People who commute via Bike

[alphatarget1]

I have a Jamis Citizen 1.0 and I put a carbon fork on it, single speed crank and Shimano Nexus 8 hub in the back wheel. It rides good. If I put on skinnier tires I can probably go faster. Right now it has 700cx40 tires and fastest I've gone is 29.5 mph (so says my cycling computer).

 

[DrVos]

How long will the total commute be?

I ride a single speed road bike. But the area I live in is as flat as a pancake.

 

[Ricemarine]

- Hybrids like the Specialized Sirrus or Kona Dew can be had for $150-$250 on craigslist., Usual retail = $400-$600
- Low end road bikes (2200, Sora, Tiagra) can go for $150-$400. Usual retail = $550-$750
- Midrange road bikes (105 and Ultegra) can be found for $500-$700. Usual retail = $1000-$1600
- High end road bikes (Ultegra/Dura Ace) can be found for $1000-$2500, depending on the bike (Cervelo, Trek Madones, etc). Usual retail = $2000+
- Regular mountain bikes can go for $100-$150 on craigslist. Usual retail = $150-$400

Since my first real bike had STI shifters, I couldn't go any older than bikes made in 1999. The upside is that if you do go used, you can upgrade the drivetrain with a bit of knowledge and have an even better bike (or for show). I just upgraded my beater bike from 2200 to an ultegra/duraace/sora mix. Well worth the money IMO. That bike weighs probably 25-26 lbs. My good bike weighs 21 lbs. Triples or compact cranksets would probably do the job if you have hills. If you do go used, don't be afraid to bargain. Also, avoid bikes with Gossamer cranksets. Every bike I've seen with them have had creaks (probably from overtightening).

 

[JulesMaximus]

Road or hybrid. I commuted for 2.5 years 2-3 days a week on a road bike and loved it...best shape of my life.

 

[Nik]

#2 worst roads in the US

http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_16145463

LA: the good, the bad, the ugly.

and I thought Pittsburgh was bad

 

[Gibson486]

I have a Jamis Allegro bike. Like it alot. My 2nd choice was a Trek FX series bike.

 

[isekii]

How long will the total commute be?

I ride a single speed road bike. But the area I live in is as flat as a pancake.

Google Map tells me the distance is about 10 - 11 miles one way and an estimate of 1 hour on the bike.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sou...64596&spn=0.099141,0.179386&t=h&z=13&lci=bike

 

[Dirigible]

10+ miles: Go with a road bike for sure. That's long enough for the easier/faster riding to make a significant difference. And this is coming from someone who commutes on a mtn bike.

 

[Corn]

Road or Cyclocross for longish commutes. On my commute to work, I'm 5 MPH faster on my road bike (Felt F5c) than I am on my mountain bike (Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Disc) given similar effort (according to my heart rate monitor). That translates to getting there 15 minutes quicker on my 20 mile commute. Road bike is much quieter as well.

Spandex goes under regular shorts.

 

[ravana]

I "commute" on a Dahon Jack.

It's a grand total of 1 mile from one end of downtown to the other

 

[DrVos]

Google Map tells me the distance is about 10 - 11 miles one way and an estimate of 1 hour on the bike.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sou...64596&spn=0.099141,0.179386&t=h&z=13&lci=bike

In that case, I'd definitely recommend going with a road bike. Versus a hybrid bike, a road bike will generally be faster, more efficient, and better ergonomically over the course of a longer ride. A decent road bike with the right tires can actually handle a variety of harsh road conditions; you don't have to go with super skinny, super high psi tires.

You might also consider getting saddle bags (also called panniers) for your bike depending on how much you plan on carrying with you. It takes a load of your back and lowers your center of gravity.

 

[Mike Gayner]

Why do you need a full suspension bike to commute? Are the roads in Kiwiland really that bad?

Obviously it's not just a commuter.

 

[Capt Caveman]

I commute with one of my older mountain bikes which I replaced the knobby tires with slicks.

 

[SaDiZTiKStyLeZ]

When I roll up on the block, errybody get dropped.

 

[slayer202]

I think I would go insane if I did that. I'm a bit further than you, but commuting to the city is such a pain, I'd probably kill myself if I had to ride a bike there.

 

[Ns1]

When I roll up on the block, errybody get dropped.

Omg lol

 

[Mike Gayner]

I think I would go insane if I did that. I'm a bit further than you, but commuting to the city is such a pain, I'd probably kill myself if I had to ride a bike there.

Obesity is a curse.

 

[isekii]

I don't need to get there as fast as possible and not really worried about climbing hills or whatever. I want to do this for fitness as well. Obviously when it rains, I'll just take the bus but when the weather is cool and chilly I think biking would do some good.

 

[isekii]

I ended up purchasing a New 2010 Diamondback Insight 1 Performance Hybrid.

239.99 + 37 bucks in shipping.

I think I did great

Specs :

Description: Frame: Insight 6061-T6 Butted Aluminum Performance Hybrid w/ Formed / Hooded Top Tube, Integrated Headtube, Vertical Compliance Stays, (VCS), replaceable derailleur hanger
Fork: Insight integrated Aero Alloy straight blade
Rear Shock: N/A
Cranks: Suntour XCT V-2 w/ chainguard, 28/38/48t
Bottom Bracket: Sealed Cartridge
F. Derailleur: Shimano C051
R. Derailleur: Shimano Acera
Shifter: Shimano EF-50 8spd
Brake Levers: Shimano EF-50
Brakes: Alloy Linear
Gear: SRAM PG-820 8spd Cassette (11-32t)
Rims: 32h Weinmann ZAC-19 Doublewall
Tires: Kenda Kwick Trax 700x32c
Pedals: DB Toe Clip Compatible Platform
Handlebar: DB 31.8mm low rise Alloy
Stem: DB 3D Forged 7° 31.8mm
Seatpost: Alloy Micro Adjust 27.2mm
Seat: DB Performance Hybrid w/ Gel
Headset: Integrated "Cane Creek" Size Drop-in ACB 1 1/8"
Colors: White
Chain: Integrated "Cane Creek" Size Drop-in ACB 1 1/8"
Hubset; (F) 32h Alloy QR (R) 32h Alloy QR Cassette
Spokes: Black 14g Stainless Steel
Grips: Avenir Ergo 3-D Comfort
EXTRAS: Owners manual, Chainstay Protector, Clear Coat, H20 bottle mounts

 

[7window]

i love bikes

 

[Mike Gayner]

What happened to the days of going to a bike shop and riding a few before choosing what you like? I don't know how you can choose the right bike without riding it first.

 

[FleshLight]

Fixed gear with gatorskin or armadillo tires and thorn resistant tubes will be the absolute most reliable commuter bike.