I want to start biking to and from work

[RaynorWolfcastle]

What should I look for?

This will be strictly a road bike. It's about 15 minutes by car, 5 miles to bike (probably a bit more since I want to take mostly residential roads so I don't get run over). I'll be using it daily, and I'll be going at a good pace (I usually hit the stationary bike for about 7 miles every second day, takes me about 25 mins to do that).

Is there anything I should look for?

I was thinking that this bike on the front page looks interesting:
Linky
CAD299 instead of CAD599, probably last year's model.

Iron Horse Adventure
6061 Al frame
Shimano TX-30 derailleur
Suspension fork

Any reason I should or shouldn't get this bike?

 

[RaynorWolfcastle]

anyone?

 

[RaynorWolfcastle]

^

 

[Heisenberg]

Brutuskend knows quite a bit about bikes IIRC. You might want to PM him.

 

[altonb1]

Well, you should start out small and work your way up. Riding a bike is a challenge at times. I suggest a tricycle or a Huffy with training wheels until you really feel more confident.

 

[NanoStuff]

If this going to be a regular, every day thing, I'd recommend looking at something on the high-end but value-concious side of things.

The Shimano 105 is THE component set for the price. Neglegable everyday performance/functional disadvantages over top-end gear but a very sensible price. It would however benefit from an Ultegra rear derailler and most manufacturers do swap the 105 for this. An entire bike with an aluminum frame and carbon fork and seat post will cost you around $700-800USD new.

I would also suggest to swap the stock tires to silica-based rubber. It's gonna cost a fair bit more to do this but it really will roll better, worth the extra expense IMO.

With that said, you might not want to spend even this much, but IMO knowing that even if you leave home a bit late you will still make it to work on time is very worthwhile I don't have suggestions for anything below this price as the performance losses below this price point are significant and given how often I use my bike, it's not an option to make such a compromise.

 

[Cheetah8799]

To the OP.

Check out these forums here: http://www.bikeforums.net/

They have a pretty big section for commuting to work by bike.



edit: I've got time to burn here at work, so here's what I suggest for a commuter bike.

1. Buy something you can afford to lose. If you can't park it indoors at work, like in your office/cube, then expect that at some point while locked up outside it is likely to get stolen.

2. Buy a good lock!

3. Do NOT buy a convenience store bike unless you are poor. At least buy something cheap from a real bike shop. You can get a very reliable new bike for $200-$300 that will last a LOT longer than a wal-mart type bike.

4. Go to multiple bike shops before buying anything, and test ride a LOT of bikes! Find out what is comfortable for you. Some shops don't mind if you go for a 5 mile ride to see if the bike will really work for you.

5. A true road bike may be tough to handle for commuting if you are not very experienced. The thin tires and posture on the bike can make it hard to haul your clothes in a backpack, may cause pain for you at some point, and you won't be able to jump curbs and ride in the grass if needed.

A mountain bike will be very versatile. I'd suggest getting one with more smooth tires instead of lots of tread, since you will be commuting, not trail riding. Do NOT buy a full-suspension bike, it will only suck away your power when pedaling, is not needed in city conditions, and might be more of a theft magnet. Stick with a front-suspension or even no-suspension bike to save money.

Hybrid bikes might be good for you if you are over weight at all. These are inbetween road and mountain bikes, and often have more upright handlebars so you aren't as bent over.

 

[Glavinsolo]

I recommend buying your own frame and then buying parts online like ebay and building it yourself. Reason being the same as building your own computer or car for that matter

 

[Cheetah8799]

Originally posted by: Glavinsolo
I recommend buying your own frame and then buying parts online like ebay and building it yourself. Reason being the same as building your own computer or car for that matter

For someone new to cycling and having to ask on a forum like this what would be good, I highly suggest that they AVOID doing this. Building a bike isn't too hard, but it can take a lot of time and effort.

It will make you feel good though when done.

 

[iotone]

go to a bike shop and look for a bike that will fit your needs.

i recently bought a Trek 7100 hybrid bike... has a mountain bike frame, but wheels more along the lines of a road bike. provides a good ride and allows you to stay upright. cost was about $350.

i only really use it to ride on the bike paths/trails in my city, but i've seen it advertised as a commuter bike.

 

[Superwormy]

If you're riding to work every day, you *do not* want a mountain bike!

Do yourself a favor and get a decent road bike, it makes all the difference in the world. Once you ride a real road bike, you'll never mountain bike again. Second choice would be a cross-terrain bike.

And get a seat with the slit down the middle so you don't crush you know who.

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: Glavinsolo
I recommend buying your own frame and then buying parts online like ebay and building it yourself. Reason being the same as building your own computer or car for that matter

Yes, when someone starts a thread called "I want to start driving, but I don't own a car oknow anything about them" you should tell him to build his own car. :roll:

To the OP:
Go to a bike shop and get them to fit you to a bike of the proper size. This will be more important than anything else. Any bike in the $500 range will be quick enough and reliable enough to get you to work. The more money you spend above that will get you features that, for the most part, won't matter unless you want to race your bike.

Pick something that is comfortable. A decent bike shop will adjust bikes for you and let you test ride them. If your bike shop wont put you on a bike, have you ride it, and adjust things like seat height, find a better bike shop.

Also, include enough money in your budget for a helmet, and a pair of gloves. You will definitely want both of these. Personally, I'd also consider getting some padded bike shorts if you have a place to change at work. They're a lot more comfortable than riding in jeans. You can also get non-spandex shorts (mountain bike shorts) that are padded if you're worried about the whole skin-tight thing.

Feel free to PM me if you like.

 

[RaynorWolfcastle]

Thanks for the advice, I think I'll try to find a bike shop this weekend that will let me try these things. I'm not looking to spend a ton of money, I just want something that'll get the job done without causing any injuries from repetitive use.

 

[vegetation]

Depends largely if you can store the bike indoors or have to park it outside. If you can't keep it inside, then you definitely do not want an expensive bike, in which case I would look for an older road bike through craigslist.