I've been commuting by bike for years, but in the last year my commute has changed from 4 miles to 14 miles--each way, and my poor vintage street bike keeps breaking down from the stress.
I'm looking to buy a new bike, with a budget of only about $600.
here are my issues:
it needs to be able to handle up to 100 miles per week, and
travel over poor-quality roads in industrial parts of town, and
be light enough to climb a series of short but steep hills, while
carrying my 6'2", 180lb body, plus
an approximately 30-40lb pack.
Any suggestions?
thanks?