Trying to find my ideal commuter
 

In 2001 I purchased a new 2001 Cannondale H400 hybrid and outfitted it with rack and fenders. Then over the years I upgraded the stem, seat and put slick tires on it.

Eventually I got into road biking and thoud I would never need the hybrid again. In 2009 I gave it, in well cared for condition, to my nephew who trashed it, and probably eventually traded it for some weed.

Now I really wish I had that exact bike. Why?

• Excellent gearing for use as a commuter in hilly terrain. Front chainrings were something like 48/36/28, and rear was either 7 or 8 speed 12-32, if I recall.
• Sturdy frame. Really sturdy. Aluminum CAAD2
• Completely reliable componentry.
• Inexpensive but reasonably good quality, bullet proof wheels.
• Braze-ons for front and rear racks.
• Room for fenders.
• Three bottle mounts (one on under side of down tube)

I paid about $800 for it but added a few hundred in accessories to make it mine. It had a suspension seat post but I never considered that a meaningful feature.

Where can I find a used bike in very good condition with similar specs? Important to me are:

• Decent quality frame. Capable of handling moderate commuter loads.
• Front and rear rack mounts.
• Gearing for hills and loads.
• Fender ready.
• NOT a mountain bike.
• No suspension, preferably -- I favor efficiency. Seatpost suspension was ok but not something I care about.
• Three cage mounts.

This list may sound like more than a commuter. Truth is I like to use this sort of bike for shopping, commuting, day-touring/outings. I have a road bike for my hard riding and minimalist fun, this one would be for utility and loaded up fun.

Recommendations on something similar under 500? That's about all I can justify to reclaim this aspect of biking.

There are a lot of bikes of this type to this day (from the big four, Trek FX, Giant Escape, Specialized Sirrus, Cannondale Quick) and they aren't a lot more expensive now than they were then. Three bottle mounts is the only thing on your list that is kind of unusual.

Trek FX2. Add on fenders, rack with careful shopping you can still be within your budget. I love mine.

The 3rd cage mount is really going to be difficult to find (but not impossible). You will find some have a 3rd mount on the underside of the down tube. Many of today's hybrid/fitness bikes meet your needs with the exact gearing you want. You will likely find them all over craigslist, FB marketplace, etc. Some will be reasonably priced, some will be great deals, and others will be from sellers who are trying to get their money back that they spent on a bike that they never rode. Currently, the market is flooded with these bikes. You just need to be diligent is your search and you will find one of those great deals.

FWIW, while you will find many Treks, Giants, & Specialized bikes, don't ignore the smaller manufacturers. They may have the exact bike you're looking for. I recently picked up a almost new Raleigh Cadent 2 for $175 that I found on Craigslist. It is a decent bike that competes directly with the Trek FX2 Disc.

I'll echo this argument. I picked up my Norco for a song as it was at the time the previous year's model, and it is a perfectly sturdy, reliable machine for commuting and around town errands. Slowly upgrading with a new saddle and pedals next month for autumn / winter commutes. It also is equipped with three spots for bottles.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3a8e6445ba.jpg

Norco Indie Disc

Over here, I'd just pick up one of these used.

https://www.fahrradmanufaktur.de/en/...-gang-disc-777