Please help me as I work out my next bike for commuting
#1
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Please help me as I work out my next bike for commuting
I have been looking at a bike for commuting to free up my CX bike for CX riding.
I spent some time this morning in the LBS, as I had to drop my bike off for repair. They carry Giant bikes, and was quite intrigued by this on:
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...y/11500/55828/
I really like my drop bar road-style bikes, but am wondering how different this kind of ride would be. I ride hard going both to and from, so a relaxed ride to avoid having to shower isn't a factor. What do you think?
I am not just n+1-ing. With my CX bike in for repair, I find I need the third bike to make sure I can make my rides to work - this time of year the BMC just isn't going to get out of the stable to play in the rain.
I find this bike to be reasonably priced, the triple is attractive for days I do need to go without showering, and Giant is a good maker. I appreciate your experiences and opinions.
I spent some time this morning in the LBS, as I had to drop my bike off for repair. They carry Giant bikes, and was quite intrigued by this on:
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...y/11500/55828/
I really like my drop bar road-style bikes, but am wondering how different this kind of ride would be. I ride hard going both to and from, so a relaxed ride to avoid having to shower isn't a factor. What do you think?
I am not just n+1-ing. With my CX bike in for repair, I find I need the third bike to make sure I can make my rides to work - this time of year the BMC just isn't going to get out of the stable to play in the rain.
I find this bike to be reasonably priced, the triple is attractive for days I do need to go without showering, and Giant is a good maker. I appreciate your experiences and opinions.
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I have been looking at a bike for commuting to free up my CX bike for CX riding.
I spent some time this morning in the LBS, as I had to drop my bike off for repair. They carry Giant bikes, and was quite intrigued by this on:
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...y/11500/55828/
I really like my drop bar road-style bikes, but am wondering how different this kind of ride would be. I ride hard going both to and from, so a relaxed ride to avoid having to shower isn't a factor. What do you think?
I am not just n+1-ing. With my CX bike in for repair, I find I need the third bike to make sure I can make my rides to work - this time of year the BMC just isn't going to get out of the stable to play in the rain.
I find this bike to be reasonably priced, the triple is attractive for days I do need to go without showering, and Giant is a good maker. I appreciate your experiences and opinions.
I spent some time this morning in the LBS, as I had to drop my bike off for repair. They carry Giant bikes, and was quite intrigued by this on:
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...y/11500/55828/
I really like my drop bar road-style bikes, but am wondering how different this kind of ride would be. I ride hard going both to and from, so a relaxed ride to avoid having to shower isn't a factor. What do you think?
I am not just n+1-ing. With my CX bike in for repair, I find I need the third bike to make sure I can make my rides to work - this time of year the BMC just isn't going to get out of the stable to play in the rain.
I find this bike to be reasonably priced, the triple is attractive for days I do need to go without showering, and Giant is a good maker. I appreciate your experiences and opinions.
I'd say take the hybrid out for a spin and see how you like it. It is nice to have a bike with fenders and all the goodies that you can count on in any weather. If your terrain is relatively flat to moderately hilly, consider a 3-speed. One of the regulars here bought one of the Bikesdirect English roadster-style 3 speeds, mounted drop bars on it, and it was a great looking bike that he said rode really well. Here's the bike in its standard form: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ord_deluxe.htm
They also have a Nexus 8-speed for a little more. Spend $100 or less on a drop bar swap, and it would be a great riding bike.
Alot depends on your distance and terrain, as well.
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I work at a Giant dealer, and I've been really impressed with those Escape bikes. They are more of a "fitness" bike instead of a true hybrid. They ride really nice and the parts kit for the money is pretty impressive. I think it would make a great poor weather/winter commuter/grocery getter.
#4
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I like that style of bike a lot.
I ride on very uneven surfaces and in a lot of foot/vehicular traffic so I don't like drops.
It looks like a standard German city bike minus the front suspension (which is a must over here for commuting as you have a huge number of 2-5cm (1-2 in drops/bumps) everywhere.)
It looks like a nice CUBE bike that a fair number of people use as a commuter (CUBE LTD CLS PRO)
which runs the same price but gives up fenders (retains eyelets) for the disc brakes and suspension.
can you post the geometry of the GIANT?
I ride on very uneven surfaces and in a lot of foot/vehicular traffic so I don't like drops.
It looks like a standard German city bike minus the front suspension (which is a must over here for commuting as you have a huge number of 2-5cm (1-2 in drops/bumps) everywhere.)
It looks like a nice CUBE bike that a fair number of people use as a commuter (CUBE LTD CLS PRO)
which runs the same price but gives up fenders (retains eyelets) for the disc brakes and suspension.
can you post the geometry of the GIANT?
#5
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The flat bar first really turned me off - but I ride in the hoods 95% of the time as I commute. The days I stretch the ride would just be days I ride the road bike or the CX bike, but most of the year would qualify as "foul weather."
#6
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I'm still confused as to why America is really infatuated with the drops. If they were that great, the rest of the world would use them on non-race, non-timed bikes.
Here's a blog in English with a set-up I am referring to:
https://euphoriabeforetotalimplosion....p-rmm-may.html
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it really donst matter what type of bicycle. the gearing and cadence is what keeps the sweating low.
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That frame looks remarkably similar to my 2010 Trek 7500. It's been great for city riding, commuting, and with two trailers and front & back racks I also use it as a utility cycle. I've been very happy with it, although I changed the flat-style bars for a pair of butterfly-like trekking bars. This was due to hand numbness on long rides, which I am especially prone to experience, and because for city riding I like a very upright style. But all in all, I have been very satisfied with the frame type and I've gotten my money's worth out of the bike several times over.
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I commute about half the time on a high end '90's mountain bike with 26 x 1.5" slicks and fenders. It is a good commuting bike. I reckon that Giant won't be quite as good because (1) flat bar means only one hand position, at least add bar-ends so your hands/wrists don't get tired, (2) high head tube and stubby stem, can't get any saddle to bar drop and probably can't get stretched out, so you'll be sitting fairly upright the whole time. More air resistance, less powerful body position.
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Escapes are awesome riding bikes. I test rode one last summer. The ride kinda reminded me of my Trek 7.5FX..
#12
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I work at a Giant dealer, and I've been really impressed with those Escape bikes. They are more of a "fitness" bike instead of a true hybrid. They ride really nice and the parts kit for the money is pretty impressive. I think it would make a great poor weather/winter commuter/grocery getter.
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I was riding an older steel MTB with flat bars and 26 x 1.5 slicks on a 29 mile round trip commute. In short, I missed the varied riding positions that a drop bar road bike affords. Some of the really windy days can really beat you up out on the open roads. And, I really hated the limited hand positions even with bar ends.
Maybe test ride a bunch of bikes and see what you prefer.
Here's a bike I was looking at locally.
https://www.redlinebicycles.com/bikes...-metro-classic
Maybe test ride a bunch of bikes and see what you prefer.
Here's a bike I was looking at locally.
https://www.redlinebicycles.com/bikes...-metro-classic
#14
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Who's your LBS, David? Do you go to Corvallis?
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Personally, I'd just buy a decent second wheelset and put some nice fat slick tires on them for commuting.
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Fitness bikes: Skinnier tires, more aggressive body position, usually no suspension, efficient. Similar to a flat bar road bike. Can be ridden long distances.
Hybrid bikes: Wider tires, upright seating position, usually suspension forks/seatposts. Ideal for rides under 10 miles.
Hybrid bikes: Wider tires, upright seating position, usually suspension forks/seatposts. Ideal for rides under 10 miles.
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Me too. Maybe with a different cassette to provide lower gears than what you have.
#18
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Schwalbe marathon unless you like road side puncture repairs in the Rain.
Hybrid, a 35 wide 700c tire, sturdy frame , models at several price points
Fitness bikes, are using narrower wheels, like race bikes,
with a component kit that pushes the price point up, significantly.
What's the difference between a fitness and hybrid bike?
Fitness bikes, are using narrower wheels, like race bikes,
with a component kit that pushes the price point up, significantly.
Last edited by fietsbob; 11-21-12 at 10:38 AM.
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my 2 cents... get a fixed gear, or a folder... I commute 24 miles each way and the three bikes I tend to rotate on the commute are the fixie (my favorite), a folder--good for days when I want to bail and take the metro with the bike during rush hour) and a flat bar cross bike (Bianchi Volpe). I will on occasion ride the road bike in, but that is rare. These are the three that get the most mileage.
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#20
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I take my road bike to Corvallis Cyclery. Most of my this-s and thats I get at Bike n Hike in Albany, and I take my cross bike in to them. Found that the roadies at CC help me the most with my BMC, and I get a bike club discount on parts. Bike n Hike folks are nice, helpful, and just "regular." There has been some change in their mechanic staff, so I feel even more comfortable with taking my bike there.
Actually bought TWO Escapes in Albany last night. Had eyed the Escape for me, but as my wife and I talked about a wedding gift for our son and his bride we decided on bicycles. We'll put racks and fenders on them (didn't spend the $$$ for the City). Seems the geometry and gearing will work well for them in Portland, much better than a comfort bike. Toss in a rack for their car, pumps and such, and they should be good to go. Bride's folks live in Portland, and are recreational riders, so they can ride together easily, and my wife and I might join in on occasion to make it a crowd.
Actually bought TWO Escapes in Albany last night. Had eyed the Escape for me, but as my wife and I talked about a wedding gift for our son and his bride we decided on bicycles. We'll put racks and fenders on them (didn't spend the $$$ for the City). Seems the geometry and gearing will work well for them in Portland, much better than a comfort bike. Toss in a rack for their car, pumps and such, and they should be good to go. Bride's folks live in Portland, and are recreational riders, so they can ride together easily, and my wife and I might join in on occasion to make it a crowd.
#21
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Heavy tire, but rolls very well. Much less rolling resistance than the Conti. I really like the tire - am a believer!
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my 2 cents... get a fixed gear, or a folder... I commute 24 miles each way and the three bikes I tend to rotate on the commute are the fixie (my favorite), a folder--good for days when I want to bail and take the metro with the bike during rush hour) and a flat bar cross bike (Bianchi Volpe). I will on occasion ride the road bike in, but that is rare. These are the three that get the most mileage.
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I wouldn't get a flat bar bike personally, though I do have one similar to that Giant. I have 3 bikes with drop bars and prefer each of them every time.
I also wouldn't bother with a triple unless I'm hauling something (my flat bar bike has one). I just wouldn't use it, and it would not encourage me to go slower. I have 3 bikes with single or double chainrings and prefer each of them every time.
I'd say get a single speed cross bike! Less maintenance, usable as a spare, can fit wide tires, and it's a different/fun style of bike. And if you ever race CX you have an emergency pit bike.
Edit: Guess I'm too late, you already pulled the trigger. Twice! Congrats on the new bikes.
I also wouldn't bother with a triple unless I'm hauling something (my flat bar bike has one). I just wouldn't use it, and it would not encourage me to go slower. I have 3 bikes with single or double chainrings and prefer each of them every time.
I'd say get a single speed cross bike! Less maintenance, usable as a spare, can fit wide tires, and it's a different/fun style of bike. And if you ever race CX you have an emergency pit bike.
Edit: Guess I'm too late, you already pulled the trigger. Twice! Congrats on the new bikes.
#24
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I commute on a converted quality Al MTB half of the time, it's a very nice ride. Around traffic and hazards the more upright position and steering stability is a plus. But, if I were buying new, I'd take a hard look at the new steel Specialized TriCross with disc brakes, a pretty sweet all-arounder.
One thing to consider, if you are a racer then riding routinely on a more upright bike is going to mess with your riding position. I know if I ride on my MTB commuter all week jumping on a fast bike Sat morning feels very weird, it takes too much time to feel good fully rotated and in the drops.
One thing to consider, if you are a racer then riding routinely on a more upright bike is going to mess with your riding position. I know if I ride on my MTB commuter all week jumping on a fast bike Sat morning feels very weird, it takes too much time to feel good fully rotated and in the drops.