aqua_dot

Hello world! I've been lurking for the past few weeks and I thought it was time to say hi! I've done a fair amount of riding in races (mostly tris, have a Felt ZW6 for those, but am NOT interested in leaving it locked up in front of a store on a daily basis) but I'm looking at switching to a bike as for most of my commuting as I recently started a new job and moved to a new apartment. I have a 20 year old Schwinn that I'm looking to replace as my my daily workhose, I've already tried the Globe Daily 1 (loved the ride profile, a little concerned about the teeny tires on Honolulu roads, would like more gears I think, but have never used an internal hub) and the Electra Townie (like pedaling an armchair, in a good way). Any other brands I should try? I got on a Huffy (ICK) and a Diamondback (shocks felt strange) recently, and am going to check out what Giant has soon.

Recommendations, thoughts? I go through some slow but heavy traffic areas, and will need to be highly visible to tour buses and cars alike.

Lacumo

Welcome to BF! On your new commuting bike... What’s your commute like---long or short; flat or vicious climbing; all in-city or some country riding? These things all add into figuring out what would serve you best. Hybrids tend to be reasonably comfortable, absorb a lot and they can take a lot of city road wear with their wider tires, but... A hybrid isn’t going to perform like your Felt and you’ll probably notice the inefficiency. It’s basically your call, so happy shopping.

Standalone 

There is a great commuting sub-forum here. Suggest you post the above questions + info on hills & traffic conditions. You'll get experienced advice there.

I recommend against suspension for riders with any experience -- that odd sensation you feel is your efficiency being sapped.

And about the skinny tires-- if there is a lot of clearance at the chain and seat stay bridges and fork, you can throw nice fat tires on if you want.

If you are on the rainier side of the island (there is a rain shadow, right?) you may want fenders, especially if you are not changing at your workplace. If you're not 6'4" like I am, and have a smallish apartment, you may want a folder. (I use a folder anyway)

Also, if you check in with the Classic & Vintage subforum, they may be able to give advice on making your old bike better-than-new and an awesome commuter. Nothing like an old steel road bike for commuting. When the 27" wheels are switched out for slightly smaller 700c wheels, space opens up for fatter tires. And they are less likely to attract thieves...

Good luck, and welcome to BikeForums.net.

Standalone 

If this is your bike, it is a decent commuter. But I think as a Triathlete, you want something lighter, faster, and more road-y. I much prefer commuting on drop bars to commuting on flat or riser bars. Don't get stuck on the idea that commuting requires something that looks like a typical commuter.

And disregard my above comments about 27" wheels. I assumed you had an old Schwinn road bike.

Check out Jamis and Linus bikes. They have some cool commuter oriented and/or interesting steel offerings.

Another fun thing to try is putting an extracycle on your schwinn, only keep the options light. (simlpe hoodie bag only) I did this to my aluminum hybrid and it is a blast to ride. Check out the complete bikes on xtracycle.com.

Zephyr11

Welcome to Bike Forums!

Yep, ask in the commuting forum. You should get some good responses there.

aqua_dot

That is my bike! Wow! Although mine is much worse for wear . Part of the reason that I'm looking for a new one is that I received the current one as a Christmas present when I was 12 or 13 and I think the frame might be too small for me now as I have some problems with hand numbness after about 3 or 4 miles that didn't set in until I was an adult. Also I think a flat foot style would be more comfortable for commuting (will save the zippyness for the Felt on training rides ). Will defiantly check out the commuter forum, thanks!

aqua_dot

I'm thinking it will mostly be in-town flat (with the exception of Diamond Head), but there are some monster potholes and uneven spots in the asphalt in my daily commute that I am concerned about. Probably no longer than five miles at a time for commutes and most errands, but lots of stopping and starting at intersections, which got to be uncomfortable on my Schwinn and is little scary on my Felt because I'm still kind of a clipless novice. I'm not really expecting a commuter to feel like the Felt, I'm hoping to be able to take advantage of two different styles of riding by having two very different bikes