Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Commuting
Reload this Page >

Beginner looking for to bike for commute

Notices
Commuting Bicycle commuting is easier than you think, before you know it, you'll be hooked. Learn the tips, hints, equipment, safety requirements for safely riding your bike to work.

Beginner looking for to bike for commute

Old 02-18-18, 08:34 PM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Beginner looking for to bike for commute

Hi. Sorry to bother everyone with a noob sort of question, but I am looking to make a smart choice for when I switch from a car commute, to a bike/train commute in a few weeks.

I have done this before with a cheap mongoose bike I bought from wal-mart but have found the bike wanting, and would like to get some better hardware for this. I plan to bike year round (which means through snow/slush in winter, rain rest of the year) and I don't want to spend a whole lot on the upgrade (800+). A friend pointed me towards cycle-cross bike's so I could in theory do some off trailing if needed, and definitely handle the snow without a real issue. But a good one looks to be more then I would like to spend, and the more I think about it I am not sure if that level of off-roading is needed for the occasional bad snow day in Chicago. After doing some research I came across the Priority classic 2.0 as a good priced bike, and with winter tires (a little extra cost) it should be comfy in the snow. My commute is about 2.7 miles each way according to google.

I am curious what peoples experience is here. Is the priority bike a good pick for year round biking, or would I really be better off spending a little extra and getting a cycle-cross or some other bike?

Thanks!

Last edited by river226; 02-18-18 at 08:35 PM. Reason: fix typo, add distance
river226 is offline  
Old 02-18-18, 09:00 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
CliffordK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,600
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18320 Post(s)
Liked 4,489 Times in 3,338 Posts
Your Priority brand bikes and typical cyclocross bikes are very different beasts.

In many senses, the cyclocross bikes ares classic road bikes that can take larger tires which is often popular for commuters.

Your Priority bikes all seem to have some kind of flat bar or moustache bar, and most, other than the Priority Continuum Onyx have 3 speed coaster brakes.

https://www.prioritybicycles.com/pages/bicycles

Assuming you don't have big hills, then just about any bike will do the 2.7 mile ride to work. Some people even do that on skateboards.

Your priority bikes with the belt drive and 3 speed coaster brake appear to be well thought out. Although, personally I would have chosen front & rear brakes.

Other options include scouring the used market for the "perfect bike" at a price you won't worry about it getting stolen. But, also keep in mind that the best deals on used bikes usually require significant tune-ups. Hybrids have similar upright riding postures.
CliffordK is offline  
Old 02-18-18, 09:30 PM
  #3  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Yeah, I used to longboard/bike (depending on weather) a similar distance when I was in college, but in that case I put little thought into the bike. It was just there when the weather was too rough for the longboard. I don't necessarily plan to do the same here though. I plan to make my bike my primary so I want to pick out something good.

As for the brakes, the gotham (the one I would likely choose if I go priority) has both.
river226 is offline  
Old 02-18-18, 09:56 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
CliffordK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,600
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18320 Post(s)
Liked 4,489 Times in 3,338 Posts
You have to put some thought into riding in inclement weather, as well as road salt.

I assume Spring is on its way now, but by this fall, you might consider a vintage MTB for winter commuting, including getting studded tires.

Or, walk, jog, or take the bus for that 2.7 miles if riding on the road isn't safe.

It appears as if fenders are being sold as an accessory, as well as racks, and lights. Also available elsewhere.

Oh, the company also is selling flat-free airless tires. I have them on one bike (Tannus brand, a bit narrower than they're using). I have mixed opinions about them, but they'd be great for a commute where you don't want to mess around with flats, or being forced to walk.

However, don't plan on easily swapping airless tires and studded tires unless you get spare wheels (also a reason for a snow bike beater bike).
CliffordK is offline  
Old 02-18-18, 10:11 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
bogydave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: ALASKA , SoCal
Posts: 914

Bikes: /Skye/ Torker mt, Sirrus flat bar

Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 188 Post(s)
Liked 24 Times in 10 Posts
A 29er mountain bike would work well
Not a long commute
Comfortable, front shock,
versatile, strongeframe ,
fits big tires & studs,
Disc brakes for wet weather,
Fenders available for most .

Last edited by bogydave; 02-18-18 at 10:16 PM.
bogydave is offline  
Old 02-18-18, 10:58 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
downtube42's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 3,804

Bikes: Trek Domane SL6 Gen 3, Soma Fog Cutter, Focus Mares AL, Detroit Bikes Sparrow FG, Volae Team, Nimbus MUni

Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 878 Post(s)
Liked 2,019 Times in 1,055 Posts
The Priority will be fine. For year-round commuting in Chicago, you'll want to add fenders and lights. If you could swing a model with disc brakes, that would be a nice upgrade.

As far as Priority in general, I'm happy with the company's support and very happy with my Eight.
downtube42 is offline  
Old 02-19-18, 11:40 AM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
surak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,949

Bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Canyon Inflite AL SLX, Ibis Ripley AF, Priority Continuum Onyx, Santana Vision, Kent Dual-Drive Tandem

Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 871 Post(s)
Liked 725 Times in 436 Posts
I have the original Priority Classic 1.0. and agree with most of what others have said regarding it being a fine choice for a sub 3-mile commute. There are some things lacking in the Classic line that you might want to consider. Since I haven't ridden a Gotham edition, I don't know how much my experience translates or if they've improved upon any of my points.
  • The Classics are very upright rides, so expect not to go fast ever, even downhill, due to the small range of the 3-speed. Uphills aren't very fun either, but again at under 3 miles you'll probably be fine.
  • Although your weight will be mostly on the seat, I'm not a fan of the Classic 1.0's handlebar grips and would've upgraded them had I not acquired a Continuum Onyx (which I also didn't like and upgraded to Ergon grips). Oh it looks like the Gotham comes with the same grips as the Continuum, which are easy to replace, so no big deal.
  • I would recommend the Priority rear rack just to avoid potential annoyances getting the right hardware for a third-party rack. Pairing it with their new 174Hudson pannier/pack looks to be an intriguing option.
  • At least as of a couple months ago, they did not have instructions on how to take off the rear wheel on their site, but they'll send you a video if you email them (they are very responsive and helpful over email). It's not rocket science, but I decided it was too much of a hassle even though I'm not a huge fan of the ride on the puncture-resistant Kendas that mine came with.
  • I did do a gravel ride on the Classic before I got more bikes, and it handled fine, so there's that.
  • I haven't ridden much on it in the rain though, so I wouldn't confidently say that the brakes will be fine compared to something equipped with disc brakes.
  • My Classic 1.0 in blue with fenders and rack got many compliments, especially from the ladies. Although one said it reminded her of the bike she rode in high school. BTW, I am a guy and have no issue with that, aesthetics are definitely important.
  • If you're set on a Priority, I recommend joining their mailing list because they have deals almost weekly with discount codes.
If you're willing to go up to $800 and are clearly comfortable with buying online, I would suggest also checking out Diamondback and Raleigh. Using a corporate discount code (do a search for them) you can get a very well equipped ride with disc brakes, newer tech (i.e., no quill stem), with rack and/or fender mounts and decent (>= 32c) tire clearance, all typically several pounds lighter than a Classic, well below $800. You won't get the belt-drive though, which while a big plus, is not absolutely required for commuting in inclement weather. For instance, the Raleigh Clubman Alloy is currently $660 and IMO even better looking than my Classic, though a drop bar, which I don't know if you want. The Raleigh Redux 3 (only left in small) is $570 and has hydraulic(!) disc brakes, which may be overkill for a short commute but are very nice to have in case you need to stop in any condition. Diamondback also has a bunch of decent options ranging from $350 (Clarity/Insight 2) to $720 (Haanjo/Haanjenn).

Last edited by surak; 02-19-18 at 11:22 PM.
surak is offline  
Old 02-19-18, 10:21 PM
  #8  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Thanks, that's all really helpful. You guys have given me a bit to think about.
river226 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mcfarley
Commuting
13
04-03-14 12:28 AM
sirtirithon
Commuting
4
07-07-11 09:20 PM
tjspiel
Commuting
78
10-30-10 08:33 PM
Pugant
Commuting
10
04-26-10 08:33 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.