Choosing a commuter bike
 

I'm choosing between the following two bikes for a commuter, wanted feedback plz:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...laxy_al_xi.htm
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../liberty_2.htm

The second bike seems to have better components. But, am hesitant about the compact frame. I'll occasionally call on the bike for fast downhills, turns, etc.

BTW... if you have a link to a better bike in this price range for my needs, please post it!

Thanks,
Tom

The compact frame will be, if anything, more responsive aka "twitchier". It also doesn't have rack mounts.

All the standard caveats about commuting with a road bike apply.

Or all the standard benefits about commuting with a road bike apply.

Depends on your POV.

Also, a sloping top tube doesn't make a bike any more or less "twitchy". That's a function of geometry, primarily head tube angle and fork rake. My most stable bike is a compact frame. My twitchiest one has a traditional level top tube.

If I could choose only between these two bikes, I'd go with the Galaxy. It has rack mounts, something I find essential in a commuting bike.

I also see the 8-speed drivetrain as a benefit. I'm finding the 8-speed wears longer and replacement parts are cheaper. If you're looking at $500 bikes, then I have to figure running costs down the road are also important to you.

I own 8, 9 and 10-speed bikes. I run 12-23 cassettes on all three and find very little difference in day-to-day riding. It adds up quick when it comes to chains. I get roughly 1000 more miles out of an 8-speed chain compared to a 10-speed, and the 8-speed chains are about a third of the price. 9-speed is somewhere between the two on both cost and durability. Eight-speed cassettes too are about a third of the price of 10-speed, with 9-speed falling in the middle.

A lot of people commute on road bikes into DC -- I know because I see a dozen of them each morning and probably dozens in the evening.

It's not my thing - because I hate skinny, hard tires on bad roads -- but it doesn't seem to bother most people I see. I'd say 90% of the commuters I see are on skinny tires, no fenders, and have a back pack on.....all 3 of which I hate.

My opinion would be based on the distances you ride. If you ride longer distances, the Gravity will be far more comfortable due to its geometry.
Though, if you're going to be using it for 'real' road riding as well, you might want to reconsider, as the aggressive position of the Mercier will allow for more speed and will (as far as I can compare the two) be more responsive.