Originally Posted by Bottomfeeder
But if you tell us how much you're willing to spend on a bike we'd be happy to make a few suggestions.
My budget for a new bike, would be $500.00 + - $100.00
Originally Posted by Bottomfeeder
is this really going to replace your car during the week?
Yes, this is more of a necesity than a replacemente. My car has been broken down for so long and the other car we have is my wifes. She drives over 60 miles a day to and from work. Me having to depeng on ride to and from work is a real PITA.
Originally Posted by Bottomfeeder
Also; tell us more about your shortest route.
My shortest route is 17.9 miles and it takes me onto a interstate. I dont think I can ride my bike on a interstate. Even if it were lega, I would not do it.
Originally Posted by Bottomfeeder
Is it flat or hilly?
I am in FL, so everything is flat. The only thing I would consider a hills are the two interstate I have to go over with the overpasses.
Originally Posted by Bottomfeeder
Is the pavement nice all the way? Or do you have to deal with bad roads or dirt paths?
I would not say the pavement is nice, but it is not imposible either. I would say, three quarters of the way I am going up and down sidewalks. I prefer the sidewalks because traffic down here is just too crazy. The sidewalks are not the cleanest or smoothest either. All in all I would not say it is as smooth as a nicely paved road NO.
Originally Posted by Bottomfeeder
What's the weather like where you are?
Weather can be extremely unpredictable in summer. It can be nice and sunny and almost everyday at around 3pm we can get some nasty storms. I mean, tornadoes can develop, gail force winds, hail, massive ammounts of rain. Also account for hurricanes, but I dont think I will be cycling in a hurricane. LOL.
Originally Posted by Bottomfeeder
Also consider whether or not you can store your bike inside the workplace during the day, or if you will be locking it up outside. If you have to lock it up outside you might consider a second hand beater, as it will be less attractive to thieves. I'm not talking about a worn out bike that might leave you stranded. But a used one, with some obvious wear and tear on the frame, that is mechanically refurbished so that it will be reliable daily transportation. Depending on your budget, that might be the best choice anyway.
The bike will be stored indoors at all times. There is no problem with that at my job.
Originally Posted by Bottomfeeder
I used to ride 30 miles to work on my single speed Surly Crosscheck cyclocross bike. The route included a few really decent hills and took me two hours in the morning. However, I only road it one way, two or three times a week. If I was feeling froggy, I'd take the bike on the train half way home and ride the rest. Now I have a nine mile commute and can ride both ways evey day if I'm not being lazy. If I ride my Crosscheck, I take it inside during the day. However, I do have a beater as well. It's an old ridgid mountain bike with 1.5" wide street slicks and just 9 speeds - one ring in the front, nine cogs in the back. Then again, when you're used to just one speed, nine is alot! It's very convenient to just throw a cable on the beater outside and stroll into work.
If you're going to be riding mostly flat terrain consider a single speed for your daily ride. It will really cut down on maintenance. You won't find many light weight, single speed commuters in bike shops though. But all the help you need for putting one together is over on the fixed gear/ single speed section of this forum.
Hope this helps. DanO
I prefer multi-gears (I do not know the proper term) When I am stopped at a light, I like to go into a high/low????(easiest to pedal) gear, so I can get up to speed quick then just cruise at normal cruising speed.