Suggestions on Commuting
 

Hi,

I'm a novice at commuting via bike. Heck, I'm new to cycling in general. I recently bought my very own bike in May. It's a specialized globe sport. I loved it for the summer when my commute was 5 miles one way, but I don't particularly like it for my current commute for 10 miles one way in SF. First, it's a bit heavy hauling it on bart/transbay (I live in Berkeley), second the upright position is uncomfortable and starting to hurt my elbows.

I'm looking for a lighter and more efficient bike. Any suggestions? Road/Touring? What do you guys think about felt alternative road bikes? Are the thin tires ok for the crappy streets of SF?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

In a couple years, I'd be into one of thos Bianchi fixie's (single-speed) with the dropped handle bars. One of those old ones with a steel frame :-) ... I think they're called Pista or "San Jose". Something like that might work for you!

Come over to the dark side and check out the folding bikes forum. ;)

Any road style bike, or hybrid would be lighter and be easier to lug on public transportation. I like being able to put at least a 700X32 tire on it. Like MsIncredible said, folders are great for getting around, and you can get on the trains when other bike riders are left behind.

What hurts your elbows about the upright position? Wouldn't more of a tuck bug you more? Trying to lock your elbows?

Where you fit to this bike? If not, then maybe try a fit, nothing fancy, but something more then the "test ride" fit. Your position, even on the globe can be adjusted, if you're experiencing pain, then that should be checked, if not fixed before you get tennis elbow or something, wait... are you playing lots of tennis lately??:eek:

Thank you!
 

Thanks for your inputs, everyone. I've decided on a specialized road bike after all...waiting for the 2009 to come in the stores. Can't wait!!

Hmm, word is that 09's will be a premium over 08 cost. You might be better scoring a deal on an 08 when the 09's come out, or even an 07 that's hanging around now.

I just got a hybrid and I find that the upright position aggravates the "funny bone" nerve in my elbow. Sometimes my fingers get sore; sometimes they go numb, sometimes they're fine. So I know what the OP is talking about. (On my drop-bar bike that the hybrid replaced, I never had this issue.)

I'm looking into buying some handlebar extensions to give me an alternate grip position, or maybe getting some different handlebars. For me, the problem is that the bar itself is nearly straight- bent just a little- and my hands naturally want to be in a position that would be accommodated better by a lager bend in the bars, kind of like a Schwinn Cruiser:

http://www3.schwinnbike.com/CMS/supe...s/cruisers.jpg

I'm not sure how that would work with the handlebar mount twisty shifters on my bike though. It looks like they are built for a long straight section of handlebar.

+1 but to a point. The hike really depends on what model of bike you get. The 09' pricing index is higher, but not so much that its a slap in the face. The 08's are still out there, and the 07's are actually fairly easy to find. Its all in what you're lookin for..

What are you lookin for? If you don't mind my askin.