Originally Posted by
Spld cyclist
I would only consider single speed for a 5 day/week 20 mile round trip if you are (1) already in outstanding shape and (2) have no hills on your commute.
There are probably a lot of good used bikes out there, although it might be hard to evaluate what is "good" if you don't know bikes already. If you find a good deal on a used bike, you might want to put any leftover money from your budget into having a bike shop do a complete tune-up. Hopefully this would include rebuilding bearings like hubs, headset, and bottom bracket that might cost you more money down the road if they fail. Bearings and grease for a hub cost a couple bucks, but even a cheap new wheel will cost at least $50.
Pay close attention to this statement.^^^
One will want to consider drop bars for anything 20+ miles rt because of wind. Rack, panniers, lights, frame pump, multi-tool, patchkit, tube(s), tire levers, cleat, etc. Fenders are necessary for year-round commuting as well. One can get on the up-side of 500.00 for add-ons alone, so watch your local CL, swap meets, etc. for cheap accessories. I found my current Jandd panniers/rack and rain covers for 10.00US at a swap meet.
http://www.bikeisland.com Always free shipping. Tools and a Topeak Road Morph w/gauge frame pump for 35.00 delivered. The best commuter pump in the market. Trust me. Also, Park MTB-3 multi-tool. 20.00US. Great deal on a complete tool.
http://www.nashbar.com Sometimes free shipping, but usually inexpensive.
http://www.campmor.com GREAT year-round clothing site w/deep discounts.
Been commuting year 'round for 25 years and have settled on a 2 bike system. One is a fixed-gear. Would
not want to be locked into doing my commute on fg 5 days per week. Having a geared option is nice even w/a flat commute. Both have drop bars. My rt daily commute is 42.2 miles.
Oh yeah, Bontrager Hardcases, Specialized Armadillos, Continental Gatorskins, Schwalbe Marathon Plus are just a few of the flat resistant brand/models w/various supporters/detractors. They're
all pricey, but worth every dime when it comes to dramatically slowing one's flat rate.
Have fun and welcome to BF-Commuter sub-forum.
PS: Don't ride on the sidewalks.