Luckbad

Howdy! I'm moving to Irvine, CA next month and I plan to live 3-5 miles from work. Partly to get in shape and partly for practicality's sake, I'm planning on biking to work. I've been doing some research but it seems like folks here are extremely educated, so I thought I would post my information to see if I could start narrowing my search down to several bikes before really trying them out.

• Height: 6'4"
• Weight: 295 (minimum I ever get to is around 225)
• Commute: 3-5 miles each way
• Conditions: Paved Trails and Bike Lanes, Some Hills
• Location: Irvine, CA
• Budget: Bang-for-the-buck. Ideally less than $500, but negotiable
• Bike Type: Road or Hybrid (still unsure)
• Change at Work? Preferably not--I'd rather arrive at work (which has secure bike parking) and get to work without changing

Thanks!

Luckbad

As I continue to do more research, these seem to pop up pretty often:

FujiAbsolute 3.0
SpecializedSirrus
CannondaleQuick 4

Any thoughts on these particular bikes?

Mark.from.Texas

Don't go for the quick 4 unless you plan to upgrade the wheels. Mine gave out after 3 months and ~2000 miles or so. Granted, Cannondale bought me a set of Xero XR100's since they did not have the OEM wheels anymore, but not worth the hassle. Everything else has kind of been full of little nuisance's too. The handlebars don't stay put, the endcaps popped out on the 2nd day, lots of play in the front shifting mechanism.

Now that all the issues are worked out, it's an awesome ride, but shouldn't have had to deal with all this on a new bike I think.

Edit: I'm 6'7 and was ~280 when I bought it.

Luckbad

Thanks. The Giant Rapid 3 has also entered into the mix after reading more about it.

FlatSix911

Take a look at a CycloCross 29'er

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/zilla.htm
Shimano Sora 27Spd Disc Brake Cross 29er 2012 Gravity Zilla $499




or a more traditional Hybrid Road Bike

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/fuji/absolute_3.htm
Shimano Acera 24 Speed Flat Bar Hybrid 2011 Fuji Absolute 3.0 $399

Bill Walker

If you have a Trek dealer nearby it's probably worth your time to take a look at the 7.2 FX. It should be around your price range and seems to be a good bike for your purposes. The 7.X series seem to show up on CL in larger areas with some regularity so that might be your best bet if you have a little time. You should be able to get a nearly new one for $300 or so and have money left over for lights, helmet, lock, spare tubes, and other essentials.

Happy Friday!

Bill

Luckbad

Thanks all. I was able to find a 2012 model Sirrus Sport for under $500 at Surf City Cyclery near Irvine. Of all the bikes I tried out, that seemed to be the best fit physically (the Trek felt a little short for me, like I was a little bunched up while riding it, the Cannondale fit well but was more expensive, and I was unable to find a Fuji or Giant of the right size in the area, so I eliminated those as well).

Bill Walker

The Sirrus has more room to stretch out on. I've been doing the same comparison lately and it seem it may fit me better as well.

Bill

Rhodabike

Since you have a potentially short commute, and don't want to change clothes to ride, a bike that is set up as a commuter might be the ticket. Something with a bit of a guard over the chain, such as a Norco Cityglide or Giant Escape might do the job.
You may find some good suggestions on the commuting forum as well.

jsigone

irvine is generally pretty flat,not sure what shape you are in but might get by w/ a internal geared city style bike. This one is a 7spd
https://trekbicyclesuperstore.com/pro...ho-73876-1.htm