Hey Everyone!

I am a newbie here and I'm looking to get your suggestions on a new bike, I've been cycling recreationally on an old beat-up road bike for a while now but I really want to get a new road bike for my commute to work which is around 12 miles. I am used to the straight handlebars of mountain bikes and even though my current road bike has drop handlebars, it's got additional brake levers right below the tops of the handlebars that help you brake so I am used to riding on the tops while having access to the brakes. I am aware that the new bikes don't have additional brake levers which is fine but I would prefer something with a high head tube as it'd be easier on my back and posture. I weigh about 164lbs and am 5 feet 9 inches and as mentioned my preferred riding position would be on the top or the hood (with easy access to the brakes). Keeping this in mind, what bike would you guys recommend, I was interested in the FELT bikes but most of their tubes seem to be low. I am looking for something around an $800 or below price range. Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks

Nice thing about bikes in general...parts can be changed to suit any riding style. See your local bike shop.

if your full budget is $800, put about $100-$200 aside for accessories. My commuter is a Sirrus Specialized Sport (straight bars wit, in my case, added Ergon GP-5 grips for more hand positions) and would fit that price range. It works great as a commuter but I imagine any bike in that price range can work great for someone depending on their riding style. Ride a few and see what you like!

I would recommend a Jamis Coda - any year if used, but even brand new I think you're around your budget of $800. Here is why I make this recommendation...
- steel frame is smooooooth
- they have braze-ons every where for rear and front racks, pump, water bottle, fenders, etc. etc.
- disc brakes on a bike under $1k, got to love that
- insanely affordable.

Actually, I was in the bike shop the other day and quite a few bikes with drop handlebars have the additional brake levers, but they are not the old school style (suicide levers) where the levers simply connect to the brake handles on the drops, they now are actually a second set of brake levers with their own cables. I think I saw them on a Bianchi. Not sure if it will fit in your price range. One of these days, I do want to look at how they wire those up.

I just bought a Marin Muirwoods off Ebay, 2012 model - $350 with shipping. They retail at $700+ new. You're probably tall enough for the 29er version, however I went with the 26 as I'm shorter and like the agility of the smaller wheels in city traffic. The drivetrain components are on the lower range, but you can take some of that savings and upgrade if you need. I should get mine on Friday, I can give a better review after assembly, although I won't be using the stock components. I'm even considering adding drop handlebars to it after I see how the frame fits me.

I test rode a Bianchi with these. I really liked them (and the bike in general). I ended up buying a different bike, but I am thinking about getting these levers installed on the bike I did buy. I didn't look at how they were set up all that close but the (not-so-local) LBS said they wouldn't be a problem to put on the bike I bought.

why buy new???? just get a good used ride from craigslist

Those brake levers are probably Tektro cyclocross levers. They go on the same cable, and are not hard to install.