james1024

Hey forum!

I've decided it's best if I sell my car and commute by bike. I'm currently a full-time student, and all I really need is something that will get me the ~5 miles from my home to my college and occasionally further. So, I'll be riding at least 10 miles a day, and possibly up to 20-25 miles. I'll be riding with a backpack, so weight is a concern, although I won't be encountering any steep hills on my commute. I also live on the Florida coast(Panama City), so oxidation is a concern. My overall budget isn't set, but should land somewhere in the $400-$1000 range. I'd like to spend enough to ensure a decent bike, but I'd be willing to spend more if the right bike tempts me.

I really have absolutely no clue how to discern between brands. I know of Trek, Electra, Schwinn, Giant, and Vanilla(). Looking around the internet, one option I'm looking at is the Electra Loft 1. I like that it's affordable, and seems to meet my needs. At its price-point, though, I'm concerned about the bike's quality, but I'm assuming it's relatively cheap given the lack of brakes, derailer, shifters, etc. Are there any other bike models comparable to the Loft 1 I could consider?

I'm also still deciding whether I want a city commuter(like the Loft 1), or a touring bike. It's very possible that I may want something capable of travelling long distances across states, but that sort of functionality seems to raise prices to uncomfortable levels. Would I be able to find a minimalist-type touring bike with a great frame, which I could upgrade later when I gather more funds?

I'm sorry that my post is rambling and aimless, but that's where I'm at, at this point. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!

p.s. Is there any way to find out top speed specifications on a given bike model?

yankeefan

Go to a bike shop and tell them exactly what you've posted here. For a first time buyer a bike shop is the best resource; you don't know your measurements so you can't order online and you don't have sufficient knowledge to buy a used bike. If your overall budget is $1000 then spend no more than $750-800 on a bike. You'll need to spend the rest on helmet, lights, lock(s), and parts. Parts consists of stuff you need for daily maintenance, such as a floor pump, frame pump (in case of road side punctures), chain lube, degreaser (to get rid of dry lube), etc. You might also find that there is a discrepancy between what you think your needs are and what they actually are. You should get a bike that you have potential to grow in, especially if it's going to replace a car. A single speed bike (which is what the loft 1 is) would be perfect for a 5 mile commute, but rather tedious if you have to go further and if the terrain changes (read: hills, not necessarily steep ones either!). Don't be concerned too much about brand names, at the end of the day all bikes do the same thing regardless of their decals. I'd personally recommend road/cross bikes over city bikes, but I'm quite biased. If you do go the road bike route at $800 you're likely end with something slightly above entry level. Just be sure to ask if the bike has rear rack mounts and fender eyelets. You should also ask [the shop that you visit] about cyclocross and hybrid bikes as well.

This should go without saying but be sure to visit more than one shop. Ask about their tune-up policies and bike fitting. If anyone of them offers less than a year of free tuneups then go elsewhere. Bike fitting is important as a pre-assembled bike might not conform to your body's specific dimensions and will be uncomfortable on longer rides.

TerraCottaGamer

+1 to everything yank said.

It is really hard to offer any specific suggestions on here based on what you have told us so far. It is not for lack of information but more for lack of you own experience. That absolute best thing for you to do is go to a local bike shop and talk to them and test ride a few different styles. There will be plenty of options for you in your price range that will be wonderful rides.

Seeing that you are a student and therefore presumably rather young (early 20's). In todays world there is a strong inclination to shop and buy online for the best deals. However, buying from a local shop is without a doubt the best thing to do for cycles unless you are very VERY experienced. Fitting is massively important and online shops cannot do that. Plus, any changes or upgrades you want to make over the years will be much easier when you have a local shop you do business with. So I am saying it is worth the extra couple of bucks to go local - especially for your first ride.

Hangtownmatt

Theft is a real concern. Talk to some bicycle commuters on campus and possibly campus security to get a feel for the risk. Based on my experience and observations most bicycles on and around college campuses are low cost beaters. If you get rid of your car than you will also be leaving this bike outside grocery stores and other risky public places. An inexpensive used bike may be your best solution.

Matt

tsl

Bikes aren't fast or slow. Riders are.

Pay attention to those above, remembering that the purpose of your first bike is to teach you what you want or need in your second bike. That said for car replacement, at minimum a bike should be equipped with full fenders, sturdy luggage rack, and good (not cheap, I said good) lights.

College campuses are prime hunting grounds for bike theives, so be certain to lock your better than the bikes nearby. Use TWO locks--one cable lock and one U-Lock. Budget about $75 for those. Any less gets you cheesy.

An onboard toolkit, spare tube(s), patch kit, and tire pump need to be on your list. Flat tires happen. Nothing yells "Loser" quite so loudly as arriving late because your bicycle had a flat tire.

I've been car-free since 1999. These things are essential to any bike used daily in all conditions, no matter what the style, equipment or price. Once you get these things nailed down budget-wise, then look to your bike budget. You'll see that it has shrunken considerably. Now you can begin shoping for a bike.

TenSpeedV2

I hate to say that I am intrigued by that Electra 1. Didn't know they made stuff like that, just figured they were all Townie style. The simplicity of the coaster brake on that bike is nice, clean lines, super low maintenance with no shifters or brakes to worry about. The fact that it says Electra is kind of a theft deterrent vs a flashy Trek or Giant. It also doesn't look super expensive either which is good.

Does a local dealer sell those? Take it out for a test ride and see how it is. Single speed is pretty ideal to commute on with flat terrain. For the price, there are cheaper options that are similarly equipped. The specs on that bike are not impressive by any means, but the price seems kind of high for what you are getting. I would not get that bike and hope to upgrade much on there either.

Robert C

I am going to say it, I think the Loft 1 would be a poor choice for a first time commuter. However, naming it gives us a price cap of $440. Knowing your price range is very useful.

Reasons I would not suggest a Loft:

• Single speed, commuting is done in all moods, there is no single, ideal gear setting.
• Coaster brake, yes, they were serviceable when we were kids in the 70s'; however, we expect more now
• no fenders or racks (yes, I see there are eyelets)

What I do recommend is contacting th campus bicycle club. First find out if they have any bikes they recommend.
If not ask if they assemble bicycles. If they do then look into bikes direct or performance bikes. Both will give you a better deal. Essentialy that swim bike, with fenders and a rack will run about $300 (if you go with the option sans rack, the price falls to $250).

Windesor Essex Delux

However, I don't recommend that one. I recommend a bike with an IGH for someone who just wants transportation.

Kennisington 8

It is a bit over budget, at $499, which is why I started with the first one. No matter what, I would spend some time looking at the two sites I mentioned. See if your bike club can assemble a bike.

If not it really isn't that hard to do your self. A lot of people here make it hard by over thinking it; it is really a rather simple device and, is easy to assemble one (which, mostly, means putting on the wheels and checking the brakes.).

For people looking for simple transportation I strongly recommend avoiding the smaller boutique brands. Order it and put it together yourself; or go to a bike shop and get a standard, multigear, bike with brakes on both wheels, a set of fenders, a lock, a rack and a couple of bungie cords. Order the lights off of Amazon.

TenSpeedV2

It is funny how differently everyone looks at a commuter bike. I opt for simplicity and ease of maintenance and less stuff to haul, but that is just for me. Not everyone will want a bike that cannot carry a rack or even a water bottle, let alone full fenders. It also depends on location. OP is in Florida, so mostly warm weather riding. I would want to ride something light and fast, maybe a clip on fender if needed for wet weather. He/she will not be dealing with snow/slush/ice etc.

I completely disagree that the coaster brake single speed bike is a bad idea for a commuter on flat land like Florida where the OP is. Single speed is a blast and you do have the right gearing, you just have to adjust your riding style if there are hills.

FLJeepGuy

I'm in agreement with what has been repeated above... go to a local bike shop and let them know what you're planning to use the bike for and your price range. Speaking to the local bike co-op or club should also get you good info. Whatever bike you choose, make sure that it has mounting point for front and/or rear racks as you may want to add bags to carry items for grocery shopping, and other errands.

One more side note... Electra Bicycle Company was acquired by Trek earlier this year and will now be sold and serviced through Trek dealers.

yankeefan

Again with my personal biases, but I don't believe any bike built for commuting should be equipped with coaster brakes. If they suddenly fail then you are left with no way to stop your bike. At least with handbrakes the probability of both brakes simultaneously failing is very low, and in the event that one of them fails you still have the other one to use. I also don't believe coaster brakes allow you to do a full emergency stop in the same way a front brake can stop you (correct me if I'm wrong), though a diligent cyclist will probably never need to do a full emergency stop.

fietsbob

I take it You are Not Studying Physics.

A Bicycle, As an Object, its speed is Zero. it is the work you put out pushing on the pedals, and thus pushing the air out of the way with your Forward Motion,

Through the atmosphere, ... which becomes more difficult the faster you wish to go ...

DiabloScott

For a 5-mile commute, I think you can easily justify $4k for a titanium adventure bike with disk brakes - probably don't need the electronic shifting though.

Then once you realize how much fun you're having, you can find another $6k for something a little zippier on those hilly 25-milers.

Darth Lefty 

Any number of bikes can be found in your price range, and style is really up to you, not us. Some things people demand in one part of the country aren't needed in another or are only needed part time, only you will know what you must have, and you might not know for sure what you need until you've been at it a little while. But still, what others have said is good; plus also remember that you will be out in the elements and get some clothes for yourself as well as stuff for the bike. Layers of warmth and a waterproof shell.

martianone

First time buyer of a campus bike - suggest a used MTN bike. Remove the knobby tires, install (or ask the bike shop to show you how to install tires and fix a flat) a touring type tire. Lots of bike choices available in the $200-300 range, get one that fits and feels good. Then ride it for a few months, learning from your rides what you really need or want vs. asking an Internet forum for advice. By the time it gets stolen or needs a major repair, you'll know what to do.

james1024

I'm not taking physics until next fall; I have math prerequisites to get out of the way. I was going by the fact that in the past, I've seemed to max out a bike in its highest gear(the pedals seem to freespin), which lead me to believe that a given bike on a level surface will have a top speed depending on load. Those were mountain bikes, though, and I think this was usually an issue on downslopes.

For $6,000, do I get a Rohloff Speedhub on the front wheel, too?

Good point on clothing. I'm looking for a waterproof pack to store my school supplies and books, as well as my bike tools and parts. I guess I need to keep myself dry, too. Warmth isn't a major concern, though, the weather here on the coast rarely qualifies as cold.

I was going to ask whether I could simply add a front brake to the Loft 1, but I think I agree that it isn't at all what I need. I agree with you on the brakes, and I don't think I'm a fan of the moustache handlebar. For me, the appeal of a single-speed is that it is in-line with how I'm used to riding: on junk Wal-Mart mountain bikes that I keep in the highest gear because shifting is a PITA, using my foot to push-off before pedaling. Maybe looking at real bikes will change my outlook on shifting.

I visited two of the three LBS in my area today(the third is closed Mondays):

The first had a single-speed bike very similar to the Loft 1, which I test rode. This one was maybe $20 less, but had a cro-mo frame, front brake, and flat bar. It seemed fine, though I didn't ride it long enough to gauge how I might like it over several miles.

Neither of them seemed willing to measure me. At both places, I just got eyeballed and told a 54cm frame would be best. The third place is a Trek and Giant dealer, maybe they would be more accommodating being a major brand dealer?

Having thought about it, it's likely I'll want to do more riding than what I initially thought. The thought of being able to ride off to another state if I so choose is pretty alluring. So, I think what I really want is a touring bike. But, even entry-level touring bikes are pricey, at least the ones I've seen. I think what I may do is buy a decent, cheaper city bike now, and take my time researching a touring bike purchase/build for later.

fietsbob

the German Companion for Rohloff Rear Hubs up Front, are Schmidt Dynamo Hubs SON Dynamos

they are even made anodized in the same colors.

yankeefan

Not quite that simple. The fork has to be drilled to accommodate a front brake.

If the bike only had a front brake (and no rear brake), then more than likely you rode a fixed gear. It's a special type of single speed bike, but does not allow you to coast. A rear hand brake is unnecessary since the motion of the cranks directly control the rear wheel; resist the forward motion of the cranks by applying back pressure and you slow down your bike. Hipsters all over the country salivate over these kind of bikes but do yourself a favor and get a geared bike.

You misunderstand what a bike fit is. If you are between 5'7" - 5'10" then a 54cm frame is probably going to be your best fit for an entry level bike. As you move up the price ladder you get smaller frame sizes for more aggressive riding positions. A basic bike fit consists of a professional fitter putting you on a trainer and observing you while you pedal, making adjustments to your seatpost, saddle, and stem/handlebars to ensure the bike conforms to your body dimensions. It's not the same as getting a fitted suit so don't expect any tape measures. All of this can be done by eyeballing. A more advance fitting usually incorporates some form of computer diagnostics to figure out the bike setup that will give you optimal power output, but that is primarily for competitive riders.

This is a good option as well. I wouldn't sweat over a touring bike unless you plan on hauling some serious luggage. Almost any bike that can accept rear racks can be used for light touring. Getting a cheap-ish NEW bike and learning about how bikes function in addition to learning more about your biking needs would be beneficial; as a seasoned rider you can be more confident in buying a used bike since you will be able aware of what to look for in a functioning bike and can pick up great deals on the used market.

TransitBiker

Fuji Bikes | LIFESTYLE | CROSS TERRAIN | TOURING



Then, all you need is fenders & a set of panniers.

- Andy

TenSpeedV2

Nothing wrong at all with commuting or riding a fixed gear bike. I have two that I commute 8.5 miles each way with. They are great for me since there is no elevation change here. Maintenance is super easy since they are just fixed. They are not only for hipsters, most of the guys that I know that ride are far from it, myself included.

Now for the miles, probably thinking ah you can't do that many miles on a fixed gear bike. I did several weekly 50+ mile rides over the summer. I am working my way up to a century this summer some time.

I also have to disagree on the sizing, because myself being 6'0" both my bikes are 58cm. Why? I am all torso with short stumpy legs. 54 would be out of the question, and a 56 looks equally ridiculous on me. OP - get sized at a shop, and then go to another shop and get sized there. One shop had me on a 56 simply based on my height. Second shop had me on a 58 based on my body, and the 58 fits perfectly.

bmthom.gis

You want a red bike. They go faster!

I 2nd a Fuji. They make a decent bike and they aren't quite the steal bait other brands might be. Though, I think it also matters where and how you lock your bike up. If it is sitting on a rack all alone, and with a flimsy lock, I wouldn't expect it to be there upon your return. However, if you park it with other bikes, and use at least 2 locks (one of them being a very sturdy Ulock), I think you will be just fine. I actually really like this lock myself. It takes up less frame space than a Ulock.
ABUS Bordo 6000 (Medium) - Brands Cycle and Fitness

As for SS/geared, I would go geared. A big shopping trip can make any bike seem heavy and cumbersome. Also, IMHO you should always get the bike that offers the most bang for your buck. If you can afford that better groupset, go for it. It is always less expensive to get the next model up with the better group than to upgrade it later.

Also, I don't think this has been said yet: but going carless - learn how to do your own repairs. Nothing sucks like having your bike be out of commission for a few days while it is in the shop.

Matt144

Personally (and some might disagree) I think you should go to a used bike shop, talk to the salesperson, and get what works best for you at about $200. Ride it around, learn to take care of it, ask questions on this forum, do some research. After a few months of commuting, it'll become more apparent to you, what you want and what you don't want. You can modify the bike, upgrade the parts, buy a new frame, or just sell the bike and get a new one all together. You may be spending an extra $200 on your first bike, but it's better than spending $800 on a new bike and then realizing its not right for you.

With all that said, if it's replacing your car, just make sure you can equip fenders and at least one rack.

TenSpeedV2

Precisely why a single speed or fixed gear would be ideal. Less things to break keeping the OP on the road. Simplicity can be a wonderful thing. We are often blinded by the next best and greatest thing. Sometimes simplicity is the best thing. If I was going carless, I would either do some sort of public transportation for groceries. Taxi or bus or whatever was available.

Can I ask what this constant insistence that fenders are mandatory? They are not mandatory. A bike can be ridden as a commuter without them.

bmthom.gis

Simplicity is nice, but it isn't exactly easy to break a derailleur, nor difficult to replace one. I've never seen someone break part of their drivetrain w/o it being caused by a crash. I know certain people really like SS, but it isn't for everyone. Me? I like gears, and I use them.

As for fenders, I didn't have any for a long time, but I do like them when it is wet out. Living in FL, I am sure the OP has plenty of wet. But you are correct in that they are not mandatory.

TenSpeedV2

I just look at it as one less thing to break or needing to fiddle with. Some low end derailleurs are really finicky and I know for me, if it isn't just right, it becomes a huge annoyance. No one likes gears that constantly skip. If gears are a necessity, then by all means go with gears. A flat commute though, and not trying to set land speed records, hard to beat a single gear.

yankeefan

A low end derailleur that is properly maintained will never miss a shift (unless under severe load), and a high end derailleur that is poorly maintained will behave finicky. I love the minimalist look of a SS/FG, but all the hype about ease of maintenance is nothing more than hype. It really doesn't take any substantial effort to maintain a geared bike, unless you constantly fall over and bang up your mechs/shifters. Once you index your gears the only real subsequent maintenance is limit screw adjustments as the gear cables begin to stretch. Fixed gears are great if you own other bikes, but at the moment the OP is looking for a single bike to replace a car and s/he also mentioned an interest in possibly doing touring; taking all that into consideration, its very hard to recommend a fixed/single speed bike.