I'm a physics graduate student at the U of Maryland and an amateur bike mechanic. I tinker with bikes obsessively. But I'm grad-student-poor so I don't have anything cool. But check out the very nice commuter that I've cobbled together for a total of $150: my bike

Nice commuter, Dan. Welcome to the forums. You're a Calvin and Hobbes fan too I see.

Check your link, though. One too many http:// at the front. You should be able to click edit to fix it.

Hi Dan,
Welcome to BikeForums. Physics and bikes - reminds me of the first chapter of "Mr. Tompkins in Paperback" by George Gamov, where Mr. Tompkins learns about special relativity while riding a bicycle in the city. Have you read it? How far is your commute? What branch of Physics are you studying?
Tom

Yes! I have read it, George Gamow is a great science writer I think. My commute is about 6 miles -- a peaceful park trail mostly, with a scary interstate overpass thrown in for one measure. I am studying condensed matter physics, working in a nanotech group right now.

Hi Dan,
I know how gutted you must have felt about your bike, I had mine stolen last week and I was actually in tears, it was a GT, with Shimano breaks and Rock Shox forks, it was my pride and joy. Just waiting for the insurance company to pay up, only get half the amount back though, any ideas for a good £500 bike?

Must agree with your choice of dream bike, a Trek would be my dream bike, mind you Lance Armstrong would be my dream bloke too!!!

Anyway enjoy the site !!

Paula

Very sorry to hear it. I don't know what bike prices are like in the UK... but if you are going for a new mountain bike, ones that I have been considering (for when I have money) are the Specialized Rockhopper series and Schwinn Moab. Is there a craigslist site for your area? Because people sell some really nice used bikes around here, and it's easy to find them on craigslist.

Never heard of a craiglist but Ill definately have a look I have been looking at a Carrera Banshee its a nice looking bike and its only £499, so I could always add on extra bits on when Ive got more cash ( Roll on Xmas)

Its got Disc breaks as well which Ive never actually rode before so that is swaying me towards it.

Ill keep on looking though, just glad the weather here is rubbish I hate not being able to go out at the weekend!

I do like the Specialised rockhopper though, not that there is anything wrong with your commuter!!!!

Thanks for your help ...