Originally Posted by
DorianHector
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?
Ultimately, you will have to decide, but I will tell you that you can walk into any bike shop and plunk down $600 for a bike and it will fit the bill as long as it isn't a comfort bike, or cruiser etc. IOW, any mountain or hybrid bike will fit the bill. Road bikes are likely to be over $600 and probably not needed for a 14 mile commute.
Also with the rough roads you speak of, I would suggest the widest tires you can handle as this will greatly improve ride comfort. I'd suggest going and riding some bikes and steer towards bikes that will fit fairly wide tires and that fits.