First step to my commute: Buying a bike!
 

Hey guys, I just started a summer job in Redmond, WA and I'm looking to start commuting to work by bike. I've visited a couple bike shops in my area and have looked at a few models they have. I'm looking mostly at hybrid bikes due to my price range. I'd like to stay below 450. My commute is only 3.1 miles right now, but that might change in the future. Overall, I'd like a bike I can commute on in the summer and ride for fun and fitness afterwards.

If you could weigh in on these I'd appreciate it. My purchase has to be local to the Seattle area. I've tried looking through craigslist, but I don't really know enough to sift out the good from the bad. I'm sure used would be cheaper though.

Raleigh Misceo 424$ after discount http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/hybrid/misceo-12/
Pros: I like the disc brakes for wet Seattle weather
The ez fire shifter is really nice
The bike looks great
Light with a steel fork so I don't tear it up going off curbs

Cons:
Tires are a little wide. Switching out to thinner ones would be expensive for me.

Raleigh Cadent ft0 $368 after discount http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/perf...cadent-ft0-12/
Haven't test ridden this one but it looked good.

Giant Cypress $370 http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...ss/9019/48868/
Ride felt pretty good. Looks are okay. Idk if a front shock is necessary for me.

Thanks!

I'd say skip the Cypress due to the unnecessary suspended fork. Both the Raleigh Misceo and the Cadent FT are your best candidates. The Tektro disc brakes are at the bottom of the disc brake hierarchy. However, if you're mechanically inclined, readjusting them should pose no significant problem. They are more efficient brakes than the linear ones.

You can always upgrade your disc brakes, as well as other components later. At least the Misceo is already set up for disc brakes.

Therefore, I'll vote for the Misceo. However, I do prefer the looks of the Cadent FT!

+1

There are a lot of good bikes in that range in addition to the ones mentioned. Get quick release wheels front and back, and shifters that are at least a step above "Twisty grips", and yes, pass on the shocks.

+2

So the misceo is looking good. It seems to have a lot going for it over the others. I like the all black matte finish myself :). If I wanted to get thinner wheels and a make the front quick release, what would be my best option? Just buy a new front wheel and a new rim for the back? How much would that run me?

+2 to the Misceo. The disk brakes, even though they are at the bottom end, will be appreciated in the rainy weather of Seattle I think.

The Misceo has quick release front and rear (I believe the earlier poster was just suggesting you look for that in any bike you consider not saying those you listed didn't include them) and you should be able to go down quite a bit in tire size on the stock rims if you wish.

I'd pick the Dealer First, then the bike.. service after the sale a primary criteria.

Same shop sell Both?

tires , new take offs have trade in value ..
to offset retail (-10%) if bundled with original purchase,
as would equipping Mudguards and racks also be priced down
10% with bike purchase, N/C on fitting labor.
likewise saddle , pedals . stem length, and,
other changes from what came out of the OEM carton.

+1

Luckily I work at Microsoft and we have a bike shop on the campus. 20% off everything and free tune-ups for ms employees. I'm sure service will be no problem! The misceo and cadent are both sold there. They will also ship the bike for me after my summer work is over. Really top notch guys. They build all the bikes they sell there and set them up for you.

Ah, I didn't notice that in the description. Even better. Sound like some tires and tubes should have me all set. I'll probably put on a rack too. What do you think of the topeak line with the dovetail on the rack to accept trunks/bags/etc? Seems pretty handy.