Visaliaipa

I've been thinking long and hard the last few weeks about commuting to work as much as I can given diesel prices and the obvious fitness benefit as well.

My commute would not be long, about 7 miles one way, on flat ground through the city. The biggest obstacle is that I work a 12 hour shift and need to be at work by 5am (to get changed out and ready) and get off work at 6pm. And in my line of work i know the kind of "knucleheads" that can be out driving at 4:30am. I do have a stressful job so even though im tired after work, the ride home would be a great time to reduce some stress and de-compress. The City I live in is not what I would call bike friendly, compared to Orange County. They did start to put some bike lanes in but not any close to me yet.

The decision im faced with right now is type/choice of bike. Right now I have a Diamondback Response Sport that I use for MTB but probably not the best for a commuter, even if I change the tires. I want to be able to have a rack, maybe panniers and definantly a cargo trunk to carry stuff, like an occasional 6 pack of Fat Tire or something along those lines....lol.


I tought about a cargo type bike but to me very cost prohibitive and I would never be able to use it to what its made for, although they are cool as heck.

My second choice is obviously a commuter type bike. I just saw a Diamondback INsight RS at performance bike.

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._1101098_-1___

Any advice on bikes etc...? If i buy a new one looking in the neighborhood of no more than 500 to 600 bucks. And any other advice that you who have been doing it for awhile could provide would be great. I'd lke to be able to mount a rack and panniers etc too.

FunkyStickman

I know a lot of people will flame me, but look into a hybrid bike... better brakes and comfort than a road bike, better speed than a mountain bike. If your'e commuting at night, you will definitely want good lighting, so take that cost into consideration.

Either a hybrid, or a decent cyclocross bike. Something that will fit fenders and slightly fatter tires.

capejohn

Any bike will do. It's seven miles and that will seem like a very short commute after a few times.

rawhite1969

I'd say put racks and maybe fenders on what you have and see how it goes, keeping in mind to be able to use what you bolt on it on the next bike, should you need it. Some slicks may be helpful too. 7 miles isn't long and if you are in the city, the upright position and fatter tires will be nice. $600 buys a lot of fuel - so you'll recoup investment quicker if it is smaller

green427

+1. Especially if your terrain is all flat.

You would get to work or home faster on a road/cyclocross, but hybrids are a little more comfy IMHO. Like the others said, get heavy duty tires if you get a road bike.

Titmawz

A commuter bike would be great =) Get some good lights for the front and the back and a helmet =) You can also throw in some panniers or a nice water resistant bag.

Titmawz

I forgot to add, tire liners. Mr tuffys are what I ride and have not had a flat in quite a while. Also some Co2 cartidges along with a pump. Post up a pic of the bike once you get it =)

tsl

N+1 must be obeyed.

Keep your MTB as it is for the types of rides you currently use it for. Buy the you linked to for commuting. $300 is what, three tanks of diesel?

monsterpile

That Diamondback at Performance you linked is a pretty good deal. Just buy some lights and you are good to go.

Visaliaipa

I wish.......34 gallon tank at lets say 4.60/gal here in CA comes out to roughly 156 bucks. Yuck....!!!

Yeah I thought for the money it seems like a pretty decent bike. I'll add plenty of lights for sure.