I'm a 44 year-old newbie to both this forum and bicycling. I rode a bike a LOT as a kid, but haven't ridden much at all worth mentioning since I got my driver's license nearly thirty years ago. I've suddenly got it in my head that riding a bike to work would be a good thing for me. There is also a paved bike and walking trail near my home that I walk a lot on now but would like to ride a bike on, but that would be a secondary purpose. My main use would be commuting the 6 miles to work (12 round trip) on relatively flat city/suburban streets. There are some hills, but only if I leave my intended route to run errands, or to ride the bike path up the canyon.

So, I already mentioned I'm 44 and in relatively good health. My knees do bother me sometimes. I'm also overweight at 5' 10" and 230 lbs. Of course, I'm hoping to drop some pounds by getting regular exercise, but I think I should get a bike that is comfortable for me to ride now.

Like the title suggests, I'm seriously looking at the Giant Via 1 for that commute. Steel frame, upright riding position, fenders, rear rack (for a laptop and maybe some clothes), and a three speed internal hub. It sounds just right for me, but like I said, I'm a complete newbie, so I'm second-guessing myself. Do any of you have any experience with this bike, or have other suggestions for me to consider?

The reason I started looking at Giant in the first place is because the two LBSs near me sell either Giant, Raleigh, or Trek. I live in an area of Utah where bicycle commuting is uncommon, and as a result they don't actually have the Via in stock, but there is a dealer willing to order, assemble, and sell it to me for $475. That also includes one year of service. That's $75 less than the $550 the Giant website says is the average price, so it seems like a good deal, assuming the bike is a good fit for me.

Do you think this bike will work for what I'm planning to use it for, and can anyone look into their crystal ball and tell me whether I'm going to be happy with the purchase or regret it? Thanks a lot for any help or pointers you can give.

No one can tell you if you'll like or it or not. That's for you to decide. That being said, I'd ask that LBS what their policy is on returns/exchanges, as you are essentially special ordering a bike that you haven't test ridden yet. And, yeah, I'd get it.

I would think this bike may be an excellent choice for you. It has many of the accessoires people like. The chain guard, internal gearing, rack and fenders. Three speed is probably fine unless you do decide to ride in the hilly area. (and even then you probably could just replace the cog for $10).

Thank you both for that feedback. I feel under-educated and not well equipped to make a decision like this (although thankfully we're not talking about a huge amount of money), and your responses help immensely. I will talk to that dealer again tomorrow and will ask about the possibility that I'd want to return the bike after trying that commute a couple times.

Another thing that the Via has going for it are the relatively long chain stays, which helps minimize heel strike*. And that IGH will be a plus if you have small kids in your house like I do- caught my son trying to "fix" my bike by chiseling away at the rear cassette with a hammer and screwdriver.

*Heel strike is when the back of your shoes/feet hit the bottom of the panniers/baskets/whatever bag you have hanging off of your rack. Once you experience it, you'll be determined to avoid it from them on.

Ah, nice. Good info about the long chain stays. I wouldn't have known to look for that and I probably will want to use panniers.

My youngest is 14, but I wouldn't put it past him to hammer on stuff. My hope with the IGH was less maintenance, since every bike I've ever stored hasn't shifted right after a year or two, and I never did figure out how to adjust derailleurs properly. Speaking of which, what do you think of the tires? They are Kenda Kwest w/ K-Shield, 700x32. I haven't heard of them. Pretty good at avoiding flats? I read one review that said they were junk.

My favorite local LBS got in a Via 1 just a few weeks after I bought my commuter bike. I am really impressed with the Via 1, and would've waited for it if I knew it was on the way. The bike rides quite well. The CroMo frame looks sweet. I wouldn't hesitate to use it for my 27 mile round trip commute.

I can't speak for the stock tires. Just make sure to keep your tires inflated properly, avoid debris the best you can, and carry a patch kit with some sort of inflation device (pump or CO2) and you'll be fine.

And I hear you about the adjusting of the rear derailleur. Mine's acting up (and it just got tuned up at the LBS), and I've decided I'm going either SS with the option to convert to IGH, or straight to IGH.

Hello harrv.
Your story is similar to many here. I'd recommend searching the forum archives for ideas on equipment choices. (lights, accessories, etc.)
Just remember that commuting is a ride, not a bike. There are many, many bikes that are excellent commuters. Fit is key, then features. Looks like you're on the right track with your LBS. A good choice you've made.

It's a nice looking bike. If it's not too hilly, the 3-speed could be a good choice if you're wanting that style of bike.

I put a lot of miles on a 3-speed that I used to carry my daughter around on. I never commuted on it because of my rather hilly route.
One thing I've noticed is that almost all 3-speeds seem to be overgeared. Changing the rear sprocket is a fairly quick job. I think I increased two teeth on mine and could still cruise at 18mph or so with the kid on the front and made the ride much easier when I wanted to go slower.

Not saying that you would have to change the gearing, just to remember that it's an option. The gear is less than $20, though you may have to buy a chain if you added too many teeth.

Regarding the tires; I found that this is a little trial and error. After a while I found I like a little fatter tires because our roads are in such disrepair and fatter tires gave me a smoother ride. You, however, might find that you like thinner tires, because they are faster. Regarding flat protection you can't beat Schwalbe Marathons Plus, but they have other drawbacks (price, weight etc). I don't have personal experience with Kenda Qwest, but what I hear they are not top of the line. I have Panaracer t-serv Messenger tires, that's how I roll :-)

Thank you very much. Great recommendations!

Most of the bike manufactures save cost on complete bikes like this by using lesser components, tires, or other items in exchange for a semi-decent frame and gearing.

I test rode a Felt Cafe 3. Very similar. I loved the ride and the shifting was dead on. Two things kept me from buying it. I did not like the coaster brake if I am turning at speed and have to adjust which peddle is up and out of the way, and three gears is not enough for a fat guy in a hilly area. I would suggest looking at the Trek PDX. Its about $569 has a ton of great features like disc brakes and the FX geometry and its a bit sportier than the Via (You are never too old to think you look cool!).

I have a Bianchi Milano thats a 3-speed that I would not hesitate to commute on everyday. I think that Via is a beauty of a bike and for people that don't want to mess with derailers IGH is a great choice. I haven't seen one of these in person, but I liked the Kona Bike or Worldbike I saw in a shop this week. Its a totally different style though based on on a mountain bike frame and all black. Anyway, if you want my opinion buy the bike. I think you will be happy with it. =)