Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - I have a roadie - now I want/need a commuter. Suggestions?

Hello all,
I have a Roubaix comp as my "main bike" but I have a real need for a knock-a-round commuter type bike. Why do I need it? I want a bike for:

those quick trips to the store
riding with my daughter
riding in rain
riding in snow
not the end of the world if it gets stolen
not the end of the world if it gets dented
I dont need special shoes or gear
able to eventually fit fenders/panniers
easy for a quick and fun ride when the sun pokes out


My budget is around $450 - I dont really want to go higher than this because I have my Roubaix for more serious riding. This bike is going to be used for the times I dont want to use my Roubaix for. I would also like the best setup available (at this price) for granny gearing hills. :)

Bikes Im looking at:
Scouring Craigslist for Trek Fx or Specialized Sirrus - missed one for $300, a 7.3

Entry Level Sirrus at LBS - $460 + tax

Bikesdirect GT Tachyon $400 - http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gt/gt_tachyon_3.htm
(http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gt/gt_tachyon_3.htm) Same bike for sale at REI for $550 - http://www.rei.com/product/796425

Cannondale Quick 6 - $300 - http://www.rei.com/product/782563

These are the kind of bike Im looking for. Thoughts or comments from the herd?

:) Thanks!

You should test ride a bike before buying.
So if Craigslist doesn't pan out, I would go with
the bikes from REI or the LBS.

7.0 fx are $350 here in Fargo at the local Scheels sporting goods

i built a nashbar touring from up from scratch for my commuter. it's a lot more than 400 when all is said and done but I had some specific things i wanted in it. the frame is only 99 and a steel touring fork is available from them for $50. nashbar microshift 9speed shifters are $30, microshift FD and RD are also about $30 each. Nashbar also has some cheap cranks available as well, you could build a sleeper commuter for around your target number and upgrade it if desired. people are probably gonna think i'm a shill for them but I just really love my bike! Also, if you have any parts kicking around you can use those and save some $$$$ The nashbar touring frame can take 26" or 700c and tires up to 40C, TONS of clearance for rack, fenders etc.

magohn, A good choice would be a rigid mountain bike. Many from the mid '80s to late '90s can be had cheap enough on CL to easily afford tune up expenses plus accessories.

Brad

My LBS's are real duds. I've yet to hear from any BikesDirect dissatisfied customers. Yes you're on your own for service/tuneups but I've paid list price to LBS for free delivery to their door. I may not be as experienced than their "mechanics" with bicycles but I'll spend the time to get it right.

last time I went home my buddy had one of these and I thought it was a nice little bike for the price (400$); it had a lot of utility, we even took it on some light trails in the swamp. To top it off it was fugly enough that no one would steal it.

http://www.khsbicycles.com/06_urban_xpress_m_11.htm

I like hard tail mountain bikes for commuting and beating around with my kids for this I have a Trek 3700 I got mine for $325 on sale. I install an Ibert my two year old rides on the handlebars and a trail a bike tandem my 5 yo rides. I remove these Monday-Friday for commuting. I did replace the knobby tires with high pressure Kenda Kwests. It has been solid for utilitarian riding.

Trek fx 7.1 is an awesome bike a few models down from mine. Its $449 http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/fx/71fx/

Thanks for all the responses guys.
UPDATE: I may have a chance at a 2010 Trex Fx 7.3 (Disc Brake) for around $350. Its gently used with 200 miles on it. The bike comes with fenders and a rear rack. The only issue is that its a 25". Ideally I would ride a 22.5". Im 6 feet tall. I know this frame is probably a little big for me but as the bike is strictly for a "knock around" bike I think I can live with that - thoughts on this deal?

Even if its a knock around bike I would get something that fits magohn. I say test ride it to see.

I have rigid MTB that is supposedly to big for me, but felt fine when it was in working condition.

As another poster mentioned rigid MTB's make excellent commuters. Mine has double eyelets both front and rear for racks and/or fenders and are usually pretty beefy from frame to wheels.

25":eek: i woud steer clear of it to be honest. might be worth a go at making your own seeing as it is your second bike and have the roubaix for the time being. its great fun and very educational so maybe a second hand yoke somewhere and add bits to it over time? thats what i'd do:) and you'll get plenty of help with upgrades in here too

Thanks for all the responses guys.
UPDATE: I may have a chance at a 2010 Trex Fx 7.3 (Disc Brake) for around $350. Its gently used with 200 miles on it. The bike comes with fenders and a rear rack. The only issue is that its a 25". Ideally I would ride a 22.5". Im 6 feet tall. I know this frame is probably a little big for me but as the bike is strictly for a "knock around" bike I think I can live with that - thoughts on this deal?

Don't those bikes have "compact" geometry. IF so 25" is 63cm, it will probably be borderline for you at 6 ft and depend on your porportions. You may find that you can't get the seat quite low enough. Take it for a ride though, that sounds like a very good deal. Of course, if it doesn't fit you perfect you could buy it and then buy the nashbar touring frame i mentioned and swap all the parts over. you'll come in right at your budget of $450.

I also say look at bikes direct. the lower end bikes direct stuff definately has some cheaper parts on it, but the frames are fine and you can always upgrade parts down the road if need be.

magohn, If the bike doesn't fit it isn't a bargain. I'm 6' and a 25" frame is out of the question. Yes with a shorter stem and a very low saddle height you can make it fit, but then comes the uncomfortable issue of stand-over height.

Brad

I'm 6' as well and picked up an older 25" bike thinking I could use it as a rain/beater bike. I ended up donating it to the local bike coop due to realizing how great of a compromise it was after riding my bikes that actually fit.

You could always try it, but if there's one millimeter of doubt if it fits, I'd pass on it. Don't try to justify that it's only a commuter, etc to overcome a bike that isn't the proper size.

The Trex FX series do seem to have relaxed geometry, another reason I am hesitant at the frame size. The owner of the Fx 7.3 wont come down to $350-$375 (he wants $400 firm). I offered $375 and realy dont want to go any higher than that. Reason being the bike is 160 mile round trip to pick up and with the price of gas that puts the deal at around $450. I can get a new Specialized Sirrus at the LBS for $460 in 22.5 inch. I know the components are not quite as good as the Fx 7.3 but it is a NEW bike with warranty and exact fit for me. Ideally, I would still like to stay in the $350 range so its back to the searching... :)

The Trex FX series do seem to have relaxed geometry, another reason I am hesitant at the frame size. The owner of the Fx 7.3 wont come down to $350-$375 (he wants $400 firm). I offered $375 and realy dont want to go any higher than that. Reason being the bike is 160 mile round trip to pick up and with the price of gas that puts the deal at around $450. I can get a new Specialized Sirrus at the LBS for $460 in 22.5 inch. I know the components are not quite as good as the Fx 7.3 but it is a NEW bike with warranty and exact fit for me. Ideally, I would still like to stay in the $350 range so its back to the searching... :)
do you have skills to take on a bit of a project or are you trying to buy something turnkey?

do you have skills to take on a bit of a project or are you trying to buy something turnkey?

Im a tinkerer - I can fix most things. I like to know how thinks work and have fixed many a bike/car. Im happiest pulling out the engine/transmission on old MG sportscars :)

What about an old 3-speed? They're indestructible, cheap, and comfortable for short jaunts. The internal gear hub also keeps things clean in inclement weather. If you want to granny it you can put a large cog on the back.

My LBS's are real duds. I've yet to hear from any BikesDirect dissatisfied customers. Yes you're on your own for service/tuneups but I've paid list price to LBS for free delivery to their door. I may not be as experienced than their "mechanics" with bicycles but I'll spend the time to get it right.

I'm pretty satisfied. I really like the LBS guys as they also teach me things whenever they work on my bike but I just can't afford to drop LBS prices on a new bike. If I did have that sort of disposable income I would love to show my patronage by buying a bike there but I don't feel too bad. From what I understand their profit margins on new bike sales are pretty low.

Thanks for all the input guys.
Myself and the Trek FX 7.3 Disc seller finally came to an agreement on $375 including rack and fenders. I drove the 160 mile roundtrip to pick the bike up this afternoon and I am thrilled. I now understand him being hesitant at $375, the bike is as new with less than 200 miles on it. After the deal I rode the bike around the local park and it feels great and everything works perfectly. I think I got a good deal for my "winter bike" scenario:
http://i55.tinypic.com/m53s6.jpg
http://i55.tinypic.com/2ikwfew.jpg
http://i52.tinypic.com/14sifo.jpg

that topeak rack is awesome, I have the same one. they sell accessories that slide into that center channel and lock into place. I have the Trunk bag that has panniers on the side that fold up out of site when not in use.

http://www.topeak.com/products/Bags/MTXTrunkBagDXP

that topeak rack is awesome, I have the same one. they sell accessories that slide into that center channel and lock into place. I have the Trunk bag that has panniers on the side that fold up out of site when not in use.

http://www.topeak.com/products/Bags/MTXTrunkBagDXP

Thanks - i did not know that.. :)

I beginning to think I need to move to Washington. What a deal. Moving the farm is problem-matic:rolleyes:

Thanks - i did not now that.. :)

no problem! I also like the crate attachement they have. its a bit pricey but it's perfect for city living since you can slide it right off at your destination and bring it inside. IF i lived out in the burbs, a milkcrate would suffice and I could leave it permananetly attached but here in the city people steal shyte in seconds.

Are you gonna put a front rack on it? I see that it has the mounts for it on the fork. My nashbar commuter has their carbon fiber cyclocross fork which allows for disc brakes so I attached a mini rack on the front using the canti studs. Now I just gotta figure out exactly how I"m gonna make use of it! It's definately the perfect size for a 6 pack if nothing else!!!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_EsMeUMrMdB0/TZnE6YowWaI/AAAAAAAAAps/vQa-laEx1Uc/s512/front%20rack.jpg

Your front rack looks great! There's something cool about an all black bike :)

Your comment/link brought me to an interesting though obvious conclusion (not immediately obvious to me - Im new to this commuter stuff). If I commute to work, the pannier/bag would have to be removable else I would have to transfer all the contents of the pannier/bag to my office. As I already have the rack, the Topeak line look like the way to go - very cool system. I now realize I may have missed an extra deal with the seller though. He was selling the bike for his son as he was away in college, he gave me the handlebar bag and then said, "there's also this bag that fits on the pannier if your interested". He pulls out a bag that looked similar to the bags on the topeak link. he seemed like he wanted a couple of bucks for it but as I didnt want to go much higher I said "no thanks". I had eventually buying the Novara style panniers in my mind. I think I goofed, I think I could have had the topeak bag for $10 or so ;-)

Nice looking bike magohn :thumb:.

Since you have the sellers phone # you can always give them a call and ask about the bag. They might be able to ship it to you. They are not going to need it since they don't have the bike anymore.

Those disk brakes should do well in the wet. All around great deal to snatch the rack and fenders as well.

call the seller back and see if he'll ship the bag to you. the bag isn't cheap but its pretty nice. it goes for about $80 i belive. if he'll ship it to you for $50 it's a good deal and like you said, he doesnt need it anymore so he'll probably sell it for less. I love the combo of trunk and panniers. You could put your clothes in the panniers, lunch in the trunk bag along with emergency supplies like tubes, tire levers, etc. there is also a bottle holder on the back of the bag for carrying extra water, and cargo netting on the top for a rain poncho or whatever. love my bag!

I'll be using it tonight, I'll try to get a pic taken on the bike loaded up.

nice bike,
nice price,
enjoy

Thanks guys. I may give the seller a call/email tomorrow and chase up the bag.

Went on a local 10 mile ride tonight - bikes a champ. Runs like a dream :)

Hello all,
I have a Roubaix comp as my "main bike" but I have a real need for a knock-a-round commuter type bike. Why do I need it? I want a bike for:


those quick trips to the store
riding with my daughter
riding in rain
riding in snow
not the end of the world if it gets stolen
not the end of the world if it gets dented
I dont need special shoes or gear
able to eventually fit fenders/panniers
easy for a quick and fun ride when the sun pokes out



My budget is around $450 - I dont really want to go higher than this because I have my Roubaix for more serious riding. This bike is going to be used for the times I dont want to use my Roubaix for. I would also like the best setup available (at this price) for granny gearing hills. :)

Bikes Im looking at:
Scouring Craigslist for Trek Fx or Specialized Sirrus - missed one for $300, a 7.3

Entry Level Sirrus at LBS - $460 + tax

Bikesdirect GT Tachyon $400 - http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gt/gt_tachyon_3.htm
(http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gt/gt_tachyon_3.htm) Same bike for sale at REI for $550 - http://www.rei.com/product/796425

Cannondale Quick 6 - $300 - http://www.rei.com/product/782563

These are the kind of bike Im looking for. Thoughts or comments from the herd?

:) Thanks!

I wouldn't buy a NEW bike for that, I would find and old mountain bike that already looks like *&^%, police auctions, gar(b)age sales and dumpster dives are where you find what your looking for, you want an ugly frame, get a spray bomb of rust paint that purposely doesn't match, primer red would be the best colour, and cover any rust, don't worry about scrapping it off, rusty rims or hubs, spray bomb those too. Put on new cables, pads, chain put some puncture resistant tires on it, and good thick tubes, use duct tape to repair what is left of the grips. Throw on a rack and some cheap fenders. You want a bike that nobody thinks is worth picking a $2 lock to steal... Yeah a blue frame and a green fork, perfect, you want the ugliest bike in town. Of course nobody realizes that it's been carefully tuned up and runs better then most of the high end expensive bikes, and that it's one of the most comfortable riding bikes in town. If some idiot does steal it, you spent <$100 on it, so your not going to mourn for it very long.....

you missed the boat dude, he already bought something! he scored nicely too

Finishing off the thread.

The seller did not have a Topeak bag after all. It was some no-name bag that was strapped on so I declined. I scoured eBay for a Topeak bag and found a seller with the large bag but it had a tear on one of the pockets (not an actual tear - just threading come undone). I won the bag for $20! Better yet my wife did a stellar job on double-stitching the repair and now its perfect - like brand new.
Here is the finished project sporting the Topeak bag, a Blaze 2w frontlight and my trusty garmin 705 - Im very happy with the bike and have a couple hundred miles on it already. Its a very smooth ride....

http://i56.tinypic.com/1hlee.jpg

how big are the tires you have on there? I think i'm gonna have to go with fenders like that on my ride, I have a cheapo fender on the front right now but that rear fender actually looks pretty sleek, it just blends right in with the tire. nice score on the bag, I love it. it's not humongous but it's certainly more than ample for a nice day trip or lightly packed trip. looks like you got mounts for a front rack on that bad boy too should you ever really want to tour. i'm sure you've figured it out on your own but the panniers have a stretchy cord that you can wrap around the base of the rear rack and cinch tight to keep the bag solidly against the frame

The tires are the stock 700x32c. The original owner fitted the fenders (Planet Bike) and I too like the look. The paint match is identical and they follow the line of the bike without looking out of place.

Thanks again on the heads-up on the topeak system. I did figure out the loop that loops around the bottom of the rack on either side. The locking mechanism is very slick. Literally a 5 second attach/detach system. I love it!

I have that same trunk bag, and I really like it. I found that the fold out panniers were a little flimsy at the seams on their bottoms, so I sweet talked my mom into taking a break from quilting and reinforcing them a bit for me. Enjoy your bike and accessories. A definite score!