Commuting - Hybrid recommendations?

Hi, im new on these forums and i am seeking advise.

I am a male, 172cm (5'-8") tall, weighing about 100Kg (220#) at the moment (heading to 85kg [188#]) solid build.

Im looking for an affordable hybrid bike, that i can ride every 2nd day for about 30km (18+) round trip.

Mostly sealed roads, but maybe some grass paths through parks etc.

Any recommendations, for hybrid or slicked MTB?

Thanks in advance. :D

Bianchi Volpe (http://www.bianchiusa.com/570.html)

Welcome to the forums. Chalk up one more biking aware grouping.

You don't mention
-- expected budget range, i.e. what's affordable and why you set that budget range.
-- your geo, some locations can get by with less as climate more forgiving
-- why you are considering a hybrid or slicked MTB. 30 Km is a bit far for a regular MTB ride.
-- how long you hope to be riding on this bike
-- how early/late in the day you will be riding. This will effect how many add-on's you add.

Everyone will tell you "my bike is best, get it". If you would fill in the gaps, we all might be able to
give you better advise than validate my purchase by getting the same bike.

Biggest factors should be:
1. good local bike shop, [LBS], where you can get good service
2. good financing, if needed.

Hi, im new on these forums and i am seeking advise.

I am a male, 172cm tall, weighing about 100Kg at the moment (heading to 85kg) solid build.

Im looking for an affordable hybrid bike, that i can ride every 2nd day for about 30km round trip.

Mostly sealed roads, but maybe some grass paths through parks etc.

Any recommendations, for hybrid or slicked MTB?

Thanks in advance. :D

I would avoid getting a comfort bike because you'll outgrow this type of bike real fast. Get a hybrid with 700 cc tires that's more aggressive with road bike tires.

The Volpe is nice but I would look at the Bianchi Strada. The flat bars and street tires will go faster.

Welcome to the forums. Chalk up one more biking aware grouping.

You don't mention
-- expected budget range, i.e. what's affordable and why you set that budget range.
-- your geo, some locations can get by with less as climate more forgiving
-- why you are considering a hybrid or slicked MTB. 30 Km is a bit far for a regular MTB ride.
-- how long you hope to be riding on this bike
-- how early/late in the day you will be riding. This will effect how many add-on's you add.

Everyone will tell you "my bike is best, get it". If you would fill in the gaps, we all might be able to
give you better advise than validate my purchase by getting the same bike.

Biggest factors should be:
1. good local bike shop, [LBS], where you can get good service
2. good financing, if needed.

Hi,

Im thinking around A$500-$800.
I will be riding to and from work. which has a slight incline on the way there.
I live in Sydney Australia, and i dont plan to ride in winter, too cold or wet.

I'd like to say that i will keep the bike forever, as i am not growing any taller, only fatter, but hopefully the riding will minimise that!

I like disc brakes, but its not neccessary. Same goes with shocks.

hope this helps!

I would avoid getting a comfort bike because you'll outgrow this type of bike real fast. Get a hybrid with 700 cc tires that's more aggressive with road bike tires.

The Volpe is nice but I would look at the Bianchi Strada. The flat bars and street tires will go faster.
earlier this year, i almost bought a 2004 Mopngoose Comfort ATB Switchback AL, but i like the features on the similarly priced disc braked Rockadile.

That might give you an idea of my taste and budget.

I have a cyclocross bike and swapped out the knobbies for touring tires, put on fenders & lights, and off I go! You'll find a lot of people here who will suggest this as they have road bike geometry with mountain bike durability. I love it! I have a 2003 Jamis Nova (http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/03_nova.html) .

If you want road-style drop bars, then a tourng/cyclo-cross style of bike like the Bianchi Volpe.
If flat bars are your thing, then a flat bar road bike, like the Specialized Sirius.
Both styles have capacity for sensible commuting tyres (28 to32mm), luggage rack and fenders and are reasonable strong and lightweight.
Find a local bike shop that you like and see what brands they carry. You should be able to find equivelent models in any large brand.

Hi,

Im thinking around A$500-$800.
I will be riding to and from work. which has a slight incline on the way there.
I live in Sydney Australia, and i dont plan to ride in winter, too cold or wet.

I'd like to say that i will keep the bike forever, as i am not growing any taller, only fatter, but hopefully the riding will minimise that!

I like disc brakes, but its not neccessary. Same goes with shocks.

hope this helps!

Helps a lot. After blowing a tire at 40 going downhill because of rim brakes, disc brakes were a requirement for me. Also we have a lot of afternoon thundershowers in fall, so I needed disc brakes. Good disc brakes, ie Avid, add about $200 to $225 to the cost of a bike.

We bought 2 totally different bikes for about a grand apiece. The big surprise is we spend about another grand on biking gear and accessories. Mostly bike racks and carriers upped the price, but we needed that for transport to fun ride locations. We justify it as good value as decreasing auto commute expense and avoiding paying rec center/gym fees.

We started looking at the department store models for about $200 to $300, and then looked at Specialized, Cannondale, Jamis and Giant. The key here is you need a good LBS that will provide service and can fit the bike to you. I don't think my bike, an OCR Touring by Giant is available to you downunder. Because I required disc brakes, I was locked into Cannondale/Jamis/Giant. Giant gave the best value for the dollar, but it meant ordering the bike. Other bikers went to ride my bike after I started commuting and agree it is a very nice bike. Giant makes many non disc brake models in the OCR lines. The LBS was able to adjust the fit of the OCR so it rides like a hybrid but uses road tires. Since I didn't have hugh hills on my commute, I swapped for free the stock 11-31 cassette, rear gear assembly, for a 12-23. The result is gear changes are very very smooth. It feels great to do a slight switch up or down gears. I would recommend you first decide on the bike and then ask the forum for advice on rear cassette. I would think the 12-26 would be ideal for you, but first pick a bike and then see what it's stock gearing is.

Now is the time to buy a bike before the prices go up next year. We are in the 2004 or 2004/5 model year. I have heard the 2005's will be at least 10% higher.

Since you want to keep this bike for a long time, I would try to find one in the $600-$850 range. Don't get too caught up in the steel vs alum controversy, or the top of the line components. You just need a bike that does not have bottom of the line components. Anything midrange should work. Go to several LBS's. We had to try out 3 before we found a shop we trusted. Then go ride for at least 5 minutes at least 4 different bikes. After that the choices should be clear. I would also recommend 2 test ride sessions. The first test ride session to narrow down to 2 or 3 bikes. Do not buy that day. Come back a second day and decide between the 2 bikes which to get. You'll be surprised the difference between the wonder of the first day ride and the second ride on the same bike. But you'll also be much more confident in your purchase.

Have fun, and let us all know what you get. I haven't exercised in decades and biking is quickly bringing muscles and endurance back. Welcome to an enjoyable way to get exercise.

Also look at the Trek 7*00 FX models. I have a 7300FX, but if you can afford it go for the 7500FX or 7700FX.

I am not sure why so few people in this forum recommend Trek, I wonder if there is not some type of Microsoft syndrome going on (snobbish resentment towards the 800 lb gorilla of the industry).

That being said, I second the motion that the LBS is more important than the bike. The main reason I bought the Trek is because that is what my LBS sells. They are close by and their 2 year service plan is awesome (and probalby worth an extra 500 bucks). When I need a repair it is a short ride away, as opposed to putting the bike rack on the van, loading up the bike, and then driving 20 minutes to a shop.

I'm also new to commuting by bike... I'm sick of sitting in traffic for over an hour to get 9 miles from/to home/work.

Budget is 'under $2,000' for everything (helmet, lights, extra tubes, hand pump, fenders, etc).
Commute will be 9-10 miles. Hills are very small. Going to work I'll only gain 350ft over 10 miles (according to www.bikemetro.com).
In general I need a reliable bike... so I don't want 'cheap crap'. I understand things break, but I'd rather not have to deal with things always being broken. I'd also like the Bike to last a long time (5 years).
I'll be riding in the Los Angeles area; specifically Monrovia(home) to Pasadena(work). I think once in awile I might stay late... so I'll be riding the bike at night as well.

I went to REI (2 blocks from my house) and was looking at the Big Buzz (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47841651&parent_category_rn=4500775&).

There is another bike shop around the corner... But they are not open as late as REI. All the REI guys in the Bike department commute by bike. Several over 15 miles each way.

Anyone care to share some other idea's? anything that I might need to tweak on this bike?

Is the lifetime warentee on the frame really a bid deal (the REI guys thought so...)?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Interesting you should ask, that's about what we spent. Second largest expense was for bike carrier on car. You can get better lights, don't settle for anything under HID for headlights. They are about $400, but well worth it at night. I compromised with 30w Halo lights and they are marginal.

Check out the Giant OCR Touring. I love it, but would recommend you have your local bike shoe, LBS abbrev on forum, swap out the rear 11-31 mountain bike cassette for a 12-26 road cassette. Check out Performance as they should stay open late and have a 0% financing for 12 months.
The OCR Touring is overbuilt for commuting, just what I wanted. No hassle rides.

Don't like the REI buzz disc brakes being CPS. You want at least a midrange quality here cause of possible monsoons. Also it only has a double up front and not a triple. Your handlebars are flat and you might want to use drop handlebars for that distance. I have my OCR setup so I ride 95% of the time as a hybrid, but do occasionally drop for a taste of fun. With your distance you'll probably want to add bike racks and rackbags [panniers], and I don't see mounts on that bike.

Lifetime warantee is worth zip. If it gives out, you wouldn't want it because you'll have a new perfect bike you're lusting over. If REI is pushing it heavily, I would worry about the frame.

Other bikes with disc brakes to look at are: Jamis Coda Elite, and Cannondale Cylocross Disc.
REI does have some good items, but shop with care.

Sorry got to run, you might do a forum search on my name. I just returned to biking and it has been an interesting time coming up to speed. [ fyi- initial name was huffypuffy ]

Hi fellow Sydney rider.
I ride from Annandale to North Sydney. The recommendation to find a good local bike shop is spot on if your new to it. I ride a Kona MTB with slicks. This works well for me (20km round trip). But I'm considering the hybrid option. The advice to look at disc brakes sounds good too. In your case stopping (in wet and dry) is probably more important than going fast. I've tried some Hayes hydraulic disc brakes, they feel really good. Stick to the wider tyres - Sydney streets are pretty crappy and you'll spend your time dodging potholes if you go down the road bike with flat bar direction.
Good luck.
ER

thanks,

I am quite keen on the 2005 Giant Innova. Has any one had a look at the specs for that?

Also, any comments on the Trek 7400 with 7speed hub?

Well, i took the dive, and ended up with the Giant Innova, great bike!
Enjoying riding and tweaking it more every day!

I'm also new to commuting by bike... I'm sick of sitting in traffic for over an hour to get 9 miles from/to home/work.

Budget is 'under $2,000' for everything (helmet, lights, extra tubes, hand pump, fenders, etc).
Commute will be 9-10 miles. Hills are very small. Going to work I'll only gain 350ft over 10 miles (according to www.bikemetro.com).
In general I need a reliable bike... so I don't want 'cheap crap'. I understand things break, but I'd rather not have to deal with things always being broken. I'd also like the Bike to last a long time (5 years).
I'll be riding in the Los Angeles area; specifically Monrovia(home) to Pasadena(work). I think once in awile I might stay late... so I'll be riding the bike at night as well.

I went to REI (2 blocks from my house) and was looking at the Big Buzz (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47841651&parent_category_rn=4500775&).

There is another bike shop around the corner... But they are not open as late as REI. All the REI guys in the Bike department commute by bike. Several over 15 miles each way.

Anyone care to share some other idea's? anything that I might need to tweak on this bike?

Is the lifetime warentee on the frame really a bid deal (the REI guys thought so...)?

Thanks for any suggestions.
You are VERY smart for budgeting beyond the bike. Take a look at cross bikes. They are a good combination of versatility and speed. They can take wide MTB-sized tires or narrow road bike tires, depending on your preference.

The Surly Cross Check (http://www.surlybikes.com/bikes.html) will leave you half of your budget (depending on the components) for the extras. You should also take a look at the Surly Long Haul Trucker (http://www.surlybikes.com/longhaul.html), which is designed for touring. Both can handle the rack, fenders, etc. you will want for commuting. (I have the Cross Check, and love it.)

If you're riding on LA streets, don't get narrow tires. I'd say 28's are the minimum. The wider the tire, the smoother the ride. But the wider the tire, the more you have to work. You have to decide what's important. Stay away from knobbies, they will make your street rides harder. Tires with little or no tread patterns are the best for city riding. Either get tires with kevlar liners or put kevlar liners in the tires.

Don't cheat yourself on lighting. Get at least a 10w Halogen with a battery that will last several commutes between charges. Also, get a back up light--even a be-seen LED is better than riding dark. Get two rear blinkies. One attached to your bike (mine is attached to my seat bag with zip ties) and the other to your helmet (I clip it to the strap). You may also want a reflective vest.

Get a frame pump and seat bag with all the stuff needed for emergeny repairs--spare tube, patch kit, tire levers, multi-tool, energy bar (in case you bonk), chain tool, spare batteries for your blinkies and LED, etc.

Finally, get a copy of a good bike maintenance book. I like Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance (he sells one for MTB's too). Then get the basic tools the book recommends. When something goes wrong with your bike, buy the tools and the parts and figure out how to fix it yourself.

I live in Sydney Australia, and i dont plan to ride in winter, too cold or wet.


:D I find this hilarious, as for me a Sydney winter would be about ideal biking weather. Your summer, on the other hand, would be far too hot. Anyways, congrats on the new bike and welcome to the addiction!

--J

You are VERY smart for budgeting beyond the bike. Take a look at cross bikes. They are a good combination of versatility and speed. They can take wide MTB-sized tires or narrow road bike tires, depending on your preference.

The Surly Cross Check (http://www.surlybikes.com/bikes.html) will leave you half of your budget (depending on the components) for the extras. You should also take a look at the Surly Long Haul Trucker (http://www.surlybikes.com/longhaul.html), which is designed for touring. Both can handle the rack, fenders, etc. you will want for commuting. (I have the Cross Check, and love it.)

If you're riding on LA streets, don't get narrow tires. I'd say 28's are the minimum. The wider the tire, the smoother the ride. But the wider the tire, the more you have to work. You have to decide what's important. Stay away from knobbies, they will make your street rides harder. Tires with little or no tread patterns are the best for city riding. Either get tires with kevlar liners or put kevlar liners in the tires.

Don't cheat yourself on lighting. Get at least a 10w Halogen with a battery that will last several commutes between charges. Also, get a back up light--even a be-seen LED is better than riding dark. Get two rear blinkies. One attached to your bike (mine is attached to my seat bag with zip ties) and the other to your helmet (I clip it to the strap). You may also want a reflective vest.

Get a frame pump and seat bag with all the stuff needed for emergeny repairs--spare tube, patch kit, tire levers, multi-tool, energy bar (in case you bonk), chain tool, spare batteries for your blinkies and LED, etc.

Finally, get a copy of a good bike maintenance book. I like Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance (he sells one for MTB's too). Then get the basic tools the book recommends. When something goes wrong with your bike, buy the tools and the parts and figure out how to fix it yourself.
"Get a frame pump"? If you lived in my neighborhood, you carry a small portable pump, in your backpack, and don't leave it on your bike if you have to lock your bike up outside and go in some where.

The reason I don't have a second car is...The Jamis Coda Comp. need I say more? If I do then my next thousand words will come from the picture on the link below.

http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/05_codacomp.html

"Get a frame pump"? If you lived in my neighborhood, you carry a small portable pump, in your backpack, and don't leave it on your bike if you have to lock your bike up outside and go in some where.
My frame pump (Topeak) easily clips off. I think you need one with a flexible nozzle. The solid minipumps are hell on stems.

I haven't been riding long enough to be familiar with all the different brands and options you all are discussing, and I also hate to comparison shop (which I know would be worthwhile to do but I just don't have the patience for it), so I just walked into my local bike shop, explained the situation, and bought what the guy recommended - a Diamondback Crestview (http://www.pricetool.com/bike-Bicycles-All-83017-Diamondback_Crestview__1999/display_~reviews) hybrid. Although I haven't found too much discussion of this bike here or elsewhere on the 'net, I have to say that I have no complaints with it. It has 24 speeds, handlebar shifters (love 'em!), and caliper brakes. I won't go so far as to say "buy mine, it's the best", because I don't have the experience, but I can certainly say that I'm satisfied with it.

To put this into perspective, my situation is that I go about a 10 mile round trip on small-town roads, moderate hills, some shoulders some not, in a climate ranging from 90 degree F summers to sub-zero F winters. The only time I don't ride due to weather is in snow or ice, because I have not yet taken the plunge to studded tires.

Anyone else here have any experience with this bike?

My frame pump (Topeak) easily clips off. I think you need one with a flexible nozzle. The solid minipumps are hell on stems.
All the portable bike pumps easily clips on and off, which is the problem; they can be easily stolen. I carry mine in my backpack. What is a flexible nozzle?