Originally Posted by
fietsbob
I take it You are Not Studying Physics.
A Bicycle, As an Object, its speed is Zero. it is the work you put out pushing on the pedals, and thus pushing the air out of the way with your Forward Motion,
Through the atmosphere, ... which becomes more difficult the faster you wish to go ...
I'm not taking physics until next fall; I have math prerequisites to get out of the way. I was going by the fact that in the past, I've seemed to max out a bike in its highest gear(the pedals seem to freespin), which lead me to believe that a given bike on a level surface will have a top speed depending on load. Those were mountain bikes, though, and I think this was usually an issue on downslopes.
Originally Posted by
DiabloScott
For a 5-mile commute, I think you can easily justify $4k for a titanium adventure bike with disk brakes - probably don't need the electronic shifting though.
Then once you realize how much fun you're having, you can find another $6k for something a little zippier on those hilly 25-milers.
For $6,000, do I get a Rohloff Speedhub on the front wheel, too?
Originally Posted by
Darth Lefty
Any number of bikes can be found in your price range, and style is really up to you, not us. Some things people demand in one part of the country aren't needed in another or are only needed part time, only you will know what you must have, and you might not know for sure what you need until you've been at it a little while. But still, what others have said is good; plus also remember that you will be out in the elements and get some clothes for yourself as well as stuff for the bike. Layers of warmth and a waterproof shell.
Good point on clothing. I'm looking for a waterproof pack to store my school supplies and books, as well as my bike tools and parts. I guess I need to keep myself dry, too. Warmth isn't a major concern, though, the weather here on the coast rarely qualifies as cold.
Originally Posted by
yankeefan
Again with my personal biases, but I don't believe any bike built for commuting should be equipped with coaster brakes. If they suddenly fail then you are left with no way to stop your bike. At least with handbrakes the probability of both brakes simultaneously failing is very low, and in the event that one of them fails you still have the other one to use. I also don't believe coaster brakes allow you to do a full emergency stop in the same way a front brake can stop you (correct me if I'm wrong), though a diligent cyclist will probably never need to do a full emergency stop.
I was going to ask whether I could simply add a front brake to the Loft 1, but I think I agree that it isn't at all what I need. I agree with you on the brakes, and I don't think I'm a fan of the moustache handlebar. For me, the appeal of a single-speed is that it is in-line with how I'm used to riding: on junk Wal-Mart mountain bikes that I keep in the highest gear because shifting is a PITA, using my foot to push-off before pedaling. Maybe looking at real bikes will change my outlook on shifting.
I visited two of the three LBS in my area today(the third is closed Mondays):
The first had a single-speed bike very similar to the Loft 1, which I test rode. This one was maybe $20 less, but had a cro-mo frame, front brake, and flat bar. It seemed fine, though I didn't ride it long enough to gauge how I might like it over several miles.
Neither of them seemed willing to measure me. At both places, I just got eyeballed and told a 54cm frame would be best. The third place is a Trek and Giant dealer, maybe they would be more accommodating being a major brand dealer?
Having thought about it, it's likely I'll want to do more riding than what I initially thought. The thought of being able to ride off to another state if I so choose is pretty alluring. So, I think what I really want is a touring bike. But, even entry-level touring bikes are pricey, at least the ones I've seen. I think what I may do is buy a decent, cheaper city bike now, and take my time researching a touring bike purchase/build for later.