DeusExa

Hi All! This is my first post here, and I hope I will learn more about bikes starting from now.
I am 16, and live in suburbs of Los Angeles, in the San Gabriel Valley, and I landed a research internship at a local university lab. I live ~6 miles away from the campus, and it's a gentle uphill going there, gentle downhill coming back. I'm deciding to get a bike, instead of having my mom and dad drive me there every morning, and pick me up in the afternoon. Also, I might cruise around on the weekends with friends, or the local park/dirt trails. My budget is $400; that's how much I can spend physically, as my parents are buying it for me. I've understood so far, a hybrid bike would be a good value. This would be 2-3 times a week, 12 miles per ride (6 back and 6 forth) from the campus, year round. I won't be doing much MTB, maybe a monthly ride off-road dirt trails. But I'd like to ride steady on the 6-mile rides, (mostly suburban near urban city center), so speed will matter.
I'm physically fit, as I'm on the swim team, and I'm ~5 10' and ~155 lbs.

I have an old ~$150 mountain bike that weighs 40 lbs or so, that is my only experience, so I'd like to get a good, starter bike that will last me a few years or so.

So far from looking online and the local bike shop (which is only a Specialized dealer), I've decided to put off on mountain bikes (wouldn't be as appropriate on mostly streets), and road bikes (too expensive). I've tried the Specialized HardRock, Rockhopper, Globe, and the Trek 7000 which I thought was stiff.

I've come up with:

Specialized Globe 399.99
https://incycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=4108

Cannondale Quick 5 399.99
https://incycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?id=6853

Bianchi Avenue 299.99
https://www.bianchiusa.com/05_avenue.html

Gary Fisher Wingra 459.99
https://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/wingra

Tommaso Imola 399.99
https://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id....category=18702

Jamis Coda 475.00
https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/...s/08coda.html#

07 Redline Conquest Sport 399.99 (regular 699.99)
https://incycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?id=6974

The Specialized Globe, Cannondale, and Redline are all LBS, I tried the Globe only (only one available for testing at the time), and it felt okay, much better than my old piece of junk. The Redline is $300 cheaper, but it's more like a racer?

I've heard good things about the Bianchi Avenue, but I don't know if nearby LBSes have one
The Wingra and the Coda I've also heard good things about, but they are a little more expensive, I don't know if it'll be worth it.

The Tommaso Imola I saw on some forum posts, and was surprised at its low price for an an entry road/race bike, since it was also under $400, and I saw people say it had considerable value, I put it on the list.


But I'm not even a novice yet, so I need your help and please feel free to voice your opinions, as long as they are logical and backed by knowledge!

Thanks for your help!

nowheels

I'm a CODA fan myself..... good parts, nice riding frame handels loaded racks well, and is a pretty fast ride.

envane

The Redline is incredible for that price, but realize that it will swallow your entire budget, and there are accessories you might need to get, like a lock, pump, rack, lights, etc. You might want to look at used bikes.

The Redline will perform quite well offroad too.

alanbikehouston

I'd go with a mountain bike. With light weight slick tires, it would be as fast on your commute as any of the bikes you listed. But, a mountain bike is much tougher, so you spend less time and money on upkeep.

And, when you feel like riding some trails, just switch tires.

The best experts on urban biking are bike messengers. Many experienced messengers ONLY ride on pavement, yet prefer mountain bikes. They get paid to deliver, not to stop for repairs. So, they ride mountain bikes.

A $500 mountain bike from Trek, Giant, or Specialized is built well enough that you CAN'T wear it out.

aixia

I have a Globe and love it. Keep in mind though, as someone else mentioned, you'll want to spend money on other things too, like a rack and helmet. I was lucky to find a Globe City 7 at my LBS, which comes with fenders, rack, lights, and bell, all for only slightly more than your LBS is selling the regular Globe. See if maybe they can get you a deal like that, it'll save you a lot on extras.

nahh

That Redline looks nice. but you have to thing whether you want the drop bars. Flat bars (mtb-type) are supposed to be more responsive and you do sit more upright with them. i don't have much experience with drop bars, however.

going the slick moutain bike route dosen't get rid of much of the weight.
Trek's are expensive, but that's just my opinion.

of your list, i'd go either with the Redline or Bianchi Avenue.

chewybrian 

I agree with Alan about the MTB. A bike like this:
https://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/wahoo-disc
with tires like this:
https://www.bontrager.com/model/00443/en
will still be fast, but almost indestructable. It's not just about hitting a single track on the weekend, but survivng curbs and potholes. The upright riding position of a MTN type hybrid is better for seeing and being seen in traffic, too.

DeusExa

About the MTB, I've tried the Specialized HardRock., which goes for $380. It seemed to be 6-7 lbs heavier than the bikes I've listed, with 26' wheels, which isn't as good for commuting?.. But it felt pretty good (it was first test, so I can't really compare.)

I can't find out how much the Coda/Wingra weigh...the Redline is pretty good for that price?
I think I'll have ~$100 to spend on additional supplies, like lock, pump, helmet...I don't think I'll need too much stuff to begin with.

I think the LBS can cut off $20-30 on pricing, or throw in a helmet or something.

Does anyone know about the Bianchi Avenue, Tommaso Imola, or Cannondale Quick 5, or the other bikes?

Thanks.

envane

First off all, I don't know where these MTB guys came from, but you are not going to destroy any of the bikes you listed in the course of normal commuting. They'll all hold up provided you don't seriously abuse them. The Redline especially, with its 36 spoke wheels. Do you want to lug a heavy, useless suspension fork uphill everyday? You'll do better on an road/hybrid bike.

The Tommaso Imola is more a pure road bike than the Redline which is a cross bike and meant for offroad racing. Its got skinnier tires, and has a higher top gear. The Redline is better for commuting.

However, test ride it to see if you'll actually like drop bars!

ratell

What's your old mountain bike? If it's a solid frame you might be better off taking that and putting thinner tires and a new drivetrain.

AndrewP

The Tommaso Imola is a great buy, but you may have trouble mounting a rack for carrying your stuff. The top gear 42/11 on the Bianchi is too low and will make your feet spin like windmills.

DeusExa

My old bike isn't a very good piece of equipment from Big 5...it's almost 45 lbs...

I'm sorry I don't have enough experience to understand you - 36 spoke tires are good in what way?
Higher top gear means...

JusticeZero

I'd give mountain bikes a second look too - though you likely don't need suspension. Most of the commuters in my area on non-Wal-Mart bikes are on MTB's with racks, that I see. Slicks really can jazz up a ride. I'm not a fan of flatbars though, if you get flatbars, at the very least you will NEED to get bar-ends. They are not optional on a flatbar if you don't enjoy pain.
Cyclocross might work well for you, too.
Have you test-ridden any of those bikes to make sure the fit is good?
Re wheels: As a rule, the more spokes, the stronger the wheel. I'm a bit baffled by the trend for low spoke count wheels; they use less spokes and 'reduce the weight', then add more material to reinforce the wheel, and I don't know that they end up ahead. I'm waiting for a wheel company to start making 48 spoke wheels with lightweight spokes, probably get more weight savings out of one of them.

ConstantRider

The Redline is probably the most versatile of all those bikes. It's a cyclocross bike, so it is designed to do the sort of off-road riding you want to do, but it will be good for commuting too. Plus, if you decide that you like going on longer road rides as well, it'd be light/fast enough for that too.

The Imola also looks like a good deal, but not as suited for off-road as the Redline. It has narrower tires -- 700x25c vs. the Redline's 700x32c -- and you may have trouble fitting wider tires on it because the fork may not be designed to accomodate anything larger than a 700x28.

Both these bikes have mostly Sora components (shifters, derailleurs, etc.), a step up from the components on the other bikes on your list. The others are all solid bikes too, but if you find you really like cycling and want to go on longer rides, the drop bars, frame geometries, and gearing of the Redline and the Imola are better suited for that.

And even though your commute is only six miles, you say you'd like to go fast on it -- and those two are likely the lightest, fastest bikes on your list.

Finally, to answer another question you asked about 36-spoke wheels: More spokes means the wheel will be stronger (and heavier). If you're riding off-road, it's good to have 32 or 36-spoke wheels. If a spoke breaks on a wheel with fewer spokes than that, the rim often bends so far out of shape the bike is no longer rideable until you can replace the spoke. If a spoke breaks on a wheel with 32 or more spokes, the wheel usually remains true enough that you can keep riding it (you'll usually have to do undo a brake to give the rim clearance though).

DeusExa

Thanks for the explanation. I'm checking with the LBS if the Redline is in stock (I saw it on the website, called, and they're checking their other stores) hope they have it in another color besides rust...

And I'm not going to do that much off-road stuff, maybe 90% commuting and 10% off-road. No Mountain.

DeusExa

I forgot about sizes- Sorry, I only know MTB sizes...I'm 5 9', and ~155 lbs, but I'm only a sophomore in high school, so I will probably still grow a few inches.

Will a 54cm, 56cm fit me?

Is this true?

DeusExa

The LBS has the last one, in blue, thankfully, and I'm going to check it out this weekend. it's 56cm...?
Hope I like the ride, else, I'd look at the other bikes..

envane

The only way to know for sure is to test it out, although a 56 is likely too big.

No. Not for an entry-level bike like the Conquest Sport.

riddei

If you are still growing I'd recommend getting (whatever bike you decide on) one that's slightly too big. I'm still riding the bike I bought when I was 14 years old (purchased new in 1983 as an 82 leftover).

DeusExa

Hmmm...since there's only a 56cm left, I'm going to have to go try it out...but I think I will still grow a few inches, so hopefully a 56cm won't be too big for now..


SO the Conquest Sport won't be uncomfortable as a commuter?
How much would a bike of the Conquest Sport's caliber and parts/material be really worth?
It's a better value than the other bikes..at similar pricing....Jamis Coda, Gary Fisher Wingra, etc...?

Parts: how is the aluminum frame/fork? (I don't know the brand, might be in-house), the tires? (Kenda EuroTrek700 x 32c) the crankset? (FSA Triple) brakes? (Tektro cantilever) I know the derailleurs are Shimano Sora, which are basically decent.

DeusExa

I finally found the parts list for the Redline Conquest Sport 07. How's this for $400?
will be used for: 90% suburban/urban Commuter, 10% firetrail/ dirt road.

FRAME: Double Butted 6061 Aluminum Tubing, C-T Sizing, Full Eyelets
FORK: 6061 Aluminum, Eyelets
HEADSET: Aheadset STS-2K
CRANKSET: FSA Triple 52/42/30T
BOTTOM BRACKET: FSA Sealed JIS
HANDLEBAR: Redline 6061 Aluminum
STEM: Redline 2014 Aluminum
SEAT: POST Redline Aluminum
TAPE: Velo Padded Cork
CASSETTE: SHIMANO®,CS-HG50,8S,12 x 25T
CHAIN: KMC Z72
SHIFTERS: SHIMANO®, Sora ST-3304, 8S Triple
FRONT DERAILLEUR: SHIMANO®, Sora FD-3304
REAR DERAILLEUR: SHIMANO®, Sora RD-3300, GS 8S
PEDALS: Wellgo Double Sided Clipless
BRAKES: Tektro Cantilever
BRAKE LEVER: SHIMANO®, Sora ST-3304
WHEELSET: Redline/Alex: 36H, F/R Stainless Spokes
TIRES: Kenda Eurotrek 700 x 32C
SADDLE: Velo Plush

AndrewP

Those are all respectable parts. I have had Wellgo pedals, and they worked satisfactorily but parts of the latching mechanism broke after about a year. I have found similar Shimano pedals last a lot longer and are a bit easier for latching my feet in and out. You will need to buy shoes to go with the clipless pedals. But if you want to leave the clipless until you have got used to the bike, ask them to give you a set of platform pedals. The saddle may be comfortable, but everyone's butt is different, so when you get the bike ask about the possibility of swapping to a different brand of saddle if this one is painful after an hour or so riding. You might be able to get a discount on accessories when you get the bike. If this is so get a multitool, spare tube, puncture repair kit, waterbottles and cages, underseat bag, pump.

MIKEnDC

A couple of months ago I picked up an '07 56cm Conquest Sport as a fork/frame only, and built it up more as a std cross bike--Shimano 105 double with a 12-27 9spd cassette and bar end shifters. It's the same geometry as their more expensive CX racing models (the Conquest, Pro and Team). The Sport is indeed intended for commuting/light touring. Of the four models, the Sport is the only one that comes with a triple crankset and is drilled and tapped for racks on both the chainstays AND the forks.

I'm very close to your size (though at 53 I'll probably be doing more shrinking than growing ). I found the 56 to be just slightly too big (with 35mm tires the standover height to me was "ticklish," shall we say?, and I felt like I was "reaching out" to the bars a little with a 100mm stem). I ended up going with a smaller-sized cross bike for these, and a few other reasons. Mainy, I'm used to steel frames and I got a 52cm LeMond Poprad (Reynolds 853) that turns out to fit me really well.

But the Conquest Sport built up into a real nice ride, and for that price I think you'll be getting a very good deal and have a bike that you'll hang on to for years so long as it fits you well enough now and you don't outgrow it. It comes set up as more of a utility ride, but with it's racing "genes," as it were, it will definitely get up and go. Damned thing was faster than I am...

HTH

MIKEnDC

Hmmm. I was just going to edit a couple of typos, but I thought I would add a bit more:

First and foremost, get the one that feels best to you. I commented on the Conquest Sport because I have recent experience with one, and wanted to pass it along FWIW.

Also, AndrewP's comments on additional items and considerations are very appropriate, and should be considered, as well.

Finally, most of us here have been thoroughly bitten by the commuting "bug." If it happens to you (as it did to me) in a few months (perhaps weeks), you'll be scheming for a better ride. So the bike you get now may actually end up being your "beater," as some folks refer to them--not your best bike, and one you don't worry about riding in rude conditions, or locking up in a more theft-prone spot. Or maybe as just the "old reliable" back-up bike.

Just wanted to give you a couple of more things to think about.

Industrial

I guess if we commute by car we'd all be driving crown vics because that's what most taxi companies prefer? Regardless of what you may believe, bike messengers probably know what works best for bike messengers and that's about it.

Commuters are FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR more diverse in their needs and wants than bike messengers.

-------------

A mountain bike makes a fine commuter when you get some smoother tires and get rid of all the power sapping shocks. So basically all those hybrids the OP listed fit this description. I used a Specialized Globe to commute for a little while. It was a fine bicycle that got me back into cycling in general.

If you are just getting into cycling, I think it's important to establish a good relationship with a good local bike shop. I would take a slightly inferior bike from a LBS just for the service. They will help you(probably for free if they are a good shop) when your gears start to skip and you wheels start to wobble and that's pretty important when you are just starting out. A malfunctioning bike can be a frustrating thing when you don't have the time/knowledge/tools/mechanical-inclination to fix it on your own and can lead you to associate cycling with being a hassle.