legacyoneup

Hi Bikeforum,

I'm looking to use a bicycle for commuting. I have not ridden a bike in over 20 years. I'd like to think I am reasonably fit ( 5'11" / 140 lb). I found this article with very good advice on the forum : https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/...-purchase.html

Which of the following bikes would you suggest i get as my first commuter :
https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/bik/5394339226.html

https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/bik/5396698950.html

Would you recommend something else from here ? ( https://dallas.craigslist.org/search...stance_type=mi )

I live less than a quarter mile from the office so the commuter will be used primarily to explore the surrounding parks and public spaces.... and quick trips to the grocery store.

Do you guys have any advice for a 36 year old adult switching to bicycles?

tsl

Can't be answered since the green one doesn't list the size.

However, both seem reasonable. Buy the one that fits--which shouldn't be a huge problem since you're right at the cusp of medium and large and there's a little overlap between the two sizes.

Saddle height is more easily adjusted than reach to the bars, so it depends more on your proportions. I'm about the same height, but I'm all legs with a short torso. I tend to go with the smaller size to fit my torso, then have huge amounts of seatpost showing. Someone with short legs and a long torso would go the other way. Normal proportions could choose either.

mark2810

Depends on what you want and what your needs are.
If you want to go everywhere and not be limited by dirt or gravels, get a hybrid. They are comfortable, good looking, versatile, and roll on the road quick and even can handle gravels and light dirt trails. Don't go up a mountain with it though.
If you want speed, total looks, badassness, a little less comfort (short runs), get a road bike with drop down handlebars. They will be a little more expensive and usually can only handle pavement and not dirt. If you're doing long commutes and long rides, a road bike will start to make more sense.

OR get a MTB: Large, heavy and clunky, that cuts your rolling speed basically in half. Depends if you actually need a mountain bike or if you just really like them.

I would get a hybrid. If you want the best of hybrid/road you can get a cyclocross.

When you're trying the bikes out, make sure you're able to stand over the top tube without it feeling too invasive.

legacyoneup

Hi tsl,

Thanks for replying. I have messaged the seller ( green one) for the size. I'm hoping its a medium. I have long arms ( 30 in from top of shoulder joint to tip of index finger ) and long legs ( 40 inches to the pelvic joint ). My conversation with him has been as follows :
Me : Is the Specialized Sirrus still available? If yes, what size is it ( M, L, XL)?
Him : Hi, yes it is! Unfortunately, I didn't get your message until I was at work. Can I measure it this afternoon and get back to you then?
Me : Sure.. no hurry. Do you happen to have accessories ( bike pump, red reflector, seat cover) for sale as well?
Him : I have the bike lock mentioned in the ad, and I believe the bike has a front and rear red reflector (I'll check that later as well), but no other stuff.

Also, I concur. Libraries and bicycles are a great combo

RubeRad

1/4 mi to work you can use any bike (that fits). Either of those bikes would be great for exploring, exercising, errands, you know, pretty much anything that starts with 'E'. (like 'everything')

tsl gave great advice, but he forgot to give a great bit of advice I've seen him give often: don't stress too much, the point of your first bike is to learn what you want out of your second bike.

Personally I'd prefer the silver bike, the price difference will certainly get you a U-lock, but they would both get the job done just fine, and fit is the #1 criterion.

legacyoneup

Hi RubeRad,

Thanks for the reply. The silver bike is from 2005. Were Specialized bikes made 10 years ago built to last or subject to the "planned obsolescence" we see in so many products?

tsl

Ha! I thought about it but decided to keep to one thing.

tsl

With a few very rare exceptions, that sort of thing happens at the high-end, not the low end. You're cool with these for years to come.

RubeRad

I wouldn't worry about planned obsolescence. My wife, for instance, wanted to upgrade from her 26" mtb, but worried about going to 29er because she had read that for mtb the 27.5 wheelsize had "taken over", so she expected to not be able to find replacement tubes/tires in the 26" or 29" sizes. But given the fact that it is still relatively easy to buy even 27" road tires that haven't been available on a new bike for what, 40 years? I told her that is not a reasonable worry. There are many millions of 26" mtb out there -- and by now probably millions of 29ers as well, such that the market will continue to provide replacement parts.

Check out the Classic&Vintage subforum here at bikeforums.net, there's tons of guys out there still riding 2x5 drivetrains and lugged steel frames etc from the 60s or even earlier.

Nice thing about bikes, better than cars, is they are not so finicky about needing an exact OEM or replica part. There is a large degree of interchangeability such that parts can almost always be replaced with something equivalent.

ypsetihw

you mentioned you want to make trips for groceries, consider a bike with frame mounts for racks at least in the rear. the silver one doesn't look like it has them and you can't see on the green one. there is a vintage shop here in buffalo that has probably 300 vintage bikes of all sizes under $200, you might be well served to try to find a shop like this in your area, and go talk to them a bit, maybe test ride a couple bikes. in the end it might be worth your time.

also I agree, your first bike teaches you what you want in your second. I started 2015 on a SS I built from a box store frame, and went through 4 bikes (and flipped half a dozen more) over the summer before I ended up on a $2000 aluminum and carbon road bike with 105. lets just say it escalated rather quickly LOL. don't stress too much about it. find one that fits, ride it, and as you learn you'll figure it out.

Darth Lefty 

You need the following for commuting:

• A bike that can go up your worst hill with your biggest load
• A way to carry your biggest load (often a rack, crate, backpack, or messenger bag)
• Lights, front and rear
• Equipment, or a backup plan, for inclement weather (often warm layers and rain gear and fenders)
• Equipment, or a backup plan, for breakdowns (often a patch kit or tube and pump, or a bus pass or taxi)

I like hybrids, they are good multi purpose bikes, and either of those will likely be fine. The older one was a nicer trim level when it was new, but tough to tell from afar how good it is now. I also dig the polished aluminum!

This forum also has a Living Car Free subforum that may be of use to you.

Classtime 

What bike were you riding 20 years ago? I would get one like that. Or better yet, get one like the one you wanted 20 years ago but couldn't afford. Any bike will get you to work and back 0.25 miles. Cruiser, old 3-speed, road or mountain bike. (of two, i'd get the silver one.)

With your long legs, you might be able to fit that red Bertoni Pro Tour on your local CL. Save for that.

PaulRivers

Either bike model looks fine and would be good for a first bike. (Not overly expensive, upright bikes are easier to fit and ride for people not used to biking, but Specialized is also a "real" bike brand and you're not getting a cheap crappy target or walmart bike).

The biggest question is - which bike fits you the best? Buying the wrong size bike is like buying the wrong size pants.

Unfortunately it's the easiest to describe how to size the bike right. The default neutral position would be to have the seat raised to a height to be even with the bars, then when you bike with it your leg should almost fully extend on the pedal stroke. What's difficult to figure out is where exactly that position is.

Rack mounts would be nice, but there are racks that go on bikes without mounts fyi. Both those bikes probably have rack mounts.

I mean I think you're on the right page, but would have to hop on the bike and see how the size is to make a good decision.

RubeRad

The rule of thumb I find useful is that with your leg locked straight you should be just grazing the pedal with your heel -- then when you pedal with the ball of your foot you'll have an appropriate bend in the knee.

Also if there is rocking of the hips, the seat is too high. But the most common tendency of all cyclists is to have a seat too low.

legacyoneup

Hi Paul,

Thanks for replying. I will be trying out the bikes before I decide to buy.

PaulRivers

Interesting, I'll have to think about and try that top suggestion out.

jfowler85

You can commute on anything...last year I did a few commutes via my running shoes. Buy whatever is cheap for you and learn what you like as you go.