Kd Charlemagne

Saw the 2011 Jamis Commuter 2 in my local bike shop and was wondering if anyone is familiar with it. I'm looking for a bike to commute 20 miles round trip and for cruising on the bike paths on weekends. Will this do? Could I do better for $500?

Thanks!

Oil_LOL

Not familiar with this bike in particular, but it looks like your standard road hybrid, just outfitted for commuting. Comes with some cool extras' the chain guard and the fenders, which will be good to have in a commute to keep you dry in wet/muddy conditions. All it needs is a rear rack and panniers or something, and you'd be good to go for the majority of commutes. If you have a longish commute, I'd look into clipless pedals, but that's not necessary.

Also looks pretty sexy.

soho2009

Might want to check out the Kona Dew, Dew Plus, or Deluxe in that price range. Sometimes you can get the previous model year for a decent discount if they have it in stock. Just have them add fenders and saddle bags.

No matter what bike you get. if you are going to do 100 miles a week for 30 weeks a year, that would be 3000 miles a year. Expect the original tires to die rather quickly. Even as short as 1000 miles. So budget commuting tires from $30 to $60 dollars each tire plus decent tubes. The best commuting tires run up to 10000 miles. (personal experience) So so ones will give you 6000 miles. Front tire lasts longer than rear if you regularly carry your bags filled.

tjspiel

As you've probably noticed there are a million choices. The Jamis looks like a very capable bike but I do have one recommendation before you buy anything:

See if you can borrow or rent a bike and do a practice commute.

10 miles is not an extraordinary distance by any means but it's not a short commute either. Depending on traffic, hills, and whatnot, it could take an hour or more each way. I'd say 45 minutes at a minimum.

My first commute a couple of decades ago was 8 miles and it took about 40 minutes. Prior to starting I hadn't done a lot of riding either but I was young and in shape. I only did it about once a week though. The distance was not a problem at all and it may not be for you either, but it could take a little while for your body to adapt if you're not used to it.

Taking a practice ride will give better insight and might ultimately help you choose a bike. For example, there might be a sizable hill that you barely notice while driving but leaves a lasting impression when you try to ride it.

One thing I would caution you about taking a practice ride though is not to get discouraged if it ends up being more work than you thought. It'll get easier the more you do it.

Kd Charlemagne

Thanks for those responses. Doing a practice commute is an excellent idea and am planning to do so.

Pistard

I looked at most of the jamis line before buying the Citizen 3, they are top notch.