I was just about to post this about night riding and front suspension. I concur.

I'm going to take my luggage scale to the bike shop and weigh the bikes to see how close they come to 25lbs if at all. Thanks for all the replies and keep em coming. I'm particularly interested in bike models.

Coolio, where do you live? You may want to to look for urban-oriented bike shop that builds custom bikes, not roadie shop, they won't have anything inexpensive. They can build an urban 1/9 pothole pounder that may fit your needs. Also, what I dislike about inexpensive brand name bikes is that they have crappy wheels and you want strong wheels. A bike shop like that can make some really tough wheels for urban riding.

There is on like that in NYC:

http://www.nycbikes.com/

Adam

This thread is ridiculous.

commute this...
could you, would you...

Just out for a ride around 11pm, moon's up.
10 degrees F.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l1...tespeed004.jpg

bill

That's sounds like a pricey option. I think I'm gonna go to the bike shop with my scale and find something w/a suspended fork that comes close to 25lbs. then, I'll have them remove 2 of the 3 rings, and look for a deal on light wheels on fleabay and other sundry assorted parts.

Thanks

Exactly. My Cross bike just cracks 21lbs.

Weight isn't a big deal for a commuter. What's killing you is probably the rolling resistance of a heavy mtn tire (even if it is slick) and upright geometry that's not ideal for going fast.

One of the sporty hybrids will probably meet your needs quite well. Something like a Trek FX7.3 or FX7.5.

Breezer.

http://www.ecovelo.info/2009/05/27/r...eezer-finesse/

Just curious, what's the average weight of a non-fixie Surly Cross Check commuter?

Add racks and lights and you'll prob be between 25 and 30 somewhere. For commuting I really don't see where it makes a difference.
You don't want a lot of expensive crap on it for the obvious reason. You want rugged for another obvious reason.

My main commuter is a Marin Point Reyes, I paid $950. Runs close to 25 lbs, basically it's a streeted-out MTB with a carbon front fork, and disc brakes (which I really love). Not as fast as a road bike, but I need to jump curbs on occasion and it's up to it. The CF fork isn't as cushy as a suspension, but it definitely gives a smoother ride than my old rigid Stumpy MTB commuter.

I agree. Not sure what the fixation on weight is. For a commuter (heck, for just about anyone who isn't a roadie racer or cyclocrosser) weight just isn't a big factor. Stop worrying about weight and find a bike that first of all fits well, and second of all has the right components and doo-dads for your ride. I'm sure there are plenty of good bikes in the 25-35 lb range that would suit you just fine and are probably cheaper and more plentiful than something under 25lbs, and that extra 5-10lbs will make almost ZERO difference over an average commute of say 10-20 miles each way.

Cannondale Bad Boy (2010)--change the Kojak tires--they are brutal, harsh and unforgiving!
I love my Bad Boy but the ride quality sucks with these tires. I had a "heavy head buzzy" sensation--similar to too much time on a flight. The LBS owners convinced me to keep the tires until they "waste away" because Kojak's are good tires. I am suffering through it but would LOVE to determine what to replace them with when the time comes. I like the sleekness, the quickness, the lightness of the Bad Boy. I love it actually. The tires again are a real turn off as is the unwanted attention. I am thinking of transitioning to a Dutch style bicycle for commuting. I want one with the chain cover or whatever it is called. I live upstairs so weight is a huge factor for me. HUGE!

Best of luck in your quest.

you don't need shocks to drop curbs.

I ride a Rocky Mountain RC series bike (the steel model that they don't make anymore), and its great. fast and tough.

Let see what we got. Hmmm..........lighter = $$$ = more chances of being stolen = less chances of it becoming a your main commuter bike. Been there. Initally I wanted a light MTB bike with suspesion and disc. After sticker shock and seeing CL just how many high $$$ bike get stolen from around my area, I've pretty much gave up on that idea.

Get whatever you feel comfortable with and don't worry about the weight unless you have to carry the darn thing on your shoulder for three floors of stair in your commute. 30 lbs, so what, just ride it in your 5mi/way commute. When you get used to it, you will notice you lost 5lbs and even those crappy road and curb seem to have smooth out.

My commuter weighs 30 lbs, and I"d be willing to take it on the hilliest, roughest commute you could find me. With the capability to run 38's with fenders, there isn't a lot that's stopping it, yet it's fast enough to hang with the club riders if I toss on the 28's.

OOPS!!!! Big mistake....
Here's my real city commuter...studs and all.
I never ride my good bike in the salt.
Who would?
Snow, that's way different.
bill

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l1...theTrek008.jpg

I commute on my Specialized Tarmac but thank goodness it sleeps in my office when I get to work; it's never out of sight.

Amen.. Mine's leaned against my desk as I type this :)