efficient commuting bike?
07-07-08 | 01:28 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Austin
efficient commuting bike?
currently I ride a 2006 roubaix, but I just had my car either crack the head or blow a head gasket, and it's really old, so I am thinking about commuting. Work is only 1.5 miles away, and the grocer maybe 3 miles.
I'm looking for something that feels like a road bike but will handle the fatter tires (32mm I guess?), can accomodate panniers, and doesn't cost too much.. oh, say I want to keep it under 700. I read that people recommend the surly crosscheck, but that starts at 800 before panniers or fenders! I don't want to have to feel worried that someone will want to steal my bike, and don't want the price to make me think twice about just not replacing the engine in the overheating car (a 1994 civic). I have a mountain bike that I could outfit for commuting, but I gravitate strongly towards the roadie riding position.
Thank you for any advice!!
I'm looking for something that feels like a road bike but will handle the fatter tires (32mm I guess?), can accomodate panniers, and doesn't cost too much.. oh, say I want to keep it under 700. I read that people recommend the surly crosscheck, but that starts at 800 before panniers or fenders! I don't want to have to feel worried that someone will want to steal my bike, and don't want the price to make me think twice about just not replacing the engine in the overheating car (a 1994 civic). I have a mountain bike that I could outfit for commuting, but I gravitate strongly towards the roadie riding position.
Thank you for any advice!!
07-07-08 | 06:23 AM
#2
Have bike, will travel
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,286
Likes: 317
From: Lake Geneva, WI
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
A Cyclocross can be a good commuter
Consider;
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...m_cross_cx.htm
Something like this can work well also;
https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/...es/08coda.html
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/...ad/1244/29286/
Michael
Consider;
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...m_cross_cx.htm
Something like this can work well also;
https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/...es/08coda.html
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/...ad/1244/29286/
Michael
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 07-07-08 at 06:54 AM.
07-07-08 | 02:10 PM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 372
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If it's a mile and a half away you don't need panniers and you don't need a new bike. Get a rucksack, get on the bike and pedal the 7 minutes it will take you to get to work. If you must buy a cheap rack and stick it on an old mtb.
But if you want to have fun and spend money I'd go for a cyclocross bike with 700cx25 tyres (35 is for off road and old people) lightweight rack and a pannier.
But if you want to have fun and spend money I'd go for a cyclocross bike with 700cx25 tyres (35 is for off road and old people) lightweight rack and a pannier.
07-07-08 | 03:34 PM
#6
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 5
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If you can find a old Raliegh sport and put a basket on the front, you'd be able to carry your groceries, wear work clothes and sport the wave to your neighbors in complete comfort - though it might take you nine minutes instead of seven...
07-07-08 | 06:57 PM
#7
Leo
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
Bikes: Specialist Tricross Sport & Norco Hybrid
For now use your mtn bike and keep your eyes open on Craig's List for a good used cyclecross bike. I have a Specialized Recross Sport which has eyelets for racks and so able to do groceries when needed.
07-14-08 | 08:25 AM
#8
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 18
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From: Austin
thanks for the suggestions.
I decided to just stick with this bike, maybe get some water-ready 26"x1.5" tires and fenders/pannier. reasons:
1) money -- got gold?
2) I've found the MTB to be at least somewhat of a workout, gets the blood moving and the legs pumped. a lighter bike would hardly be worth it!
I decided to just stick with this bike, maybe get some water-ready 26"x1.5" tires and fenders/pannier. reasons:
1) money -- got gold?
2) I've found the MTB to be at least somewhat of a workout, gets the blood moving and the legs pumped. a lighter bike would hardly be worth it!
07-22-08 | 12:59 PM
#10
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 37
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From: Japan
Bikes: CAAD 10
I commute to work 11.5 miles away on a Kona jake. It's been a good commuting bike for me and it costs right around $700. I agree with a previous poster about 35c tires being too wide, I'm going to switch to either a 25c or 28c.
