First time poster here, so take it easy on me. I haven't been on a bike since college, but I'm trying to find a good all-around bike. I want something that I can use to ride on bike paths around town and also take on my 11.5 mile commute to work. My commute is mostly street shoulders and sidewalks. I am interested in everyone's opinions between the following 2 bikes . Please keep in mind that I'm 6'6" and the Motobecane comes in a 64cm frame, whereas the Kona comes in a 62cm.

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ntom_cross.htm
https://www.konaworld.com/08_jake_w.htm

Which of these bikes is the better deal? I don't know much about the difference between components. Or are there other ones out there that would better fit my needs?

Thanks!

Just my .02 here, but I think most here will steer you away from anything coming from bikesdirect.com. And probably for good reason. Do a search for them and you'll see many horror stories. If you can the best bet is to go to your local bike store and try out a few different bikes.

To try and answer your question, the Motobecane seems to have slightly better components (Shimano 105 rear vs full Tiagra on the Kona). So just based on components, it seems to be the better deal. I'm sure others will have a lot more info for ya!

How well a bike fits and how good it feels to you personally are probably the most important factors in a bicycle purchase. For your $700-$900 price range any decent local bike shop should be able to get you set up with a nice bike, a helmet, and probably a few other accessories as well. Just my opinion.

You've done your homework... I think either bike would work well for your situation.

To reiterate what the other guys have already said; the Motobecane is spec'd out a bit better as far as the parts mix goes... In the strictest sense it's a better deal. The Kona bike isn't a slouch either.

How the bike fits your physique - and how it meets your expectations in terms of the way it rides and handles is HUGELY important. Those factors will come into play for (hopefully) years down the road. It would be great if you could test-ride both machines... You'd definitely have a preference after having done so. Every bike has a little different 'personality'...

Having said all that, I wouldn't be one to discourage you from buying a bike over the Internet - I've done it and been pleased with the results. I have two friends who've bought from Bikesdirect.com and been happy with their bikes and the service. No way can a bike shop compete with an e-tailer on price. However, these guys knew what frame dimensions fit them well (top tube length, etc.) so the bike-fit issue wasn't such a mystery.

Also, there are good bike shops and bad ones. Ask around and make sure you choose a good one. Some places will steer you toward whatever they have in stock (I've seen it happen). A professional and friendly shop would be an awesome ally in your new adventure!

Finally, keep coming back to this forum with your questions. I am amazed at the pool of knowledge (and the general classiness) these folks have. I've been riding and commuting for ten years and I still learn a lot from lurking here.

BTW, I have a road bike, a mountain bike AND a cyclocross bike (which I built up from the bare frame). I think the 'cross bike is the best commuter in the bunch!

Let us all know what you decide to do. God bless and good riding!

DWR

Also take a hard look at Jamis bikes.
Good value and great bikes.

I personally believe there is not really much wrong with BikeDirect.com, I ordered a bike from there & had no problem, the only thing is though you kind of have to know how to assemble a bike(its not hard) if you cant do it take it to a shop.

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...m_cross_cx.htm
the Fantom might be more of what you are looking for if you like the Kona. It also has rack mounts, the

But again you should try bikes out. Many bike have different set ups. You sead you have not been on a bike sense college, road bikes might feel different if you aren't uses to them, but that's just a minor concern.

Try bikes out.

just some of my thoughts.

If you're doing a 12 mile commute and have not been on a bike for a while, I would recommend a vintage bike. The caveat is that at 6'6" - size may be difficult. For half the investment, you can see if you like it. Plus if you find that you like it, most folks have a back-up. 80's Japanese bikes are a good value, and are decent commuters. You can always upgrade later. Check out e-bay, select within miles for local options (save shipping via pick-up).

Another consideration - Depends on where you intend to park your bike. If you are in a larger city, take a look around to see what bikes are locked on the street. When I first started, the bike shop sales person actually talked me out of buying a $600-$700 bike. She said, I would park this on the street. If you have a very secure place to park - different story and options are better.

Lastly, how much weight do you plan to carry. I originally didn't think about it, but on occasion - I end up carrying 35-40 lbs with laptop, locks, lights, etc.. Diferent experience on a road bike vs hybrid.

Either way - a local bike shop can help with size, which is most important. I hope that this helps.
Good Luck.

I should preface my remarks by pointing out that I recently started a thread titled "Kona Jake lovefest", so temper your expectations accordingly. I wrote a semi-detailed review of the Jake in that thread.

That said, I would say that there's more to a bike's spec than the rear derailleur. The Mo' has a 48/39 double crankset, while the Jake has a 50-39-30 triple. That's mostly a matter of preference, but personally, I like having a granny gear. Also, the bikes have different wheels, different brakes, different tires, and the Jake comes with pedals. Being different brands these are tougher to compare than the Tiagra vs. 105.

I'm 5'9" so I can't help you on fit. Fit is really hard to judge without being on the bike.

My recommendation would be to find an LBS that has the Jake, and find an LBS that has a Surly Cross Check (another very similar bike). Ride them both and see if you love one or the other.

You've mad a good choice to commute by bike. It seems you've already gotten some good advice regarding the models and styles. For my part, I think you'll find that riding sidewalks won't work out well for any kind of distance.

B

Thank you so much for all your advice guys! This forum is awesome and I'll definitely keep coming back. I will take your recommendations and visit some more of my local shops to try as many different brands as I can. It's a little different for me, since most places have to order my frame size, but hopefully I can at least get an idea of which ones I do or don't like. Again, thanks!