dsavin

Afternoon Everyone, this is my first post so Hi!

Ok so i live 6 miles from work, making it a 12 mile commute there and back. I would like a bike which is quick and easy to commute on but i can also use it for long distance i.e. 35 mile rides. As well i would like to be able to do some path riding so some lockable suspension would be useful!

My budget is £400-£500, can anyone advice me?

Thanks Dave

Northwestrider

What is the terrain like, hilly, flat? Folding bikes work well depending on what facilities at each end exist for storing your bike. As long as the bike fits you, just about any bike with fenders will work well IMO.

dsavin

Thanks for the quick reply, its mainly flat terrain. Can you advise any bikes?

giantcfr1

If you are using the bike for commuting (I assume roads / sealed paths) and want to use it for longer distances, maybe the suspension wouldn't be of use. Maybe you should consider a rigid fork. Perhaps something in the line of a used cyclocross bike.

I know you are after actual bikes models, but this one my friend built up from a used frame. Maybe it'll give you some ideas.



Ok, I'm too lazy to check the price conversion (I'm in Japan) but maybe something like this??https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=64971

rumrunn6

I agree that I don't see a need for "suspension" unless your are mountain biking. if you are a new rider then you should visit some bike shops and do some test rides, maybe even rent a bike for a day or two. some folks like drop bars for commuting (I do) but others who live in the city and do urban commuting prefer straight bars which can be found on straight bar road bikes or sporty hybrids (not comfort bikes). also, if you are a new rider your preferences are likely to change after you do some commuting for a while so it might be wise to get a used bike to start with. I started with a mountain bike; then mistakenly changed to a hybrid; roadified that hybrid with drop bars and high pressure tires and a road saddle before settling in with a standard road bike.

but at 6 miles each way it almost doesn't matter what you ride because the ride will be over so quickly. regional bike availability may be more relevant. meaning: what bike can you get your hands on quickly and cheaply. lot's of folks here have more than one bike and it's because their preferences changed the more they rode. I have 4.