Buying a new bike for the commute...
 

A little while ago I posted a problem I was having with getting passed on my 40 pound 10 speed old clunker. I recieved lots of great advice which got me thinking about maybe lashing out and buying a new bike.

My question is this: I have seen a mtb available through the Web at a bike shop in Melbourne (couple of thousand KM's away from me) and its specs seem great value for money. (www.cellbikes.com.au)

It has Shimano Deore LX 24 gears, Shimano Alivio Crank set, fully sealed B.B.set, RST CAPA adjustable Fork, ALEX 2100 Double Wall Rims and super light aero 7005 hand made alloy frame. It weighs only 13kg (compared to 20kg with current ride) and costs $400 aussie, which is about $320 +/- USD. They get them made in Thailand and brand it themselves.

I know it probably seems a trivial amount for many of you out there, but cash is always a bit tight and I always feel that while my bike still works, why spend money on a new one? Plus I have had my old one since our kids were babies and carried them around in their little bike seats, etc, and it has sentimental value to me. I am worried if I buy a new one, will it still have the same character? I am thinking too much, right?

So is it a no brainer? Should I get it for my 5 mile each way commute? The only downside I see is if it breaks under warranty, they are so far away from me. BTW, the frame has a 15 year warranty.

If money is tight and all you want to buy is a little--very little--speed, then I suggest it's a waste.

If it's about repair costs, then just run the numbers and dope it out.

Put some smooth tires on the mtb, and the 7kg (a whopping 14lbs) difference is actually QUITE comfortable when you switch over.
So what you have to ask yourself is, how comfortable is $340 worth?
Try test riding a similar bike at a bike store to feel the difference first.

Its an odd bike, Alivio is two steps in shimano's line below the deore LX shifters, so the shifters are good, but the crank is not nearly as nice. I think it has steel rings, but I'm not sure. Honestly for the value (in weight, repairs and price) go with a rigid fork if you are riding mostly on the road. Something like the Trek SU100. (trekbikes.com)

Those bikes look crappy. Sorry.

Actually I was thinking of the Trek SU100, it runs about 400 US dollars. The components are not the best though, but it would be much lighter. You could also buy a decent older mountain bike from the span of time before suspension forks became the norm.

http://wheelandsprocket.com/site/sho...ory&Catalog=39

You don't need the greatest components for riding a mountain bike on a road. I've got crap components and they've held up well. I also have an attachment to my bike frame and I've gone through many mind exercises thinking up upgrades, most of which cost more than the bike itself.

I'd say get a lightweight road bike around the 10kg range and not only will you fly those 5 miles, but you'll have big goofy smile on your face. Just my 2 cents.

I notice that they sell the Progear - RS 10 hybrid. I have just bought one from ebay for $219 plus $20 postage (there are others on there now). Very happy with the bike, much quicker than a MTB. Only drawback was there are no rack mounts so I put on a seat post mounted rack.

It beats getting passed on your shiny new light weight bike. :o I'd keep the excuse if I were you. ;)

Ha, thanks squeakywheel.

Maybe I'll just hold off a bit longer. Thanks everyone for the advice.

I've seen the Progear bikes and they are excellent value for money. Much cheaper than an equivalent quality in another brand. Another way of looking at it, you get more for your money in Progear from www.cellbikes.com.au than you would from a family retail supermarket like K-Mart if you spent the same amount of money.

If you're going to commute and don't need suspension, then the Progear RS10 is great value for around $400AUD delivered (http://www.cellbikes.com.au/product.php?id=91). If you're tall, you may want to spend more and get an adjustable head stem for a bit more comfort.

I personally own a Giant CRX4, which is probably similar to the RS10, however the Giant costs about $200AUD more. So why didn't I buy a RS10 instead of the Giant? Simple... I only discovered Cell Bikes recently via Google and I've already owned the Giant for 6 months.

Buying from Cell Bikes is good though... they deliver pretty fast. I ordered a 20" folding bike for my wife which took only 3 days to arrive here in Perth, Western Australia. It's a great bike, and we saved about $200AUD in comparison to a Dahon Boardwalk.

Whilst some people like to buy a bike they can see & touch in a showroom, the photos on Cell Bikes' website are sufficient that you can see the quality of components, welding & general finish. This helped a lot when I decided to order the 20" folder.

My only 2 bikes are MTB's. So this might sound out of character, but if you want to go faster I don't think a MTB is the right answer. Road bikes are faster on the road.

If you are a cyclist with a capitol C then get a new bike; specifically a road or cross bike, but if you are just a short distance commuter then no need to indulge in something you think you would like to have but will not be riding more than what you are doing. Whats the point. Because all of us who buy new and more updated bikes really do appreciate the niceties that come with new tech. Life is short so us Cyclist are going to enjoy the ride to the hilt. Rollin, rollin, rollin, keep them doggies rollin, rawhide.......Now thats some serious riding.

I would guess that a mountain bike with knobby tires would likely be slower than your present bike. If you want speed -- get a road or touring bike. From a practicality and reliability standpoint, your old 10 speed may be a better choice for commuting than a $3,000 high end bike.

However, if you want a new bike and are looking for excuses, by all means, go for it! "Old Faithful" can serve as you backup bike. You will be able to enjoy riding both.

Paul