Commuter choice for bike trails?
06-12-11, 10:51 AM
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Commuter choice for bike trails?
I currently am using my mountain bike that I swapped slicks onto for commuting. I ride the mountain bike trails often, so swapping tires has become a bit of a pain. I am looking to get an inexpensive new or used road bike for my commute. My commute is about 6-10 miles depending on where I park, but 90% of the commute is on paved bike paths. I can shower at work and I wear my cycling clothes on my commute, so fenders are not an issue. I don't need a rack either since everything I need fits into my Camelback.
Taking all of this into consideration, what bikes would anyone recommend that cost between $500 and $1000? Should I go with a used road bike of craigslist or should I go with an inexpensive new bike?
Taking all of this into consideration, what bikes would anyone recommend that cost between $500 and $1000? Should I go with a used road bike of craigslist or should I go with an inexpensive new bike?
06-12-11, 11:13 AM
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between that budget you will be able to find a good new road bike, sometimes better than buying them used, although there are people that sells road bikes for low prices and have barely used them
06-12-11, 11:22 AM
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My vote would be to check out Craigslist, but a lot of things depend on luck and location as far as what is available. Other ideas are Coops, LBS that sell used, and auctions. Most entry level road bikes seem to start right at your $1000 upper limit. Some classic or vintage road bikes can usually be had for much less and make great commuters.
06-12-11, 11:24 AM
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or you could just buy yourself a second set of wheels and just swap them out. Cheaper than a whole new bike but not quite as easy. Easier than swapping out tires, but not as cheap.
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06-12-11, 01:14 PM
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You can get a decent hybrid for $500. Or a lower end cyclocross bike (i.e. Kona Jake) or even a road bike. It just depends on how you want to ride. Do you want drop bars or flats? Do you like riding upright or in a more aero position? Do you plan to do anything else with the bike other than commute?
Or, as mentioned earlier, you can find a used road bike for less than $500 that will fit work great as a commuter. I found an older Cannondale touring bike for less than $200, put maybe $200 in to it, and came out with a great commuter for less than $500, AND I can use it for actual cyclo-touring if I ever get the desire.
Or, as mentioned earlier, you can find a used road bike for less than $500 that will fit work great as a commuter. I found an older Cannondale touring bike for less than $200, put maybe $200 in to it, and came out with a great commuter for less than $500, AND I can use it for actual cyclo-touring if I ever get the desire.
06-12-11, 05:57 PM
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I just sold my 2002 Lemond Zurich on CL for $700. Due to a neck injury I need a more upright riding position, and I need fenders and chain guard for my commute. I loved that bike and if I was looking for something like you are, its exactly what I'd want. Lightweight but strong steel frame, great components, fast but stable, really smooth ride.
06-12-11, 06:04 PM
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You can get a decent hybrid for $500. Or a lower end cyclocross bike (i.e. Kona Jake) or even a road bike. It just depends on how you want to ride. Do you want drop bars or flats? Do you like riding upright or in a more aero position? Do you plan to do anything else with the bike other than commute?
Or, as mentioned earlier, you can find a used road bike for less than $500 that will fit work great as a commuter. I found an older Cannondale touring bike for less than $200, put maybe $200 in to it, and came out with a great commuter for less than $500, AND I can use it for actual cyclo-touring if I ever get the desire.
Or, as mentioned earlier, you can find a used road bike for less than $500 that will fit work great as a commuter. I found an older Cannondale touring bike for less than $200, put maybe $200 in to it, and came out with a great commuter for less than $500, AND I can use it for actual cyclo-touring if I ever get the desire.
06-12-11, 09:04 PM
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aka: Mike J.
Depending upon where in the world you are located you should be able to find a brifter shifting road bike with 8-speed or better on back for your $500-$1000 budget.
But if it were me, I'd find a little bit older road bike in the $100-$300 price range. I find nothing wrong with downtube shifters.
But if it were me, I'd find a little bit older road bike in the $100-$300 price range. I find nothing wrong with downtube shifters.
06-13-11, 08:56 AM
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The cyclocross bike would be more comfortable, could take wider tires and might have a place to mount fenders and a rack if you ever decide you want them. Unless you're going to do road racing, the only downside to a CX bike is that the brakes can be a pain to set up.
06-13-11, 09:49 AM
#10
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Consider Continental Town and country , or the Travel Contact tires for your MTB.
they are a mixed pave predominantly, and some dirt, tread.
they are a mixed pave predominantly, and some dirt, tread.
06-13-11, 10:57 AM
#11
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If you wnat tires you won't have to switch, try Michelin Country Rock...very smooth and fast on the road, work great on DRY trails. Wouldn't recommend for wet trails. Have these on my kids bikes.
Or if you're set on getting a new bike go right ahead. I have a cyclocross bike for my commuter and love it. Would never do my 14 mile commute on my dual susp MTB.
Or if you're set on getting a new bike go right ahead. I have a cyclocross bike for my commuter and love it. Would never do my 14 mile commute on my dual susp MTB.
