Commuting
 

Hello,

I'm planning on getting a bike sometime this month so that I can start going to work on it, and that's where all the trouble started lol.

Ok, I'll break this down into sections so that it hopefully comes out a bit clearer.

Things the bike must be capable of.

1- Be able to do a 24 mile round trip 3-4 times a week, and hopefully not break down with regular maintanence.
2- Be... for lack of a better word "effeicient" on large hills.
3- Be sturdy enough to carry a large enough amount of weight on a rear pannier.
4- Hopefully be stable enough in wet weather, seeing as in N Ireland that's all the weather seems to do.

I suppose the big factor here is that I will probably NEVER have this bike off of a tarmaced road, which to me would suggest getting a lower end touring bike, or if I'm feeling energetic for the rest of the year a decent racing bike with me carrying everything I need in a rucksack on my back.

My price range is roughly £200-400 (think thats about $400-600).

Any Help and advice on this matter will be great. Thanks.

Do they have Trek 520's over there? Although at that price range you'd be looking used.
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/road/520/520/

Here is a Trek 7000 more in your price range http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...0_series/7000/

I have a Trek 7000; regarding your requirements...

I do a 12 mile round trip 3-4 times a week, and it's done fine since October. I've done minor adjustments and have lubed the chain two or three times in the past six weeks.

The 7000 is okay. I've adjusted the saddle and lowered the handlebars, which seems to help in this regard. Developing the engine has made the biggest difference. =)

I have a rack and a couple of panniers, and I load about 15 pounds into them, plus myself.

I've ridden after a rain (on wet leaves) and have been fine, but I don't ride in the rain - yet. You'll need to add fenders; SKS P45's (which fit and look good with this bike) cost US$35.

The 520 is JUST over my price range. Have to have a good look around for it... Need to find one that will fit me as well which I've had no luck in doing. So a quick question, if your inseam measurement is 34", is this supposed to be included in the end hieght of a bike with wheels on etc? As the biggest frame I've ofund so far is only 23".

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

And PS, I would like somthing that I can put a bit of speed into as well, once, as you said "the Engine gets developed"

If you're riding 24 miles a day, I'd suggest panniers rather than a backpack.

im gonna also vote for trek 7000 I've done rain and ice on it fine and it seems to have decent components. its my first non xmart bike and im completely happy with it even though its a bit low on the price scale it but its a great ride. I also put fenders on mine

If your inseam is 34", then try a 20" frame (assuming a Trek 7000). The 20" appears to be measured from the top tube to the bottom bracket (where the pedal cranks attach). A 23" frame is a really big bike, and might be too big for you.

Or look at the Trek 7.2 FX, which is a nicer, more aggressive ride and may do better on hills; keep in mind that your budget will need to allow for adding other components like lights, fenders, and eventually a rack and (probably) panniers. The 7.2 FX would likely put you near the top of your budget, including these other components.

Seen this bike and REALLY liked it,

http://www.falconcycles.co.uk/CORP/cb/regent.html

Seriously have to get down to one or 2 of the local shops though and see what they've got for offer, and of course just to get sat on a bike or 2 for measurment purposes and to ask a question or 2 etc.

Thanks for the advice on Panniers over backpacks for that kind of distance. Jsut have to read up other areas of the site now for hte "essential" pieces of kit I should have in a saddle bag like a puncture kit etc.

Thanks for all the help so far.

Whatever bike you get, 24 miles a day on paved roads means you would be best served with a good skinny road wheels/tires. Don't be convinced to go with a mountain bike or cross-bike width. Of all the weight saving materials, designs, etc there is nothing that compares to the difference in rolling resistance between a high psi skinny tire and a softer/wider tire.

You can choose a geometry that suites your favored posture and everybody has their own opinion, but remember what your friend Mike from BF.net told you - get skinny wheels/tires on your commuter.

Arm yourself with the very basic knowledge if you have not done so already;

1) Know how to change a tire and repair a flat
2) Know how to true a wheel (easier than it sounds)
3) know how to maintain your brake system from the levers through the cables and to the brakes.

Of course, there are many other things you could know on bicycle repair, that is the least you need to know.

Thanks Mike, will do.

I think I speak for all of us in saying we are delighted to know that you will be making the 24 mile commute via bicycle. Everybody wins with your efforts in that direction.

Thanks,

Am going to be taking the country route to work, so I hopw a Badger/Fox/Hare/ Somthing small and furry dosen't jump out at me like they usually do when I'm in the car :D:D. Haven't hit anything though. Should be a good way to get closer to nature as well then.

I commute on a number of bikes (because I have a number of bikes) and when the weather is nice and not cold ands snowy (as it is now) I prefer riding my road bike / commuter which is a fixed gear or my cross bike which is a gearie.

My road bike runs a 28 in the rear and a 25 up front which makes for a better ride as well.

Both bikes are quite fast and the cross bike gives up a little in the speed department but is better able to handle potholes and is more comfortable / plush although I could ride the road bike all day with no worries.

I average a little more than 30 miles a day in good weather as besides my commute I also live car free and all my getting around is done by bicycle.

Been to my local shop (about a 5 minute walk away) and found the staff fantastic.

So I've ordered up a Giant SCR4 at £350, and they giving me a set of lights, helmet, mud guards, pannier, rack and pump for an extra £30. Altogether £380. God I love having me Oirish charm.

Ps I'm getting the Road type of bike as I work regular shifts through the week, and I can then take off the rack and pannier etc and go beast myself on days off :D:D.

Cheers for all the advice guys.

+1

I just switched from a bike with 26 x 1.75 street tires running 70psi to a bike with 700 x 28 tires running 95psi and I can't believe the difference. 3mph faster average speed on my commute without putting any additional effort into it.

I went from 700X32mm tires to 700X23mm tires. Now that was a difference. My one word of caution is if your area suffers from snow you may spend an excess amount of time on the pavement. I have a MTB for bad weather days.

http://usera.imagecave.com/arcadain/IMG_0156-copy.jpg

Theres my new pride and joy.

Pitty this is the weather outside at the moment.

http://usera.imagecave.com/arcadain/IMG_0153_1-copy.jpg