I just bought a used Giant Cypress ST. I was hesitant because it has a heavy frame but I read a few good reviews on it and it was a good price. Right now I am only go to and from the gym (about 3.6 miles one way) but I would like to start commuting to work (16mi one way) and I was wondering if you guys have any suggestions on improvements I can make. I want to get it to go as quick and ride as smooth as possible. It is all stock nothing has been done to it. Any suggestions?

Yeah, ride it to work on one of your off days. It'll give you an idea how long it will take and whether or not n+1 will occur sooner than later.

n+1 is the mathematical formula of bike ownership where 'n' represents what you already have. I say this because I don't think that you'll enjoy that Cyprus on that long of a ride.

Welcome To Bike Forums, BCPeters!

Well, if you're more interested in speed and not so much comfort, then narrower tires with little to no tread would be advisable. Of course, the drawback to that would be more expected flats, unless you have flat resistant tires. OTOH, if you really don't care that much about speed, but you wanna have a more relaxing ride, then you might opt for wider tires.

If it were me, I'd opt for wider tires, a rack, and fenders. You see, I like comfort and convenience. Steady as she goes...I'll get there in due time, safely and hopefully without incident...

Sincerely,

Fred

PS.

Make certain you carry your OnGuard or NY Fahgettaboudit U Lock at all times. Carry a patch kit and wear bright reflective clothing ( a safety vest would be nice). Make certain that your arithmetic is protected at all times when riding. You'll need a bell or Airzound to alert folks in case of an emergency. Some dogs like to chase for fun. Some dogs like to chase and bring down their prey. Therefore, since you're not the Dog Whisperer, carry pepper spray. You'll need tools and a pocket knife.

+1

Yeah, that does sound like quite a distance on a comfort hybrid. Does your commute include any hills?

Thanks for the advice guys. @ no1mad I bought the Cypress after a suggestion from a guy that worked at a local bike store. @SlimRider I guess I am mainly looking to be as efficient as possible.

There are no big hills. I was looking for something affordable and could do what I needed. The guy I took advice from said commuting that distance with this bike would not be an issue.

The Cypress is acceptable for your gym commute, but if you really want 'efficient' on your work commute... the Cypress ain't it. The frame geometry is all wrong for efficiency or speed or performance. Noodling around the block or herding the kiddies in the park or the MUP, sure, but not for your work commute in a timely manner.

What would you suggest at a reasonable price?

Technically speaking, he's right. But it will take you longer to make that trip, and though it is a comfort bike, you will grow weary of spending that much time in the saddle day after day.

Of course, you could always slap a Bionx kit on there and that would greatly reduce your commute time...

That will vary from person to person. Some here have literally pulled a frame out of a dumpster and used parts that they had already had on hand to build up an essentially free bike. Others will spend over a grand to get what they want.

The question is really how much can you comfortably afford if you're now considering buying another bike- based soley on the advice of complete strangers? Try riding that work commute and figure out if a) you can actually hack it and b) are willing/able to make what you got work for now.

Make sure you have good safety equipment, even for such a short ride.

Three hours ago I was riding the roughly 2.5 miles to my LBS, and I got hit by a damned SUV. I'm okay, though I'm developing a magnificent bruise, but yeah... shorter errand ride than yours and I got hit.

Amusing part for me is I was hit by a vehicle behind me and on my left, while I was going to the LBS to get a mirror so I could see what was behind me and on my left.

Let me be a dissenting voice. I could commute on that bike. I'd add fenders, a bit narrower tires, bar ends, ditch the suspension seat post and let er rip.

If you're in traffic, wear his vis neon lime green, nothing else compares. If you're a good driver, you recognize the need for mirrors, same on a bike. Head mounted is best as it's the most efficient. Carrying gear would be easier with racks and bags rather than a back pack. I never much care how light I am when commuting.

Have a back up plan if something goes wrong. Maybe somebody you work with or your spouse could pick you up (that's never happened to me!).

And lastly, which you've likely considered, you could always consider a partial commute on days you may not feel up to the whole thing.

+1. You may prefer more of a road bike, but since you have the Cypress, try it. I was commuting 17 miles each way for a while on my hybrid and it was okay. I prefer a more upright position anyway. (I stopped commuting mostly due to time constraints.)

I am not saying I am going to switch bikes. I am going to stick it out with my bike I was just curious what you would suggest since my pick was a bad one in your opinion. The reason for this post is to get advice since I am new to this.

Thanks that is good advice. How narrow would you recommend? Right now I have 700X38c tires on. Is there such a thing as two narrow? I have also read that I should be looking for slicks, is that true?

If money is tight, then just go with the Cypress for now. However, if you ever get a chance, I'd suggest a single speed road bike. Something like the following would suffice:

The Nashbar Argyle ~ $200
www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_537009_-1__202614

The Nashbar SE Lager ~ $275
www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_543181_-1__202614

Get something like one of these single speeds and place the Cypress on your local Craigslist, so that it can contribute to the cost of your new single speed.

PS.

You won't tire as fast and you'll feel more refreshed once you arrive at work. Otherwise, doing the daily commute with the comfort hybrid geometry, for that distance will most likely not feel too enjoyable.

Don't take my word for it though. Let's see how it goes first. You just might like it!

You want some pretty sturdy tires and I don't know that I would go any lower than 32's. There's plenty of choices like Armadillos and Gatorskins. They can be pricey though. If you're good at changing flats quickly, it won't matter much.

They don't necessarily have to be slick, but a lot of tread is not necessary for sure if you're riding mostly pavement.

When the snow comes, then you'll need studs with some tread.

As a side note since we're talking various styles of bikes, I almost purchased a Trek Valencia electric assist. That would be really nice for long commutes. That sucker would bump you up to 20 mph in no time if you wanted it. Talk about heavy though.

I wish I would have come on this site first because those are pretty affordable. I am definitely going to try the commute a few times first but if I don't like it those might be good options.

It's so damned ironic, it's almost funny! Heck, it is funny!

Glad you're alright, though...It could have been much much worse!

Good Luck!

Everyone has their own preferences and will advise you based on their bias. There's a ton of bikes that I'm attracted to, but not all are available locally, and I can't afford most of them. Had you posed a typical "what bike" question, my default answer has historically been the Giant Escape City (w/bar ends added).

Thanks for the advice guys. I am definitely going to stick it out with the Cypress for a bit. We will see how the commute is. If I am very unhappy I may sell it and get something better. If there is any more advice out there I am all ears.

If the 32 mile round trip is too much to start out with, drive half way, park and ride the second half. Reverse on the way home.

Another option if your buses have racks - take the bus into work and ride the bike home.

+1 ^ This sounds like a great option too!

However, you could just get a single speed and not sweat it either way...

Therefore, no bus, no extra fuel cost, and no added dependence upon a second party to provide adequate transportation...

PS.

Try CB's option first though, just to have the experience, so that you will have greater depth from which to judge.

That just might do the trick!

Patch kit and take the time to practice removing the wheels and tires at home- do it until you can do it with your eyes closed (might have to do so at night and in the rain sometime- and you don't want to take the time to figure out to change a flat at that time). Carry a spare tube and patches. Bunch of us swap out the tube and then patch the bad one after the ride.

Lights. Get at least two rear lights. PBSF Turbo, PDW Radbot 1k, Cygolite Hotshot are some decent rear lights that aren't too pricey. Bunch of people like the Hotshot because it's USB rechargeable and you can program intensity and flash patterns.
Front lights- you'll want as much as you can afford. It's better to have too much light and scale back than not having enough and wanting/needing more.

Also, get a rear rack for the Cypress. You'll have to figure out if you'll want to use a trunk bag, pannier(s), basket(s), or just strap a backpack on it for yourself.