I'd like the collective wisdom of all here.

I am looking for a commuter bike. I have not ridden in years. I live in the desert of southern New Mexico. The climate here is great for biking, and I only live a few miles from work.

I need some advice on which bike to choose. I haven't had a bike since my 1974 Schwinn Varsity. I only have average mechanical skills, and I still have bad memories of the gear problems on my Schwinn.

The nearest bike shop is 50 miles away. It is a large Trek dealer. I looked in another shop about 75 miles away, but the employees there only wanted to sell me a touring bike, and they looked like they had put down their joints to talk to me. The closer bike shop is very friendly.

I want something low-maintenance that I can ride to work, and maybe longer rides on Saturdays. The roads here are OK, but there are lots of tire hazards such as thorns, etc.

I may have to order a bike via mail and assemble it myself. Of course, I can go to Wally World, but I know what people on this board think of those bikes. I have checked, and there aren't many used bikes for sale in this area.

Thoughts? I appreciate it.

A lot of things have changed since the '70's. For one, you can get a bike with 3X as many gears.

You'd have to get more specific before anyone could offer any helpful suggestions. Do you think you want a skinny-tire road bike, or maybe a mtn. bike with some hi-quality road tires installed? Maybe you'd want to use it for utilitarian purposes, such as picking up groceries, mail, etc. Are you overweight? Exceptionally tall or short? What're you willing to spend? Do you think you'll park it when it's raining? Do you intend to add racks and/or fenders?

There are a handful of tough tires (check out the tandem section of the forum) that weigh a bit more and might ride a little harsh but probly worth it to avoid flats. Conti Gator Plus, Specialized Armadillo, Panaracer T-Serv, Schwalbe Marathon are some choices.

I'm thinking the quickest way to get some ideas is talk to local cyclists. My impression of Trek is they make solid bikes that are reasonably priced.

Please don't go to Wally World.
I am sure you will be advised by pleanty of knowledgable riders here, and we all have our favorite bikes. It all depends on your budget and your needs. Trek, Fugi and Raleigh make good commuter bikes. One advantage of going to a bike shop instead of Wallmart, is the service and advice you will get. Walmart sells crap bicycles.



(Bianchi has some beutiful bikes, if you have the money)

A good "local" bike shop is worth their weight in gold. If you get good vibes off the nearer Trek dealer, I'd start with their lineup. The kind of bike you'll want to get will depend on the kind of commute you're looking at (whether it's all pavement or bombing through arroyos) and what fits you best. Probably something in the urban line, like the Soho. You can also look at Gary Fisher (owned by Trek) if you're looking for something a little more offbeat, ranging from their Fast City bikes, to Dual Sports, or Simple City for a more relaxed kind of ride.

Good luck!

Trek sells Gary Fisher Simple City: https://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/series/simple-city
I don't know if your bike shop stocks it, or if it's expensive for you.

There are online shops, look at the sponsors' banners on the right.

I'm guessing from that that they weren't dressed in chinos and oxford shirts and sporting Young Republican pins. Instead, I'd wager you probably saw...oh...some long hair? Some tattoos? Maybe a piercing or two? An irreverant t-shirt?

If you literally saw people smoking boo, that's one thing, but I have a feeling that's not what you're reacting to. Casual attire is the rule in most bike shops, and so you may very well find yourself dealing with very capable people who, in your view, look a wee bit unconventional. If it really gets up your nose to deal with people like that, I'm sure you can eventually find a shop that will accommodate you...but it seems to me like a silly reason to get a 'tude and walk away from someone who knows their stuff.

I picked up a Fuji Absolute 4.0 for my first commuter and aside from the fact that I find myself really wanting drop bars as the risers are making my palms sore, I'm extremely pleased with the bike. It's no high end road bike, but for 380 dollars (Canadian) with the addition of some 25mm tires, it's nimble enough to put a smile on my face. Maintenance wise I've had to adjust the derailleur cables, brake cables over time and the front brake pad seating. I'm under the impression that that's fairly standard maintenance with any bike though, so overall I'm pretty happy. If you're looking for a bike with flat bars I'd give it my endorsement.

More important than what we think a good bike for you is, is you going out and getting properly fit for a bike and that the bike matches your needs. You need to think about what you carry, how far you go, what comforts you want, all sorts of stuff we don't know about. A good LBS will ask you a whole bunch of questions other than price range.

lil brown bat:

Actually, It wasn't their non-Republican look, but rather the unwashed look with the extremely long and unkempt beards, combined with the clothes that clearly hadn't been washed in ages.

I understand the more casual nature of bike shops, but I also understand being presentable enough to talk to the public. Did I "get a 'tude"? While in the shop, no, I was very polite, and thanked them and left. Trust me, I've dealt with enough people who smoke weed to know that these guys had just been partaking. Perhaps it was the blank stares and we don't care attitudes. As I said, they tried to sell me a touring bike that would not have been a good fit for me.

With more and more people commuting via bikes, shops such as that one will need to change the way they operate to stay competitive. Not everyone who wants to bike will be young and become a hardcore biker.

I asked if they had any Trek Navigators in stock, and after the blank stares, they told me they didn't know. I looked around until I found a Navigator in the store. Problem two came up when they couldn't tell me the price.

I was just reading on MSN about a software company that had a very casual dress code, as software companies often do. A more formal dress code has been put in place because of complaints by customers.

Like it or not, if you're going to do business, you have to be presentable and have some idea of what merchandise you have.

Telkwa:

Some good questions. I do intend to add some fenders and do some casual riding, but I don't see myself doing much off-road riding.

My main concern is a bike that won't constantly need maintenance, since the closest shop is an hour away.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Yeah, what bato in their right mind would ever think of selling a touring bike for people to commute on?

Chipcom:

I'm sorry, I should have made it more clear that it was a $3000 bike and that I have trouble riding in if I'm not in a more upright position because of some back problems. This was obviously a bike for someone far more advanced than I am.

Go to the trek dealer, ride a few bikes around, then buy a bike. Then ride the bike you buy.
Based on the information given in the OP I would have suggested a touring bike too. Generally they don't cost $3000. Look at the Trek 520.

Look at this bike Simple City. Gary Fisher is a Trek's brand.
https://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/simple-city-8M



It's nearly a perfect commuter bike as the features are well thought of:
* internal hub in the rear wheel. Very low maintenance and high reliability. No need in adjusting derailleurs.
* 8-speed is usually enough for small commutes
* chain guard
* fenders
* cushy puncture-resistant tires. 32mm - neither narrow, nor wide. Though, you should be careful about thorns.
* rims have V-shape - very reliable
* front basket moves the weight to the front wheel that is less loaded. It also has a mount for a lock.
* it's possible to add a rear rack, too
* clean look without cables
* comfortable handlebar, straight riding position. But check the size of the frame.

If you've got back problems that require you to sit more upright then I'd look at a good hybrid and then swap out the bars for something like North Roads. That will pull the grips back a lot and let you sit more upright.

Another option would be something like a 29'er mountain bike but with some road tires. 29'ers accept the slightly wider road tires just fine. Something like 700x28 to 700x34.

If you've got a lot of thorns that somehow end up on the road then you may need to get macho on the anti flat tire options. Start with some flat resistant tires like Speciallized Armadillos or Conti Ultra Gators or any Panaracer option with a TG in the name. The Messenger lineup is a good one for them. If that's not enough then some tire liners like Tuffy will provide a second line of resistance but at a cost to the ride and rolling resistance.

As for low maintainence that's another story. If the nearest shop is that far away you're going to need to buy some tools and learn to do a lot of it yourself. Pick up an old yard sale bike or two and strip them down and fix them up. Then ride it for a week or two and then sell it for the same or a little more than you paid. After all you TUNED IT UP! Meanwhile you'll have gotten some good experience towards maintaining your main ride.

I second the opinion of going to the TREK store.... I know some guys (and girls ) here don't like the fact that TREK has their own stores that sell exclusively TREK stuff, but they do sell a quality product and I have had my BEST LBS experience in a TREK store. Those guys will allow you to test ride most any bike they have in stock and will do their level best to make sure you get a bike that fits. Since your in BFE, and you said that used bikes are few and far between, I won't suggest CL (but it is a good option for most ).

I also agree with your views on the "attitude" at some LBS's. The one that is just down the street from my house will NEVER get my business again, because the attitudes are so bad (not what you encountered, just horrible customer service). I think part of trying to increase the popularity of bike commuting in this country is the need for professional, service oriented shops that can sell and service bikes quickly, affordably and professionally for those people who are unable or uninclined to do the wrenching themselves.

JMHO

Sweet bike, but I'm not seeing the chain guard. Is it clear plastic?

I think it's the white thing you can barely see it running over top of the chain.

Deffo consider the internal hub if the rest of the bike suits you. Cuts down on having to fiddle with the derailleurs every now and then. That's a goodly portion of the regular maintenance you'd normally have to do on a bike.

That Gary Fisher looks just like my Surly Crosscheck in it's new garb! Pretty sweet style for a few miles. Honestly I wouldn't want to do more than 10 in a day on it, but that may be the seat I have. I bet with a sprung Brooks or something I'd be in heaven.

Big image: https://www.fisherbikes.com/img/bikes...ple_city_8.jpg

Here is a video:
https://bikeportland.org/2008/06/13/p...r-simple-city/

https://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/mode...e-city-8M/tech
1. Firmly mounted front rack with five-point mounting system keeps cargo stable and close to the head tube for flop-free handling
2. Swiss-made double-leg Pfletcher kickstand keeps bike perfectly upright for easy parking and loading
3. Custom alloy chainguard is durable yet lightweight with high level of coverage to keep pants leg free of grease
4. Simple City 8 includes an anti-rotational spring between the downtube and fork to stabilize the front basket while loading gear
5. Low-rider mounts on fork for front rack
6. Full-coverage steel fenders are durable and prevent road spray
7. Front facing dropouts allow for a traditional full-coverage fender on the rear wheel
8. Internally routed cables for a clean look and ease of maintenance

Thanks to everyone for their help.

DesertGuy

Go to the Trek store. Try some of the bikes. The Soho line is a great commuter line that is easy to ride.

Maybe not, but hardcore bikers are that way for years and come in day after day keeping them in business. Bike shops know who their customers are.

(Maybe if you tip them with a joint after they true your wheel you'll get good service forever?)

What software company has customers who drop by?

Stop caring how people look. Some of the most talented people I ever worked with rocked very unorthodox style. Lots of poseurs also rock very unorthodox but imitative style to try to imitate those talented, original people. It's your job to figure out which is which when you first meet someone who looks freaky, and prejudice decreases your chances of getting it right.

I'm just sayin'.