Cellar

Hey everybody,

I'm looking to buy a bike that I can commute to work with (10 miles each way) and ride into town to get some groceries, errands, or for a night out. I don't have a whole lot to spend (sub $500, maybe. I might be persuaded into going to $600 or so, but I'm also getting a "fun" bike too so the budget is more limited on this one.)

I was thinking something from Surly, maybe a Masi. I've looked at the BikesDirect bikes, and while I've heard some good things about them, I kind of feel like you get what you pay for.

Thanks!

edit: I'm also very open to single speeds for simplicity sake.

SouthFLpix

How about a Giant Escape City? The MSRP is $560, but you shouldn't have much trouble finding it for around $500 at retail. It comes with pretty much everything you need to commute, including a rear rack and fenders. Just add lights and a cyclo-computer and you're good to go.

Here is the link:
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...pe/7374/44053/

A10K

As far as bare-bones commuters go, there's also the KHS Urban-X for $470. Its pretty rock-bottom as far as components go, but probably the same price or cheaper than buying an equivalently-spec'd bike and adding your own fenders and rack.
I'm not sure if BikesDirect has any bikes with both rack and fenders, but the Cafe Express 8 has an internal 8-speed hub which would make a good base for an all-weather commuter. If road bikes are your thing, the Windsor Tourist comes with a rack. And pretty good components. As far as getting what you pay for, if you have the experience to properly set up a bike yourself, you'll get a very good deal from BD as far as drivetrain goes, although things such as hubs, rims, and headsets are where they save money--the specs on the $600 Tourist don't list hub or rim manufacturers.

fietsbob

What Brands are in your LBS?

Cellar

Thanks for the replies! I am looking for something somewhat aggressive looking. I know, it's a little shallow, but work with me here. My LBS has Surly, Cannondale, Orbea, and Kona. the LHT would be great, but it's too pricey.

10 Wheels

https://websterbicycle.com/product/10...-8-58754-1.htm

Cellar

Also, I'll be doing a bit of snowy riding too, rain as well. If that makes any difference.

10 Wheels

My friend has 45,000 miles on one of these.
He has fenders and a front rack.

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/tourist.htm

monsterpile

If you want aggressive it seems liek the cross bikes would be the way to go. here is one for $500.

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._cross_cx2.htm

If you happened to be either short enough or tall enough to ride a 48cm or 60cm (thats all thats left now) Nashbar's cross bike is a great deal for $452 shipped to your door.

https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...0_10000_202339

exile

What is your "fun bike" and why can't you pool your resources together to get a bike that can do both purposes?

dynaryder

Kona Dew Plus. Has discs for rain and snow,plus you can put on cross tires for snow.

no1mad 

Define a "bit of snowy". Is it a dusting here and there or are you dealing with lake effect snow?

Depending on the amount of snow the OP is talking about, I'd opt for the base Dew to save a little coin.

Cellar

Thanks again for the replies everybody. My fun bike is going to be a Cannondale RZ120 2, I live out in Montana, so there is plenty of mountain biking to do. Commuting through the winter is a goal of mine, so Montana snow (I hear where I am, in Missoula, isn't as bad as the eastern part of the state) is what I'll be dealing with.