Bianchi Cortina or Raleigh Detour 3.0/3.5? (Newbie)
 

Hello all,

I am looking to purchase a bike in the $300 range for commuting to work. I am 6', 235lbs. I am trying to decide which model would be best suited for me in this price range. I've seen the Bianchi Cortina and Raleigh Detour 3.0 or 3.5. Can anyone recommend either of these bikes? Or do you know of another bike that would sit me? I want brand new, no more than $350. I'm not racing or anything, and will ride 95% on road. I really want something comfortable and reliable.

Thanks!

Shawn

Off-hand I couldn't recommend a brand/model within your price range and requirements. Try the Commute by Bike website, http://commutebybike.com/. They have some good bike reviews there too.

Honestly, this is something you're going to have to reseach on your own. Everybody's commute is different. My commute is 15 miles one way while my work buddy's commute is 3 miles. His trip is quite different than mine and his requirements are very different.

The good part for now is you have all the right excuses to visit all your local bike stores over the next few weekends! Enjoy!!

How about the KHS Green? $299 I think.

A little over your budget:

http://bicyclebananas.com/mm5/mercha...s_07_Commuter3

Might be a bit over his budget, as you said. But on the other hand, it has fenders prefitted, and after all... it IS a Jamis.

Thanks for the suggestions. I ended up going with a Trek FX7.1 and put a fat man's padded gel seat on it. Actually, it looks more like a woman's seat. Paid $420 for it. Although it's too late now to change, do you think I made a wise move? I will be riding 10 miles each way to work, up and down steep hills all the way.

Thanks,

Shawn

Not a bad choice for your 1st time. It's geared low enough it should climb like a mountain goat.

You will regret that saddle swap though.

And you will want to get bar ends to give you an alternate hand position.

You got a Jamis with an 8 speed Nexus hub for $420?

Great deal, imo. Love my Breezer with the 7 speed hub.