New Member Searching for Commuter Bike
12-31-07, 10:52 AM
#1
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New Member Searching for Commuter Bike
Hi,
I'm Kristel and I'm researching commuter bikes. I don't want to spend a lot of money on a commuter bike to ride to work and on the paved trails in the area. I'm mostly concerned with finding one with the right geometry for a petite person and component / value. My other bikes are Trek WSD's. I've researched a few and found a small Sunfire 1.0 for $599.00 but it's a men's bike. I have reservations about buying a men's bike given that the WSD's fit but this bike was a small bike.
What I would really appreciate is some feedback on the components of this bike versus other bikes.
Please keep in consideration that I am short. I don't believe a regular flat rack that is offered on other bikes will work for me because the seat will be lower. Beyond that, if I buy this bike at Performance, then I could buy a different rack and maybe a bag with my member points. I already have a wide variety of lights.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Kristel
I'm Kristel and I'm researching commuter bikes. I don't want to spend a lot of money on a commuter bike to ride to work and on the paved trails in the area. I'm mostly concerned with finding one with the right geometry for a petite person and component / value. My other bikes are Trek WSD's. I've researched a few and found a small Sunfire 1.0 for $599.00 but it's a men's bike. I have reservations about buying a men's bike given that the WSD's fit but this bike was a small bike.
What I would really appreciate is some feedback on the components of this bike versus other bikes.
Please keep in consideration that I am short. I don't believe a regular flat rack that is offered on other bikes will work for me because the seat will be lower. Beyond that, if I buy this bike at Performance, then I could buy a different rack and maybe a bag with my member points. I already have a wide variety of lights.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Kristel
12-31-07, 11:13 AM
#2
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Kristel, I moved this to the Commuting Forum. There are a bunch of great folk here who can help you out. 
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12-31-07, 11:14 AM
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As a six foot guy I am in no place to make comments about fit for petite people. I did spend a long time finding a fit for myself. Standing over the bike is only the first step. Fiddling with handlebars, stems, and seats can take a while. For sure, the bike you select should have the proper threaded holes in the drop outs and seat stays for attaching a rack and fenders. At this stage in your commuting a lower end touring bike may be a good idea. Georgina Terry has been the expert on bikes for small ladies for a long time. Check on her web site.
12-31-07, 11:38 AM
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Another Sasquatch (6'6") chiming in on petite bike fit for commuting:
A friend of mine rides a 46cm Trek Pilot 2.3 WSD as her all-rounder bike; MUP, road, and commute. She's got a rear rack on it, so I know that it is possible to do. Plus it's got a triple up front for a very wide span of gearing.
A friend of mine rides a 46cm Trek Pilot 2.3 WSD as her all-rounder bike; MUP, road, and commute. She's got a rear rack on it, so I know that it is possible to do. Plus it's got a triple up front for a very wide span of gearing.
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12-31-07, 11:53 AM
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Since you mentioned Trek WSD bikes, check out the fx series hybrids. I have a one, and I love it. It's my main commuter as well as all-around fun bike. Mine is a 7.2, and after 2000 miles on it my only complaint about the lower end components is that it doesn't have removable chainrings. I'll have to replace the entire crankset when it comes down to it, probably end of next summer. And the saddle sucks, but that's a matter of preference rather than quality.
It's kind of a pain to mount a rack on this bike, but it can be done with a little creativity. Fenders are no problem. There is plenty of clearance for fenders and wide-ish tires. (like 700x35, maybe even a little bigger)
It's kind of a pain to mount a rack on this bike, but it can be done with a little creativity. Fenders are no problem. There is plenty of clearance for fenders and wide-ish tires. (like 700x35, maybe even a little bigger)
12-31-07, 11:54 AM
#6
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Hi,
I'm Kristel and I'm researching commuter bikes. I don't want to spend a lot of money on a commuter bike to ride to work and on the paved trails in the area. I'm mostly concerned with finding one with the right geometry for a petite person and component / value. My other bikes are Trek WSD's. I've researched a few and found a small Sunfire 1.0 for $599.00 but it's a men's bike. I have reservations about buying a men's bike given that the WSD's fit but this bike was a small bike.
What I would really appreciate is some feedback on the components of this bike versus other bikes.
Please keep in consideration that I am short. I don't believe a regular flat rack that is offered on other bikes will work for me because the seat will be lower. Beyond that, if I buy this bike at Performance, then I could buy a different rack and maybe a bag with my member points. I already have a wide variety of lights.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Kristel
I'm Kristel and I'm researching commuter bikes. I don't want to spend a lot of money on a commuter bike to ride to work and on the paved trails in the area. I'm mostly concerned with finding one with the right geometry for a petite person and component / value. My other bikes are Trek WSD's. I've researched a few and found a small Sunfire 1.0 for $599.00 but it's a men's bike. I have reservations about buying a men's bike given that the WSD's fit but this bike was a small bike.
What I would really appreciate is some feedback on the components of this bike versus other bikes.
Please keep in consideration that I am short. I don't believe a regular flat rack that is offered on other bikes will work for me because the seat will be lower. Beyond that, if I buy this bike at Performance, then I could buy a different rack and maybe a bag with my member points. I already have a wide variety of lights.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Kristel
but my wife is. If you like the WSD, why not stick with them. Trek makes the 7.2 FX up to the 7.6 FX in WSD. The 7.3 FX is about the same price as the Sunfire and a bit better bike, in my opinion. The shock on the Sunfire just adds weight without adding much else and the parts spec on the Sunfire is much lower than the 7.3.There are a number of racks that you could use that would be good ones for a small person on a bike. The Delta Universal adjusts for height so it fits bikes nicely. If you can go a little pricier, the Tubus Vega sits very low and is very flat. It does cost 3 times as much as the Delta, however.
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12-31-07, 12:34 PM
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My GF just bought a Womens specific SCOTT Contesa from REI and she's been very happy with it. I think they have a couple of models that would fit your price range and size. It's been a great bike for her.
Cheers!
Cheers!
12-31-07, 12:41 PM
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You might also consider the Bianchi Milano. My mom (5'0") has one for riding with the grandkids and I always thought it would make a fine commuter: comes with fenders, a saddle with a built-in blinkie, and a Nexus 8-speed hub.
12-31-07, 12:48 PM
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Kristel:
Check out REI and The Bicycle Chain and other local shops (there's a Performance in Carrboro) and ride some of their bikes. As others have pointed out, make sure you have places to mount racks and fenders.
There's a lot of variation in what folks here recommend as a good commuting bike; some of the local bicycling clubs and associations might be able to help with advice as well.
What have you been riding up till this time? How long is your commute, and where?
Check out REI and The Bicycle Chain and other local shops (there's a Performance in Carrboro) and ride some of their bikes. As others have pointed out, make sure you have places to mount racks and fenders.
There's a lot of variation in what folks here recommend as a good commuting bike; some of the local bicycling clubs and associations might be able to help with advice as well.
What have you been riding up till this time? How long is your commute, and where?
12-31-07, 01:04 PM
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12-31-07, 05:42 PM
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Kristel:
Check out REI and The Bicycle Chain and other local shops (there's a Performance in Carrboro) and ride some of their bikes. As others have pointed out, make sure you have places to mount racks and fenders.
There's a lot of variation in what folks here recommend as a good commuting bike; some of the local bicycling clubs and associations might be able to help with advice as well.
What have you been riding up till this time? How long is your commute, and where?
Check out REI and The Bicycle Chain and other local shops (there's a Performance in Carrboro) and ride some of their bikes. As others have pointed out, make sure you have places to mount racks and fenders.
There's a lot of variation in what folks here recommend as a good commuting bike; some of the local bicycling clubs and associations might be able to help with advice as well.
What have you been riding up till this time? How long is your commute, and where?
Aaron
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12-31-07, 07:10 PM
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Kristel,
I ride a trek 7300 to work in the winter and it works well. Equiped it with snow tires and fenders. My wife is petite and she says her trek Navigator is comfortable but not sure how it would work out for you on daily commutes since she hasn't logged many miles on it.
I ride a trek 7300 to work in the winter and it works well. Equiped it with snow tires and fenders. My wife is petite and she says her trek Navigator is comfortable but not sure how it would work out for you on daily commutes since she hasn't logged many miles on it.
01-01-08, 12:34 PM
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Hi,
Thank you for all the replies. I appreciate the advice and the response to my post has really been great. I'll check out the recommendations.
Kristel
Thank you for all the replies. I appreciate the advice and the response to my post has really been great. I'll check out the recommendations.
Kristel
01-01-08, 12:44 PM
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Since no one else mentioned it, Specialized has a line of bikes for women available to check out here:
https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=21949
The Rockhopper is in your price range and depending on your commute length would be a great dependable commuter ride. I know quite a few ppl on this board use them.
https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=21949
The Rockhopper is in your price range and depending on your commute length would be a great dependable commuter ride. I know quite a few ppl on this board use them.
01-01-08, 01:36 PM
#17
Jet Jockey
Given the geometry of these hybrid bikes, I think a small men's frame can work just as well for you as a "WSD" design. I think that WSD designs are mostly important in achieving proper geometry on a road bike.
I also think that the FX is a better commuting bike than the Sunfire. "Hybrid" bikes seem to come in two flavors anymore; one that's a little closer to a road bike, and one that's essentially a MTB outfitted with slick tires and with some of the more aggressive equipment swapped for city street friendly parts. The Sunfire is basically a well-mannered MTB.
If you were looking into Fuji bikes still, the bike that is most comparable to the FX is the "Absolute" line. I have an Absolute in my stable from a few years ago (before there were multiple models) and I really like that bike. The Absolute is more of a "road" hybrid, with similar wheels and components to the FX. And they come in women's versions.
There's not really a direct comparison. The 3.0 costs a bit less than the FX. The frame and fork are similar. The rear derailleur, were you to buy it aftermarket, costs about $10 less than the FX's at most. The crank on the 3.0 is a bit less friendly perhaps. The fork is Cro-Moly on the Absolute 3.0 versus "alloy" on the FX. It's a comparable bike with a better fork for $60 less.
The Absolute 2.0 costs $150 more. It also sports a full Deore drivetrain (shifters and both derailleurs) in 9 speed, and a carbon fork. Its a bike equal to the 7.5 FX for $70 less (and with more sensible wheels to commute on).
Go test ride some bikes, and best of luck on your purchase.
I also think that the FX is a better commuting bike than the Sunfire. "Hybrid" bikes seem to come in two flavors anymore; one that's a little closer to a road bike, and one that's essentially a MTB outfitted with slick tires and with some of the more aggressive equipment swapped for city street friendly parts. The Sunfire is basically a well-mannered MTB.
If you were looking into Fuji bikes still, the bike that is most comparable to the FX is the "Absolute" line. I have an Absolute in my stable from a few years ago (before there were multiple models) and I really like that bike. The Absolute is more of a "road" hybrid, with similar wheels and components to the FX. And they come in women's versions.
There's not really a direct comparison. The 3.0 costs a bit less than the FX. The frame and fork are similar. The rear derailleur, were you to buy it aftermarket, costs about $10 less than the FX's at most. The crank on the 3.0 is a bit less friendly perhaps. The fork is Cro-Moly on the Absolute 3.0 versus "alloy" on the FX. It's a comparable bike with a better fork for $60 less.
The Absolute 2.0 costs $150 more. It also sports a full Deore drivetrain (shifters and both derailleurs) in 9 speed, and a carbon fork. Its a bike equal to the 7.5 FX for $70 less (and with more sensible wheels to commute on).
Go test ride some bikes, and best of luck on your purchase.
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01-01-08, 02:08 PM
#18
Velocommuter Commando
Hi,
I'm Kristel and I'm researching commuter bikes. I don't want to spend a lot of money on a commuter bike to ride to work and on the paved trails in the area. I'm mostly concerned with finding one with the right geometry for a petite person and component / value. My other bikes are Trek WSD's. I've researched a few and found a small Sunfire 1.0 for $599.00 but it's a men's bike. I have reservations about buying a men's bike given that the WSD's fit but this bike was a small bike.
What I would really appreciate is some feedback on the components of this bike versus other bikes.
Please keep in consideration that I am short. I don't believe a regular flat rack that is offered on other bikes will work for me because the seat will be lower. Beyond that, if I buy this bike at Performance, then I could buy a different rack and maybe a bag with my member points. I already have a wide variety of lights.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Kristel
I'm Kristel and I'm researching commuter bikes. I don't want to spend a lot of money on a commuter bike to ride to work and on the paved trails in the area. I'm mostly concerned with finding one with the right geometry for a petite person and component / value. My other bikes are Trek WSD's. I've researched a few and found a small Sunfire 1.0 for $599.00 but it's a men's bike. I have reservations about buying a men's bike given that the WSD's fit but this bike was a small bike.
What I would really appreciate is some feedback on the components of this bike versus other bikes.
Please keep in consideration that I am short. I don't believe a regular flat rack that is offered on other bikes will work for me because the seat will be lower. Beyond that, if I buy this bike at Performance, then I could buy a different rack and maybe a bag with my member points. I already have a wide variety of lights.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Kristel
01-01-08, 07:52 PM
#19
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I appreciate all the advice and I've been researching bikes. The bike I'm searching for is closer to a hybrid, definitely not a comfort bike. I hurt my back this year and found out that I have a compressed disk in my lower back. A hybrid would allow me to benefit from the commute, wind out the stress and allow me to pack my clothes on a rack/mounted bag. The geometry is more upright. I can ride my mountain bike, but the constant whir of the knobby tires wears on me and I don't want to change it out because I can ride it on the local trails and track 1-2 trails. Maybe then, I can take off the pounds, strengthen my back and abs by riding and cross-training and get back to the real "me" that I miss.
01-02-08, 12:36 AM
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I have this bike in the mens version and have been very pleased with it.
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/...en/1270/29310/
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/...en/1270/29310/
01-02-08, 09:52 PM
#21
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How about the Trek Portland
That is what I have. comes with fenders and everything. Plus disk brakes. those are hard to find on nicer road bikes but work great in wet weather.
01-03-08, 07:57 AM
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I appreciate all the advice and I've been researching bikes. The bike I'm searching for is closer to a hybrid, definitely not a comfort bike. I hurt my back this year and found out that I have a compressed disk in my lower back. A hybrid would allow me to benefit from the commute, wind out the stress and allow me to pack my clothes on a rack/mounted bag. The geometry is more upright. I can ride my mountain bike, but the constant whir of the knobby tires wears on me and I don't want to change it out because I can ride it on the local trails and track 1-2 trails. Maybe then, I can take off the pounds, strengthen my back and abs by riding and cross-training and get back to the real "me" that I miss.
I'd look at the Biria bikes (sp?). They have a very low step over that would be very convenient for short legged persons.
