Hello All,

Im currently looking to buy a bike to cycle daily to and from work. Im a little bit confused as to what to buy. My route each day would be a 10 mile round trip, mixed gradient nothing too steep though. most of the cycle would be on tarmac, i would need to negotiate a few curbs. The last 500 meters of the ride is down a gravelly road, quiet loose and fairly rough. The wether is prety erratic aswell, with plenty of Rain! well thats the picture painted!
My budget would around 1000GBP(1600$) . Im after something light,agile able to take a few bumps and not too sluggish on roads or tarmac as thats where it will spend most of its life. Im basically after a jack of all trades but a master of none. Im fairly certain this will take me to a hybrid bike. I think i want one that sits right in the middle of the hybrid spectrum.

Any feedback or suggestions would be most appreciated!

Thanks in Advanced.

Carlos

What works for me might be awful for you. So I would urge you to go to your local bike shop(s), explain your needs, ride as many different bikes as they will let you. Figure out what fits and what feels comfortable to you. Establish a relationship with them because that has value then work your best deal and get out there and get riding.

If there are no bike shops in your area, my apologies. I'm sure the commuting genius's in this forum will be more than generous with their opinions.

Seconded on "ride the hell out of whatever they have in the shop". Your budget is rather generous, you should be able to find a decent bike, but don't forget to figure in the cost of a lock + air pump + helmet + other necessities.

And another bit of advice - if you do go to the bike shop, don't tell them your budget's that high. Bike shop salesmen, like any other salesmen, will find a way to take it from you.

First, I'm with umazuki. Tell the dealer you're looking to spend around £600, then work your way from there. Remember accessories will eat up that remaining £400 very easily--lights, rack, mudguards, panniers, lock, repair kit, pump, helmet, lock(s), raingear, etc.

Second, for five miles each way, you can ride darned near anything. At that point it's not the distance or roadway conditions that dictate the bike, but rather, your personal preferences, your commuting style, and available facilities at work.

For example, showers, lockers, secure bike storage (locker or room), and wanting a workout on the way to work point towards one type of bike. No showers or lockers, a bike rack on the street, and preferring to commute in work attire dictates other choices.

Finally, are you already a cyclist, or will this be a first bike? If the former, let your experience guide you.

If the latter, bear in mind that the purpose of your first bike is to teach you what you want and need in a second bike. Therefore, expect that what you learn about cycling and about yourself as a cyclist will mean you'll want a different bike in six months to a year. Plan (read: budget) accordingly for your first bike.

My first bike was an inexpensive hybrid. I planned on riding 2-3 miles each way to work, 3-4 times a week in work clothes, and never in foul weather. First I learned that I sweat profusely no matter how cool the temperatures. Second, I learned that I really, really, liked cycling and that 2-3 miles wasn't enough for me. I also learned that I wasn't content to pootle along at a processional pace. I liked riding fast. I was surprised to learn that not only didn't I mind foul weather cycling, but that I thoroughly enjoyed it. And finally, although my workplace (a public library) is one of the few places you can reliably find bike parking racks in the US, the boss insisted I park my bike indoors.

Nine months later, I had a second-hand road bike with mudguards, rear rack with panniers, and lights. I rode to work in cycling gear carrying my work clothes in the panniers. (The branch I work at now has lockers, so I haul everything in on Monday, then ride any old bike I want mid-week, and haul everything back home at the end of the week.) And I began something I continue to this day, taking the long route to work. I currently cover four times the distance of my shortest route, just because I like it.

Things will probably turn out differently for you than for me (or anyone else), but my point is that until you're doing it, it's tough to predict what will work out for you as a commuter.

If you already know (not suspect or speculate, but know) some of these things, then that can help us narrow the choices for you.

Your budget seems quite generous. As noted, a 10 mile RT means you can ride almost anything. I'd suggest fenders, lights and a rear rack.

I don't know if this helps at all, but I ride an older aluminium frame F/S mtn bike for commuting during late fall/winter and a flat bar road bike during the spring/summer. My commute is 37km round trip

With your budget I suspect that you can not only get a nice commuting bike, but a solid beater bike as well for backup and bad weather riding. I'd quote your budget at £500 and see what the store has. That should be enough to get you a solid commuter. Then if necessary, they can upsell you. Your experience with your bike will probably allow you to make a knowledgeable used bike purchase for the beater.