikes really are. I just think that Bicycling targets a less-informed audience, and I'd rather see them show a greater variety of commuter bikes than these.

I see your point about different people needing different things, but at the same time I think the bikes listed would cover the majority (if not vast majority) of people who don't already do a lot of riding. "Serious" riders (by that I mean practically anyone who posts regularly on bikeforums.net) are unlikely to be really satisfied with any all-in-one package if for no other reason than they're too used to tweaking their rides to be just the way they like.

Right, but what I mean is, just one of those three can cover the vast majority of commuting and cruising newbies. They could've filled the other two spots with much more different bikes.

One other criteria that makes a bike perfect is whether you can afford it. If I had to choose from multiple $1000 bikes, I never would have started commuting. In fact I'm still riding the $300 bike I started with (with two $100 wheels added).

You would be having 66% more fun on a $1000 bike; it's simple mathematics. :lol:If it was simple mathematics, wouldn't it be 200% more fun?
233.3333% more fun, in fact (actually more, since the decimal doesn't terminate). Sorry, this was one pointless post I couldn't resist. :)

Here is the question. Is the bicycle a transportation vehicle or not? I use my bicycle to get to work, but I also use it for everything else. I don't own a car. I wouldn't think of buying a car without lights, or fenders. Why would I buy a bicycle without them? Why would I add them piece-meal later? Yes I've changed out a few things. The seat, rear rack and pedals, but Joe Breeze did a fine job integrating everything else so I don't have to. That doesn't make me a less "serious" rider. Anyhow...to each his own. I'm just surprised at how few complete urban transportation bikes are available here compared to Europe. And yes...price is an important consideration too, but for me, not as important as priorities.