Winfried

Hello

I'd like to know how to choose a bike mostly meant for commuting, but occasionally used for week-end getaways.

What good brands + models would you recommend that are available internationally?

Thank you.

Jim from Boston

I‘m a decades-long, year-round cycling commuter in urban and suburban Boston, 14 miles one way, and during the nice weather months I train for an occasional Century. Just about 10 minutes ago, I posted to the 50-Plus forum about my strategy for buying a bike, and my history of such purchases, FYI

Isaiahc72

I commute year-round and ride allot on weekends and in my free time. I even completed a century not long ago. I'm on a Trek 7.1FX which costed just under $500. The 7.1 is the lowest available bike in the FX series. And if it's doing this good, it can only get better with 7.2 and 7.3 and up. I'd definitely suggest looking at Trek's FX series bikes.

They're also not too expensive so you won't have to be afraid if you end up locking it up outside sometimes.

TrekCommuter

How long will your commute be? What kind of weather will you be commuting in? I have a Trek 7.2 FX and have been very happy with it.

Winfried

Thanks for the input. The commute is just a few kilometers in the city. It can be rainy so will need fenders.

I prefer keeping my bag on a porteur rather than hanging somehow on a rear-rack.

In the absolute, I'd rather have hub-powered lights and internal hub gears, but I could do without the weight for week-end touring.

Giant Doofus

On the question of how to choose, I would start with a basic question about the frame, since that is the one part you really can't swap out: do you want a diamond, step through, or mixte frame? If you will be riding in skirts or dresses or if you will have children on the back of the bike, than I recommend a step through or mixte.

After you settle on the kind of frame, then I would ask whether you want internal gears or derailleur gearing and rim or hub based brakes. If most of your riding will be short distance, stop-and-go, relatively flat city miles, then I'd recommend an IGH. If you plan to ride in all weather -- rain or shine -- then think about hub brakes (drum, roller, or disc).

After these decisions, then you can start thinking about specific brands and models. I've just recently been through this myself and ended up with two bikes: one for commuting and another for long, recreational weekend rides.

alan s 

Too little info about you and your budget to suggest anything specific. Best I can recommend is to head to a bike store and see what they recommend based on your particular needs. You may want to check back in if you have questions or want to confirm what you hear. Think of it this way...if you asked the same question at a car forum, what responses do you think you would receive?

cplager

You've already pointed out you want fenders. Good.

You've already decided how you want to carry things (although a rack might with better for touring - maybe both?)

Some people might prefer a more upright position for commuting than for touring, but in general I think that if you find something comfortable, it ought to work well for both.

WestPablo

If we knew your budget, the type of terrain you'd be cycling upon, and the average distance of your commute, we could better advise you.

However, based upon your limited information, I'd strongly suggest a hybrid which will place you in a more upright riding position where you can better view city traffic. OTOH, you just might prefer a genuine road bike with drop handlebars equipped with interrupter brakes. That way, you can enjoy the best of two worlds. One world is the commuter world sitting upright when cycling with traffic and the other world is the weekend world where you can bend down into the drops and reduce wind resistance while speeding on those long paved roads.

Whatever the case may be...Good Luck!