jimbo_baby84

hi guys, this is my first post. i started a new job that takes an hour and a quater of sitting in traffic to drive to, so i thought screw this...i'll try biking it. so i borrowed my girlfriends nice avanti hybrid (yes it's a mans bike, she just has the seat set low). she's had this bike for 4 years without a single hiccup. it's very plush so i figured it would be a pretty comfy ride. it was and it only took an hour and a half - i felt on top of the world. the next day i did this again, and by the time i got home, the whole bike was creaky and i'd broken the back wheel hoping up a gutter. so i'm thinking i need my own bike, and it needs to be able to handle my "style", which is basically like an overgrown 10 year old (apt, as that was my age the last time i owned a bike). i've done a bit of research and heard/read about the tradeoffs mountain bike vs road bike with hybrid in between, but is there anything that's designed not to be both road and off road use, but for rough on road use? (meaning for example there is no compromises to allow better handling on dirt) or is a fully fledged mountain bike the only answer?

thanks!

jimbo

Seggybop

My bike is basically what you describe. I wanted to assemble something that was the toughest possible while still being a road-style bike.

I put together some 26" deep v wheels with schwalbe big apple tires. V-section rims are probably the strongest you can easily get, and 26" is slightly stronger in general than 700c. The big apple tires are giant slicks that give you the bounciness of a mountain bike (so you can go over curbs and potholes without caring at all) but not the extra friction from mtb tire knobs.

I have these wheels in a hybrid frame designed for 700c. The tires are so big that the diameter of the wheel is about the same as a 700x28, so the geometry works pretty well. A hybrid frame was the only thing I could find with road geometry that would accomodate the large tires. Since it's a 700c frame and I'm using 26" wheels, the brakes didn't line up. I switched the fork for one from a rigid mountain bike in order to set up a front brake.

anonymouse99

To find a bike suited for your style of riding, are you willing to sacrifice speed? How much are you willing to spend? If you are like most people and are looking for something moderately priced (<$400), and are willing to sacrifice speed, then a mountain bike with slick, yet plush, tires would suit you well. Slicks are bald tires which have low rolling resistance for faster road riding. Perhaps a Trek 820 with Schwalbe Big Apple tires would be a good candidate, since those are slick, yet absorb more shock than thinner high pressure slicks. Total price: ~$300. Otherwise there is a huge array of bikes to choose from, including cyclocross bikes (road bikes designed for off-road use), and so on, but the prices begin to soar and for everyday commuting use, there is also the concern of leaving an expensive bike out for thieves and vandals. I practically have the same need in a bike yet opted for a Trek SU200, since I also wanted disc brakes and a rigid fork. For urban riding a rigid fork is recommended over a front suspension fork since the front suspension is not going to add any to your comfort, adds unnecessary weight to the bike, and can sometimes rob you of efficiency during instances like stand-up pedaling up hills. Other bikes I would recommend, yet are pricier, are the Marin Muirwoods and the Marin Novato 9. Good luck.

Blue Order

I've got a Bianchi Project 3 and a Project 7. The Project 3 is just a frameset that I'm going to build up into a complete bike, while the Project 7 is a complete bike. They're sort of the same bike, but the Project 7 uses better tubing. The end goal is for the Project 3 to be a flat bar city bike that can do double duty on trails, and for the Project 7 to be a drop bar commuter that can also go off-road. Both bikes have a mountain style frame, but take 700c wheels, and will be tough enough to take the toughest city conditions.

This is my solution for urban (ab)use.

anonymouse99

So, to specifically address your question "is there anything that's designed not to be both road and off road use, but for rough on road use," any bike designed for off-road use, except with the off-road tires (knobbies) replaced with road tires (slicks), is a bike designed for rough on road use.

MichaelW

The Canondale Bad Boy is another example of a 26" wheel, tough, fast city bike.
Make sure that you get one with threaded eyelets for rack and fenders and you get the correct size.

Seggybop

If you replace a mountain bike's tires with slicks, you have to make sure they're reasonably fat instead of the super-skinny ones that are based on road bike tires. Or else you'll be left with the same problem you started with.

motorhommmer

I would say you fall into the serious commute category. you need a reasonable bike for this. Speed is relevant also as you do not want something too slow. I have a 45 min each way commute and I use a Sirrus Specialized, Mavic Open Pro wheels. I find it to be very good. I would not be going for anything too heavy, mountainy on this commute. Def not sus forks. Hard to mix the 2, but in doubt you should err on the side of your commute.

phillybill

Back in the early 80's Iused to use a road bike with a rack and a pair of hand made wheels. Of course back in the stone age, that was about all you could find. Once I decided to use heavery rims and something like a 700/28 I had little problems with my 25 mile commute. That bike lasted me a goo 10 years.

But for the past 5 years (Since my job has allowed me to commute again) I have gone through all phases of bikes to find the ultimate commute.

- MTB's with slicks : Slow but sturdy, but always had to deal with the heal strike issue for the rack. I did it for about a year.

- Road bikes of all types: Great ride....hard to fit fat tires on....do not carry a heavy load well (of course they weren't designed to either)

- Hybrids : A good option (Can be heavy) , whish I had not sold my Jamis Coda to my friend. Solid bikes, can carry a load, take big tires, and you cna upgrade components when necessary. Change bars as you like for different hand positions. And they give a pretty fast ride depending on your setup. There's a guy in Phila that bikes the kelly drive trail on a customized Specialized Crossroads.....smokes my ass every time.

- and Cross bikes : The best of both worlds for a lot of us. Performance and light weight bikes, that can and often are built up with good components and tough wheels. Can sport a rack and fat tires. The frames are meant to take a licking...If you do not mind the riding position.....this is a great way to go.

I have 2 that I use, one with a traditional setup and one with an upright bar......As with anything, it depends on how much cash you have and want you really want to do with it. For most people the Hybrid is a great answer for that all around tough commuting bike. Any bike will do and long as it is comfortable and matainable.

anonymouse99

I heard they stopped making the Bad Boy with 26" wheels, and current models are only 700c. As far as one size wheel over the other, 26" wheels are easier to accelerate in stop and go traffick, and can be more durable for the money spent on an equivalently priced 700c wheel.

huhenio

Do not forget the milk crate ... best stuff holder yer will find

jyossarian

A cyclocross bike's good for urban abuse. I'm very happy w/ my Rob Roy cuz it's quick, fast and handles the potholed streets of NYC w/ no problems.

noisebeam

If your priority is speed then get a sturdy bike that doesn't limit ones speeds (i.e. a cyclocross bike with slicks) and only ride in in the road. Hopping up and down curbs, etc. may seem faster, but in the long run you will find it quicker and easier to stay on the road, where you only then need to deal with potholes and the like.
Al

newbojeff

After 5 years of riding a hybrid about 7 miles each way, I am switching to a road bike. I want something faster and aerodynamic. I'm actually opting for something a little more to the road/race side of cyclocross bikes, but many of the cyclocross bikes are fantastic (came very close to getting the Bianchi Volpe). I'd recommend sticking with a beater for a month or 2, seeing how it goes, and deciding what you really want.

Most importantly: welcome to commuting by bike!! Enjoy!

Roody

I ride an old but good steel frame MTB with slicks, and find it to be a good choice for rough urban commuting, and probably the cheapest option too. It also is adequate for medium length (2-3 hours) road trips. In fact, I'll be doing a centurey on it soon.

But your daily commute is much longer than mine. I agree that you should look into cyclocross bikes. Another option would be a good touring bike. However, you might need to modify your curb hopping style a bit to be on the safe side.

cooker

Forget the 10-year-old behaviour and take some time to learn some commuter safety skills. Having a co-worker/commuter killed by a dumptruck last week was sobering, to say the least. I don't mean to discourage you, just want you to be safe.
Regards

spinerguy

Any mid-range MTB will do.
Why spend money in getting a "good" bike when not sure what frame style will suit you best, that will come later.

Doggus

Cyclocross as seen here.

jimbo_baby84

thanks for all the replies guys. i guess the reason i don't ride on the road is that the traffic is bumper to bumber, there's no cycle lanes and i don't think i'm experienced enough to mix it with the cars anyway. the paths are always pedestrian free, but recently i was warned not to go fast on paths incase a car comes out a driveway...so i don't know what to do now. what i do know is i want a bike that will inspire me enough that every day when i look at it and look at my car the decision will be made for me. i also want one that requires the least maintenance. i'm happy to spend whatever to get the right bike. i mean how much can a bike possibly cost? i'm guessing considering my main job/hobby is audio engineering, shopping for even the best bike will give me a chance to look at some refreshingly low price tags!

flipped4bikes

+1. Mine is the Specialized Tricross. Freeroad, baby, Freeroad.

cooker

If by path you mean sidewalk, you do have to be extra careful. Some studies have suggested sidewalks are actually twice as dangerous as the road, because you still have to cross intersections and that's where most accidents happen. The sidewalk cyclist is more at risk because he's less expected/visible, surging into the street from the sidewalk, than he would be if he's already on the road. Not to mention the risks to pedestrians exiting buildings etc. although you say that's not so likely in your locale

If you are talking about a multiuser path that might be more appropriate, but still you have to be especially vigilant at road crossings.

Can you scout out parallel, less busy streets that will still get you where you need to go?

dynaryder

MTB's with slick tires are ok,but most are heavier than they need to be. I was looking for a MTB to replace my Sedona as an all-weather beater,and every one I looked at weighed more. They also almost always have front suspension,which you generally don't need on the street(carpel tunnel not withstanding) and tend to be geared low.

Cross bikes are nice,but you'll still prolly need to swap the tires for smoother ones. You may also be limited in your gearing. I looked at a few cross bikes,and most had like 39/48 front rings. That doesn't give you much of a spread.

There are also urban hybrids with 26" wheels. They give a good balance of speed vs toughness. Their upright riding position helps you to see and be seen,and they're plenty comfortable for an environment where you'll have plenty of opportunities to stop(red lights,etc).

jimbo_baby84

yesterday i went to my local bike shop and tried a road bike, a canondale bad boy, a hybrid, a hardtail mountain bike and a downhill mountain bike (i tried the downhill just out of curiosity). the road bike felt...odd. more like tightrope walking than bicycling. the bad boy was alot better, but so ugly. the hybrid i already know...comfy, uninteresting. the hardtail was awesome, definitely my pick. and the downhill...wow. if only the ride to work was downhill all the way. and all the way back. anyhow, seeing as i'm going to settle for a hardtail mtb (without knobby tires), i was wondering if there was a good website where bikes like this are discussed, reviewed etc. most of the web sites i've found so far are from bike stores, and to them every bike they sell is the greatest.

thanks!

cooker

There's actually a thread going right now called "show off your hardtails"

gboy

That was your co-worker who was killed at Eglinton & Avenue? My condolences.

And +1000 to the suggestion of cross-bikes! Pure biking nirvana on ****ty roads.