Recommend me a bike!
 

Hi,

I have been researching throughout this site and I still am confused so I would like your advices.

Let me describe the situation. I am looking for a inexpensive (~$400) bike that is mainly for paved roads. So I would like to get a road bike. I won't be riding on mountains for sure.

My meager previous experiences with bikes are cheapo MTB bikes from walmart. I used to commute around 3 mi one way to school with cheapo MTB. Thus, this time around, I would like to invest some more to get decent bikes that I can ride at least 2 years without much trouble.

I am 6ft tall and with average build ~165lb.

My plan is to commute ~7mi one way (14mi total) with the bike. The elevations are shown as below.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3...0elevation.png

I found out that having a single speed saves lots of money. I am wondering if single speed is adequate for this route?

At first I thought about Nashbar Hounder per another thread. I really like the price and simplicity. But all the reviews said that components are poor for that bike. I am worried that this bike won't last two years. Thus I am thinking about the Windsor Clockwork as others suggested.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../clockwork.htm

It would be wonderful if you can advise me on right size. I am planning to visit LBS to get the bike fitted. What are the prices for fitting the bike?

I am also open to other bikes. I am going to buy rear rack and perhaps fenders.I also would like to purchase cell phone holder for my googlemap access.

Please recommend me a bike!

Thanks!

IMHO you've got at least three choices:

1) Keep an eye out for an old used 1980's chromoly steel 10 speed bicycle off of Craigslist. Make certain that you take someone with you who "knows bikes", when you go for your test ride and pick up.

2) You could get this from bikesdirect.com

The Windsor Wellington ~ $350
www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/wellington2_IX.htm

3) Go to your nearest Schwinn Dealership and get this one:

The Schwinn Sporterra ~ $410
www.Schwinnbikes.com/bikes/hybrid/2012-Sporterra-mens-14553

This is what you want.
It has a triple for hills and a rack.

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

I like the bike, Windsor Tourist, but it is sold out for my size 58cm.

Looks like link for Windsor Wellington is broken. I like the price and looks of Wellington 2.0. I might as well go for this one.

If you are willing to spend that much on a bike, take a look at the Bikesdirect Fantom Cross CX. The web site currently shows it available in black or silver in your size, and costs a little less than the Windsor Tourist.

Man, that Wellington is so cheap I might pick one up just for having. Been thinking I need a road bike, recently.

Hmm.. now I am unsure.. My original budget is $400 but that Windsor Tourist had all rack+fender equipped so I thought about it. But I feel more comfortable spending less and get Wellington2.0. Even if I have to pay for rack and fenders, I think I can get the whole thing just under $400.

The Windsor Tourist comes with a rear rack, but not fenders.

Ah, right. I thought that it did.
I am just not sure if I am ready to invest $600 on bike yet...

If you don't mind Downtube shifters

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...e_xi_steel.htm

That Wellington is alot of bike for the money. There are maybe some better deals on road bikes in that price range on Bikesdirect, but they are all sold out. My guess is that you would be very happy with the Wellington. I have had a couple bikes similarly speced and they were a pretty good bikes. If price is a big concern you could check out the scratch and dent offerings at Bikesdirct sister site BikesIsland. I don't think they have anything interesting in your size right now, but they get in new stuff all the time.

http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_S...=Bikes:%20Road

Be sure to check out all the dropdown menus for sizes and sometimes they have extra discounts if they are really scratched up or whatever. I have bought 3 different bikes from them including a killer deal on my Windsor Tourist.

Not a 'road' bike, but fits every bullet point (except style)- KHS Green. Within budget, drive train will require less maintenance, has rack and fenders included. Probably not as attractive to bike thieves as a road bike would be...

guess bikes direct can drop the advertising . the cult has taken root.

If you've got hills, you do NOT want a single speed!

How about a Torker Interurban?
a little higher price than you asked, but a very good deal for what you get.
double butted cromo frame, sti shifters, etc

google shows a number of good reviews