ClemsonSwim

I have a nice road/tri bike and have been riding for about ten years. I am finally in a situation that will allow me to leave the car at home and use a bike to commute.

I like the idea what the GT Transeo 2.0 and the Trek 8.4 DS represent. I don't know enough about the components for these bikes. Which is a better buy? Any advice would be really appriciated!

GT: https://www.gtbicycles.com/2014/bikes...-products-area

Trek: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes..._series/8_4_ds




Thank you very much.

10 Wheels

Tell us about the motor and what type of roads are involved.

Bike riding is 10% bike, 90% motor.

ClemsonSwim

The commute is rolling hills, half -roads through part of a city and the other half on a paved bike trail. There is constant construction in different areas, which will require detours through areas that are gravel, sand, or dirt. The route is 6.5 miles one direction.

I am very athletic, would say I am a strong rider.

blakcloud

They are similar. You could chose either one and be happy, though I would give a small lead to the Trek. Slightly better rear derailleur and brakes.

Personally I would never buy a commuter with front shocks, they just are not needed. When you have 38 or 40 mm tires, that is what takes the chatter and bumps out of the road. Front shocks are dead weight. If you are still set on front shocks, then the Trek wins but only slightly.

ClemsonSwim

blakcloud - Thank you very much for the advice. I'd like something not only to commute, but if i wanted to do light trail riding - I'd be able to. Maybe there still is no need for the front suspension?

I liked GT's Eightball https://www.gtbicycles.com/2014/bikes...2014-eightball as well, but didn't think it would be able to do trail riding...

Is there a nother bike that I should be condering? My requirments I guess are -use for commuting, light trail riding, be comfortable locking up outside, decent components

acidfast7

Most German commuting bikes come with front suspension. In an urban environment, it's really nice. It's was quite good in Frankfurt. In addition, most people commuting would pop on the bike paths (fahrradweg) which are somewhat unpaved with stones and pop between cities (Frankfurt to Mainz) for example.

Pics here:

https://www.google.com/search?q=fran...adweg&tbm=isch

In those cases, front suspension is kinda of nice, riding through unpaved vineyards, etc ...

If you're just on the street, you may not need it.

jrickards

If you can lock out the front suspension, then you'll have it when you want it on trails (or worse) or have a stiffer, more responsive ride when you're on roads (although you'll still be carrying the weight).

It looks like they both have mounts for rear racks so that'll help with commuting too.

To me, it looks like the bikes are fairly similar, so maybe you should try them both for fit.

Wanderer

Ride 'em and decide! One should be more comfortable to ride. One will be more likable. Which one is more FUN?

They are so similar, that there isn't much difference. The Trek may have a better resale value.

Your test ride should make up your mind!

ClemsonSwim

Thank you every one!

I went with the Trek 8.4 DS. SKS Velo Mudguards, pedal cages, Blackburn ex-1 disc rack, Profile bar ends, Cateye commuter wireless bike computer, Ortlieb Backroller Classic Panniers, Light & Motion Urban 700 headlight, Planet bike super flash tail light.

I get it next monday. Can't wait.