troyWI

So I'll just lay out the situation I'm in, and hopefully get some great tips/pointers from everyone.

The commute I'll be taking is just under 10 miles, 20 miles round trip. It is a mix of road/sidewalk/short cuts through parking lots/and residential neighborhoods. The bike I'm riding right now is a 15 year old "roadmaster" mountain bike and it is on its last legs. I haven't started commuting quite yet, I've been conditioning my body for it but feel I am ready for it now. Went on a 30 mile ride yesterday, took about 2 hours and 15 minutes (with a nice water and stretch break in it) and feel like it is about that time to upgrade my bike and start the commuting.

I’ve been reading up on bikes and still have a million questions about models, manufactures and what exactly I am going to need in a bike. My price range is anywhere from $100-$600, and I’ve been looking at a ton of different bikes. I’ve read a bunch of good things about the trek fx series, and am going to go look at a 7.2fx tonight just to get an idea of how it looks in person.

I’m just interested in what kind of bikes/things I should be looking for in my search. I’m 6’ 185lbs, and plan to use this bike as a commute bike, paved bike trails, and would like a bike I can take offroad on lighter trails for fun occasionally. If you have any other questions about what I’m looking for let me know, and thanks in advance for any help that you guys can give me

SlimRider

Welcome To Bike Forums, TroyWI!

From what you've described, I'd recommend the following:

1) The Raleigh Cadent FT1 ~ $600
www.raleighusa.com/bikes/performance-hybrid/cadent-ft1-12

2) The Giant Escape 1.0 ~ $530
www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/escape.1/8910/48613/

3) The Fuji Absolute 2.0 ~ $600
www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1093964_-1_400316/

4) The Schwinn Sporterra Sport ~ $495
www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/hybrid/2012-sporterra-sport-mens-14586/

5) The Motobecane Sprint Cafe ~ $600
www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/cafe_sprint.htm

6) The Jamis Coda Sport ~ $560
www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/coda/12_codasport_bk.html

Good Luck!

PS.

All of the bikes above are performance hybrids, build to sit upright. They are all typically fast and agile. They are perfect for commuting, recreational rides through the park, and the occasional off-road venture.

troyWI

Thanks Slim, late reply but I have finally had the chance to ride a few of the bikes. Really love both the raleigh and the giant, and am currently trying to decide between the two of them. The one thing that has me on the fence is the shifter (don't know the technical term for it). I really like the one on the Raleigh, but both bikes are very similar feeling otherwise.

SlimRider

Hey there Troy!

I'd say that if they both feel good to you, but there's some feature that you especially like about one bike that's absent on the other, then opt for the one that has the special feature. In this case, that would be the Raleigh!

OTOH the Escape is a really cool-looking bike too!

CommuteCommando

If the sidewalk is along a route with adequate room on the road for a bike, the street is actually much safer. I avoid sidewalks and parking lots as much as possible. The former slow me down too much, as riding a sidewalk as fast as I ride the street is insanely dangerous. The latter are just plain scary.

https://www.bicyclinglife.com/SafetySkills/RoadVogue.htm

I saw the Jamis Coda, and it get a thumbs up from me.

ncweiler

More things think about that could influence which bike you get.

How do you plan on carrying stuff while riding?How often does it rain?Is the price range you mentioned for the bike by itself or for the bike and accessories?

Since I use a 2011 Raleigh Revenio 1.0 ($550US, https://www.raleighusa.com/archive/20...revenio-10-11/) as a daily commuter, I'll give you a nudge for the Raleigh Cadent.

troyWI

I'll be leaving a few changes of clothes at work, so that won't be needed other than once or twice a week. Same with food, I have a fridge I'll be storing fruit/food and will have bread in my office for lunches.

When it rains I will be taking my motorcycle or my wife's car (my car will be taken off of insurance).

The price limit is there for the bike + accesories, which is why I am leaning pretty heavily towards the giant escape. I'm getting a pretty good deal on it, and now I am just trying to figure out what sort of upgrades I want to focus on right off the bat on it before I purchase it and get it home.