Buying my first commuting bike
 

Hey guys, I've decided to start biking my 3 mile commute to work and am trying to choose between 2 bikes: a Cannondale Quick 5 and Specialized Sirrus. Both rode pretty much equally from what I could perceive, and while there are some differences in their make-up, I'm pretty much completely bike-illiterate, so I'm not sure if one has better features than the other. They are pretty evenly priced (Cannondale is $460, Specialized is $470). Any input you can offer would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Cannondale: http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/recr...-quick-5-16134

Specialized: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...port%2FFitness

The Sirrus, in red...yumm...

I have no experience with the Cannondale. I have an old Sirrus. It will work fine for a 3mi commute. I would get fenders if you plan to ride in the rain. Mine came with Armadillo tires, which were very reliable.

are both of these bicycles available from the same bike shop? if not, consider what each shop has to offer in terms of service plans. some shops offer free basics adjustments forever, others only cover that for a few months. do they support the local cycling community? do they attract the best mechanics with good management and pay? do they have any other perks to offer you in terms of discounts on accessories with the bike or discounts on service?

Thanks for the replies. Both shops offer service agreements: the Cannondale offers free lifetime tuneups (although I plan on moving by next year), and the Specialized offers free tuneups for a year. Not sure about management and pay or how they support the community, but I felt the attention paid to how I fit on the bike was better at the Cannondale shop, for what that's worth. The Specialized shop offers 15% accessories at the time of purchase.

For a 3 mile commute you could ride just about anything. If I were you, I'd get something inexpensive off craigslist for now, and re-analyze my situation after I moved. In the meantime you could continue saving for a better bike.

for a 3 mile commute, I'm with Hangtownmatt. Pick up a bike-shop brand bike on CL that fits and is comfortable. Classic 3-speed would do it for that ride and would be plenty comfortable :)

Which is better for longer rides? 'Cause that's what you're gonna want to do once 3 miles becomes "too short" a ride.

I had been stalking CL for a while but didn't really find anything good, which then led me to the local bike shops. I'm thinking more along what Bob N says--I have several friends who bike pretty regularly and anticipate wanting to ride along sometime soon.

The problem is that once you start riding longer rides you will quickly become disappointed with both the Quick 5 and the Sirrus and want to replace whichever one you decide on. That is why is makes sense to get a used bike for now for the commute and start saving up more money for a better bike.

I think you've gotten some good advice here about looking at a used bike. If you decide not to go that route, though, I'd also consider a Jamis Coda, which is in that price range. Very versatile, fast, similar or better specs, nice steel frame. I am a big fan of mine. But only if you have a good local shop that sells Jamis.

Don't forget to budget some money in for a rack and maybe some lights depending on when you'll be commuting. You could also buy panniers and bicycle specific clothing, but a rack and some bungee cords so you can strap whatever you're taking to work on it are pretty much the bare minimum (unless you want to just use a backpack - I do, but then I have to deal with a very sweaty back when I get to work, it's all a tradeoff).

Get yourself one of these for $350 (shipped) and start saving for a road/touring bike for your recreational needs.

That way,you'll have an awesome in-town/neighborhood commuter and grocery getter and a nice weekend / N+1 bike.

Talk to your friends who ride a lot and see what they like/dislike and which lbs they recommend. Heck, one of them may even have an old bike to sell you.

If you are going to ride a lot, you will probably not be happy with straight bars like the two you mention have. Drop bars give you more options for hand position which is nice for longer rides. That said, I rode 75 miles this weekend on my flat bar fixed gear because my LHT was in the shop, so it can be done.

I agree with the others about looking used for now. If you do plan on longer rides in the future than probably on old roadbike would work out well.

Like another poster mentioned, talk to your buddies and see what they may recommend or be able to help you out with.

As far as the two bikes you listed they both seem like they would work out fine for now.

Thanks a lot for the advice, everyone. I'll scour CL a bit more and maybe hit up a few more shops this weekend if nothing turns out.

If you are looking for a budget option The Forge line of bikes seems to be well reviewed by owners and they are on sale right now. These are not typical crap x-mart bikes. For around $200 this M street looks like a pretty good little bike. The only downside is the low gearing but for your short commuter it doesn't matter.

http://www.target.com/Forge-Street-F..._qi_detaillink