Hello All! I am a 56 year old soon to be PhD student at the University of Florida. I have lived in a rural area for 10 years and have not used a bike. Prior to this, I biked regularly and am now looking to use a bike to commute, but have specific needs. Gainesville, FL has an excellent bus system and I can load my bike on the bus when I am unable to commute. I have MS which has caused my left side to be weak, so I need something light in order to lift in onto the bike rack on the bus. Also, I need to sit upright on the bike and want something sturdy enough that control is not difficult. I am not concerned about speed and the terrain is fairly flat. I also need a rack in order to carry books, groceries, etc. I am somewhat concerned about theft, since I will be leaving it on campus during the day, so I would appreciate any advice that could be offered on that front. My budget is around $1000. I would really appreciate any suggestions, as I will be a newbie commuter and it has been over a decade since I have ridden regularly. Thanks in advance. Kay

My suggestion would be to visit few shops in your area.
This way you can try lifting and riding some bikes to see
which one suits you best. Get one with a few gears; it
helps when you're bike is loaded and/or the wind is blowing
hard. You should be able to find a model well below your
budget. Use the left over for things like helmet, locks,
lights, fenders, etc. Good luck and let us know which
one you end up with.

Hi there, Kay!

I think that I know exactly what you need. Just go to www.performancebike.com and checkout the GT Zum Wheels4Life Flat Bar Road Bicycle @ $350...Performance lists this bike as a "Commuter Bike". It has 40mm wide tires! That means that it's easier to keep your balance when cycling...

* If you order from Performance, the bike arrives at some brick & mortar bicycle shop close to your location. You will then go there to pick it up. If after the test ride, you don't like it, you can get 100%refunded at that time.

I would suggest that you ask to have a "quick release" installed on your front wheel, so that you can easily remove your front wheel in order to make it lighter and easier to lift. Removing the front wheel, can also be a theft deterrent, after you've locked your bike up. Just take the front wheel with you, wherever you go.

No thief worth his salt wants to take a mid-level bike that's missing a wheel.

Call customer service at Performance to get sizing advice....

Good Luck with your health, your studies, and your future profession!

I'd get something with a more upright position:
Schwinn Voyageur 1 Commute Women's Sport Hybrid Bike - 2014 - Hybrid Comfort Bikes


Step-through is nice as it is easier to mount and wear more types of clothing. Even better is with a chain guard. Then your pants are safe.

Removable front wheel? who wants to drag that around all day with your books and other stuff? I say get the week locks, and learn proper locking technique like:
Hal Grades Your Bike Locking 2014 (Part IV) on Vimeo

Actually, I'd forgo the heavy suspended fork in preference of a more efficient rigid fork. Something like the Schwinn City 2 Women's bike would be more to my liking at Performance.


+1

I totally agree with the step thru and chain guard recommendation.

Most importantly, removal of the wheel, assists you in the lifting of your bike. Therefore, wheel removal doubles in its utility, by also serving as a theft deterrent.

There are two good choices in your $1000 budget:

Bikes Direct Motobecane 8V Deluxe for $549.00

Lifestyle Bikes | URBAN | MOTOBECANE | BISTRO 8V DELUXE | BikeShopWarehouse.com | Just in.

Papillonaire Classic 8 Speed - Standard $699.00, with custom upgrades - $839.00

Buy Vintage Bikes Online | Papillionaire Bicycles Vintage Bicycles By Papillionaire

All within your budget, including free shipping. They are very nice commuter bikes built to last a lifetime.

I have a Public c7i, but my loaded up weight is about 35#.

I highly recommend this though for any step thru bike! Makes lifting way way easier and makes it easier to maneuver your bike.
Bicycle Frame Handle - The Little Lifter | Leather handlebar tape & bicycle accessories | Walnut Studiolo

I understand removing the wheel as a theft deterrent, but the last thing I want to do is lug around a dirty wheel all day! No thanks, I've got enough to carry!

As for good accessories? Get a rack, fenders, lights, and a chain guard. (and a cargo rack and bungee cords) I find my basket, I just bought one from Ross and bungee-d it to my front rack, is perfect for my purse, small bag of groceries and gives me a place to drop my sweater if it gets too hot. I now want a slightly deeper on. I like the metal racks, but I feel a lot safer throwing my phone and keys in a woven basket.

My basket is about 7 inches deep and I rarely use the cargo net to keep stuff in. I carry large purses.

A flat bar road bike with v brakes should be light.

Hi there, Kay!

Perhaps something like the Terry Burlington might hold your interest. It's from Performance...Find Bikes, Cycling Clothing, Bike Parts & Bike Shoes Or Your Local Bike Store at Performance. @ $450

The Terry Burlington is a 26incher ( like many mtbikes from the 80's). It therefore, has a lower center of gravity. It also has wider tires. These are both features that will help to maintain your balance. Just in case, your feet will be closer to the ground for a quick recovery. The Terry Burlington comes with both rack and fenders.

* Also, sometimes having a "shorter" bike facilitates the lift.

Unis have abandoned bikes when students dont take them home .. Campus security may auction them off.

honestly the only way to know what the best bike will be for you and your commute is you. Your price range is more than adequate, I would use the remaining cash for add on's, such as racks, panniers, baskets, locks, etc.. You need to go to your local brick and mortar and ride some bikes, lift them up, and see whats be best for you. Hal Grades Your Bike Locking 2014 (Part IV) on Vimeo ...great advice.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all of your suggestions.. I am going to go into a local store once I arrive in Gainesville to check out various bikes you have suggested. It appears there are no shortage of them there.

+1 ^ This

This just might be your best bet, Kay!

Look for wide tires 38mm (or more), 26in wheels, an aluminum frame, rack, and fender mounts (or eyelets). An aluminum frame in most cases, will have less mass.

* Suspended forks always add weight. However, if the added weight can compensate for greater balance and stability, then it might be a fair trade. Suspended forks on mtbikes, usually have wider tires than comfort hybrids. Suspended forks also help you to maintain your line, when traversing uneven surfaces. However, suspended forks will always drain more energy from the cyclist, and impede upon speed. That's especially so, whenever climbing hills and accelerating.

A modern version of the classic English 3 speed would be good like this Raleigh, Raleigh Bicycles - Classic Roadster. 3 speed internal hubs are pretty foolproof and the bike comes with fenders, a chain guard, and puncture resistant tires. All you need to do is add some sort of rack and a lock.