Chesha Neko

I've realized that the best answer is probably both. That way if one goes down, I have the other. Big D and something else like the LHT.

When I lived in Boston I never had more than one bike at a time, but there public transport is everywhere -- like a built-in backup. Here, with very sparse public transport, two bikes would be the way to go when 100% car free.

xray1978

When given an option take both. Most people who rely heavily on a bike have more than one. I have my primary and a back up. One thing is for sure, if you get the BD and have to park it outside, gated community or not, buy the best locks you can get your hands on.

mikepwagner

I would suggest buying something very cheap on Craig's List, equip it with equally cheap paniers, and ride it for a couple of months, and wee where your tastes take you. Then sink some major money into a bike.

If I read your post correctly, you have been walking. If I am thinking correctly, almost any cheap bike will hold as many groceries as you carried on foot. When you have successfully replaced waking with riding for a couple of months, you'll have a better idea of what yo want. For the meantime, transport groceries however you transport them now.

This strategy may prevent an expensive mistake.

I am thinking through some of the same issues. But I pulled out an old (1988) bike I had sitting in the back of the garage, and I been riding that around for all my errands for a month or so. That experience changed my view of what I think I want in a new bike.

Your needs are not my needs and vice versa. Here's what I realized:

1. I don't need panniers - a front rack/basket and a rear/rack basket are probably the way for me to go. It is extremely unlikely that my bike will be our sole (or even our main) grocery getter. Most of what the bike is for is a quick trip for something we're out of or have forgotten.
2. What is most important for me is the the bike be a "jump on it and go" bike. I don't want to change clothes/shoe, etc when I need some fresh ginger, and I am in the middle of cooking. In the last month, more and more of my clothes have sprocket shaped grease marks in odd places. It's not altogether clear to me how I doing that. But it is clear to me that I want a belt drive bike and that implies (for me) an IGH.
3. I probably want to try a bike with drop bars. I do a fair amount of yoga, and my back is pretty flexible. I find that I get get a lot more power by leaning down pretty far - far enough that the straight bars I have are awkward.

Let me be clear - I am not suggesting that my need are your needs. Your list will almost certainly be different from my list.

What I am suggesting is that a couple of months on the cheapest bike setup you can start with with will lead you in a direction that allows you to make a much more informed choice.

Moozh

dam...I hope he bought the Hooligan..

bud16415

A touring bike is my suggestion for a bigger guy wanting to haul some load. More spokes stronger wheels longer frame lots of braze on's for attaching what he will need, fenders, upright ride position when needed drops. Gears are never a bad idea. You never know you might want to take a ride out of town or even just up to the base of superstition mountain.

Here is mine in commuter mode, add a few items and I'm ready for a longer trip.



Or drop the bins for going to work.

georgiaman

Personally I would go with the surly troll. Those things look sweet. Plus they have so many features that if you want to change your riding style all you have to do is get different parts but keep the frame; single speed, igh, or geared.

I'm holding out for the ogre that comes later this year, which is just the 29er troll.

xtrajack

Back in the late '70's early '80's I was car free, I rocked a touring bike w/racks and panniers for my grocery shopping etc. It was doablet, although, there were times I could have used a trailer.
Now, I am rocking an Xtracycle, I find that it is a lot more convenient than the pannniers were. With the panniers I had to load them when I went grocery shopping, kind of like doing a puzzle, making everything fit. With the Xtracycle, on the other hand, I just toss everything in the freeloaders, no actual packing/puzzle solving required.
I also have a trailer, I don't need to use it very often. Maybe once or twice a year.