Originally Posted by
nice_marmot
A year ago, this bike got me into biking after a 10-year hiatus:
http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=dew. The Smoke will be similar, but the Dew's aluminum frame makes it lighter.
By way of endorsement... the bike is my go-to to haul groceries, ride to and from work, and do long trips on weekends when I can. I am addicted.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Originally Posted by
Andy_K
How old are your Hard Rock and Boulder? Do they have rigid forks or suspension?
I'm not sure something like the Kona Smoke will be significantly better than what you have.
They are a little over a year old with suspensions. Fully stock, except we have hybrid tires, not slicks. I was mistaken earlier.
Is there some bike in this range which would be a worthwhile upgrade?
Originally Posted by
TurbineBlade
Ditto. Running slicks on a mountain bike will put you easily as fast you'll probably do it with even a road bike IMO. My commute is 14 miles one way and I'd use a mountain bike with slicks in a heart beat -- they're great commuters without the knobby tires. I am of the opinion that they're even better than most road bikes for it, because the bigger tires you can run at lower psi and they give a much more smooth ride over crappy roads. You can also usually install fenders too. And a rack and panniers.
I'd keep what you have, maybe upgrade your tires (which makes a HUGE difference) and get some good lights if you ride after dark (or before light).
The smoke is a good commuter, but it won't be any better than what you already have most likely.
I commute on a steel touring bike and get passed by people on mountain bikes with slicks commonly.
I always thought there would be some differences in gearing between the two types of bikes, guess not. We already have lights and such for night riding.