Originally Posted by
turnyface
I'm actually not really familiar with the local bike shops. I live in the Twin Cities (MN) and was just planning on finding someplace with good reviews on Google Maps.
I like the 520, but my only concern, as someone pointed out, is the shifters at the end of the bar. They seem cumbersome to use.
Is it "wrong" to buy a road bike and add fenders and a bike rack?
I don't think that too many road bikes will have the mounts or eyelets for fenders and racks. For that, you'd most likely be looking at a cyclocross bike or a hybrid. Since you're only traveling 20 miles RT, if much of the commute is within an urban setting, then just go for a hybrid which is typically equipped to take on both rack and fenders, anyway.
The Schwinn Sporterra Comp ~ $660
www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/hybrid/2012-sporterra-comp-mens-14564/
The Jamis Coda Comp ~ $775
www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/coda/12_codacomp.html
Both Schwinn and Jamis have femme models to match.
* You always get more bang for the buck with hybrids!