Originally Posted by
Michel Gagnon
As for your bike dilemma, how much do you want to spend and do you plan on any other uses?
With a short commute as yours, any bike will do the job. the cheapest option would be to keep your mountain bike and do the following:
– Install relatively narrow high pressure slicks (something like 26" x 1.4 or 1.6", high pressure, and little or no thread) for about 9 months per year.
– For Winter, either install back your knobbies or get Nokian Hakkapellitta tires (studded tires; expensive).
– Install a rack and lights.
As for getting a new bike, you could aim towards a hybrid or a touring bike, which the provision they accept 700x37 tires for winter. But that would typically be if you want to ride your bike more often and under what conditions.
Thanks Michel,
I've already installed a rack on my current bike. If I end up keeping it, I'll add lights and then look at new tires. I also need a new saddle because the one on it is killing my bottom. While my daily commute is short, I'm also using the bike for some longer trips to the library, post office, swimming pool, lake, etc. And we've been exploring some nearby bike paths (hard surface). I really think I'll be happier and enjoying riding with a better bike. I'm seriously considering the Gary Fisher Cronus <http://www.fisherbikes.com/bikes/bike_detail.asp?bike=Cronus> as a good step up without spending a ton. Still have a few weeks to continue reading these forms and do research, try some test rides and what-not.
Thanks for the input.
Jigs