Originally Posted by
MurometsVLD
I have already been living car free for about a month plus commuting most of the week for the month before that. The budget would probably be around $1500. This is more looking for a bike for next year since I need to save up a bit first. I am not going to be riding in the winter since I will be taking the bus.
Have posted this link at least a dozen times. No, I don't have OCD
I just really believe in this bike for the money.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._cross_cx2.htm
I bought the 2008 model in May of '08 and have well over 15,000 loaded commuter/utility miles on it w/one relube/repack and 2 minor wheel truings. My rt commute is 40 mi. I swapped out the stock tires for some Schwalbe Marathon Plus as the stock tires were too soft for asphalt.
A full commuting kit w/rack, bags, lights, fenders, toolkit, patchkit, tubes, tire levers, multi-tool, etc. would come in at well under 1500.00 even w/purchasing Ortlieb waterproof panniers.
Btw, the bike comes 90% assembled. One just needs to mount the hbrs, front wheel, adjust deraileurs and brake calipers and set the saddle height. The tires will probably need air as well. If you don't have the necessary mechanical skills take it to a lbs and pay them to assemble it. 35-50.00 is pretty reasonable for the service.