Is There Any Difference Between Bikes?
 

I'm fairly inexperienced in real, long-distance biking. I need a bike that I would use commuting all week to and from school (2 miles away) and to a sports practice which is 4.5 miles away 4x a week. Those took me just over 10 and 20 minutes, respectively, on my scattante cross bike. I'd like to know about which brands are good for what, suggestions for what bike to get (I'd like to keep it cheap- as in $500-$1000), or if there is even a difference between bikes at my level of use.

That being said, I am interested in maybe getting into longer distance rides.

Also, another consideration I had was that I could get a fixie at a very high gear, because I rarely shift gears; it's all flat except for a couple hills/bridges that I just power through. I don't think I want that because I wouldn't be able to coast... Any input on that?

Basically, I want to know what brands are good in general, but also what would be useful for me... and complete bike suggestions wouldn't be amiss either


Thank you so much,
Beni

Any brand from a dedicated bike shop will be good. If you like the idea of a fixie, yet are concerned about not coasting, why not just get a Single Speed?

Is it a cross country mtb or a cyclocross bike. If its a cyclocross bike it should do just fine for what you need. I ride a Specialized Crux (cyclocross bike) and I regularly ride 25-50 mile rides on it. I am sure I can do more but with my current schedule I find it hard to make time for 3+hour bike rides.

Welcome To Bike Forums, Unimaniac!

You say that you already have a Scattante CX bike. Why can't you just use that bike?

I would just go with a single speed if you like the idea of not shifting and want to coast.

As someone else mentioned, you should get a quality bike if you buy from a real bike shop so brand shouldn't matter as all bike shops carry quality brands.

I'd go for a 3-speed hub rather than a single speed. You can set it up so 3rd gear is your cruising gear, and spend most of your time in 3rd. 1st and 2nd are then there for acceleration and steep hills.

well within that range.. 500$ for starts..

but a 600 dollar bike at a bike shop, similar category will be like another $600. of a different brand
in another LBS..

In many cases the 2 brands are contract manufactured in the same Asian factory.
brand names being a name on top of the contract..

Does your current bike fit? Will it take a rack? If so, I'd say drop a little cash on a rack, maybe some new tires if needed and maybe some other accessories (helmet, light - if needed, maybe some shorts, etc.) and save the new bike for later.

Not to mention there are bike congloms that own several bike brands so some of the bike companies are owned by the same parent company.

I'd go with the 3 speed idea as mentioned above