Better Bike for Commuting?
09-19-11 | 10:46 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
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Better Bike for Commuting?
I would just like a bit of advice from y'all on which of these bikes would serve as a better commuter bike:
A slightly used 2009 khs flite 220 road bike for $375
or a much older Vintage Fuji S12-S 18 Speed Road Bike with new brake levers, tires, rims, and wiring for $250.
Basically, is the khs flite 220 worth the extra 125 bucks?
Thanks!
A slightly used 2009 khs flite 220 road bike for $375
or a much older Vintage Fuji S12-S 18 Speed Road Bike with new brake levers, tires, rims, and wiring for $250.
Basically, is the khs flite 220 worth the extra 125 bucks?
Thanks!
09-19-11 | 11:45 PM
#4
LET'S ROLL
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From: NEW YORK, NY - USA
Bikes: 2014 BMC Gran Fondo, 2013 Brompton S6L-X
Test ride both and see which one kicks ass better
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09-20-11 | 05:17 AM
#6
Infamous Member
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Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Asking this question in Foo is like asking the residents of Toon Town to drop a piano on your head. 
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
09-20-11 | 05:22 AM
#7
Batüwü Griekgriek
Joined: May 2005
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Bikes: 1986 Trek 500 Tri Series, 2005 Cannondale R1000
what Chipcom said...
Steve you may wanna do a search in the commuter threads, lots of great general advice there.
For commuting you need to consider your route, riding style , what you'll be carrying (do you need a rack?), but also whether you can bring your bike inside at work. My lock-up situation at my job has a huge effect on what bike I'd use. Generally speaking street lockup=theft or damage, so you want to limit the bling factor and your $ investment so you limit losses when* they happen.
*"when" , not 'if'
Steve you may wanna do a search in the commuter threads, lots of great general advice there.
For commuting you need to consider your route, riding style , what you'll be carrying (do you need a rack?), but also whether you can bring your bike inside at work. My lock-up situation at my job has a huge effect on what bike I'd use. Generally speaking street lockup=theft or damage, so you want to limit the bling factor and your $ investment so you limit losses when* they happen.
*"when" , not 'if'
09-20-11 | 01:34 PM
#8
always rides with luggage
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: KIGX
Bikes: 2007 Trek SU100, 2009 Fantom CX, 2012 Fantom Cross Uno, Bakfiets
Come on, Commuting is just going to sell him a Surly LHT. Commuting is the biggest bunch of Surly shills on the entire Internet.
Foo is far less biased.
I would take the KHS.
Foo is far less biased.
I would take the KHS.
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--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
09-20-11 | 03:54 PM
#9
Unlisted member
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From: Chicagoland
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock
09-20-11 | 03:57 PM
#10
always rides with luggage
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 20
From: KIGX
Bikes: 2007 Trek SU100, 2009 Fantom CX, 2012 Fantom Cross Uno, Bakfiets
Even so, they'd still be selling him a Surly.
__________________
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
09-20-11 | 04:15 PM
#12
BF Risk Manager
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Snohomish County, Washington USA
Bikes: Road, mountain and folding
Although I am no doubt breaking the Foo code by providing actual advice, I would go with the KHS. Newer and probably better components, and likely easier to find parts and accessories.
09-21-11 | 01:43 PM
#15
Senior Member
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From: Louisville, KY
I've been seeing a lot of love lately for GMC Denalis, so I say get yourself to walmart and get one of those. That way all the drivers out there in their smoke belching steel boxes will see you driving a brand they recognize and respect you as one of their own rather than one of those spandex clad fairies on some furrren bikecycle.
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Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),1990 Concorde Aquila(hit by car while riding), others in build queue "when I get the time"
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),
09-21-11 | 01:56 PM
#16
Batüwü Griekgriek
Joined: May 2005
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Bikes: 1986 Trek 500 Tri Series, 2005 Cannondale R1000
this. I liked fishing commuters outta the garbage - new tubes, check the brakes, some fresh chain lube and off you go, on the cheap.
09-21-11 | 02:21 PM
#18
Banned
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From: Northern California
Bikes: Raleigh Grand Prix, Giant Innova, Nishiki Sebring, Trek 7.5FX
I wouldn't get either one.
Why get either of those, when you could just as easily get a Surly LHT?
- Slim
PS.
OTOH- I guess you could really never go astray with a Fuji!
Why get either of those, when you could just as easily get a Surly LHT?
- Slim
PS.
OTOH- I guess you could really never go astray with a Fuji!
Last edited by SlimRider; 09-21-11 at 02:31 PM.
09-21-11 | 02:29 PM
#19
always rides with luggage
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 20
From: KIGX
Bikes: 2007 Trek SU100, 2009 Fantom CX, 2012 Fantom Cross Uno, Bakfiets
Cue the endless line of Surly salesmen...
__________________
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
09-21-11 | 03:01 PM
#20
Senior Member
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From: Louisville, KY
Get a recumbent. Apparently, then you're allowed to grow a beer belly and a beard (though I have both of those and lack the 'bent).
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Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),1990 Concorde Aquila(hit by car while riding), others in build queue "when I get the time"
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),
09-21-11 | 09:04 PM
#22
This bike is cat approved
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Lincoln, NE
Bikes: To many to list...
Ok this thread has gone a different directions. If you have the extra money I would go with the KHS if its still available. Its steel and its a brifter bike for less than $400. Offer $350 they might take it. If you like Vintage stufe the Fuji is probably a nice bike too. You might be able to find better deals on either type of bike, but not everyone has the time to do that.
09-22-11 | 06:59 AM
#23
Banned
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5,804
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From: Northern California
Bikes: Raleigh Grand Prix, Giant Innova, Nishiki Sebring, Trek 7.5FX
Why not get a brand new bike for $350, from an excellent bike manufacturer...
Order a brand new Fuji - Absolute 3.0 from performancebike.com
www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_500042_-1_
Just click on..Bikes & Frames...Then go to "Shop by Brand"...Then click on Fuji..Select ..Absolute 3.0...then go back to the home page to find a store that is closest to you.
-Slim
PS.
You'll not only own a very fast and fun bike, it'll have a warranty too!
Order a brand new Fuji - Absolute 3.0 from performancebike.com
www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_500042_-1_
Just click on..Bikes & Frames...Then go to "Shop by Brand"...Then click on Fuji..Select ..Absolute 3.0...then go back to the home page to find a store that is closest to you.
-Slim
PS.
You'll not only own a very fast and fun bike, it'll have a warranty too!
Last edited by SlimRider; 09-22-11 at 07:10 AM.
09-22-11 | 08:33 AM
#24
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From: Edgewater, CO
Bikes: Tons
The Absolute 3.0 is significantly different, and crappier than the two he referenced in the original post. If you'll notice, he posted about two drop bar road bikes.
Not to mention the components on the Flite are significantly better than the components on that Absolute 3.0.
