Recommend me a commuter bike

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'74 UA FJ said:
What would you give for that Allez? Is that a fair price?
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I think it is. The new ones are in the $700+ range... I'd try to get it for $400 or less, personally, but I'm a tightwad like that.

'74 UA FJ said:
You know I don't know s*** about bikes. I have a 32" inseam and some website told me I need a 54cm frame. That about right?
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I have no idea. I don't ride road bikes. The metric system is for pussies.

Go check it out and see how it fits or go to a bike shop and see what size they suggest. I honestly wouldn't have a clue what size road bike I'd need for myself, let alone what size some guy on the internet needs... there's more to it than inseam. Are you even measuring that the way that you are supposed to for a bicycle or is that how long your Wranglers are?
 
been a while since I've been there but in my day G-ville had 3-4 used bike stores near campus. Campus police usually did a bike auction about this time of year too IIRC.
 
If you really want a roadie, look for an 80s vintage steel Japanese bike or a Bianchi. You should be able to get something really nice for $200 or so.

If you're only going a couple miles each way, there's a lot to be said for the fat cushy tires, awesome brakes and upright riding position of a mountain bike. I get at least twice as many flats riding roadie. Changing tires is the worst part of commuting.

If you're getting a mountain bike, I'd look for a '90s steel hardtail with a rigid fork. Stumpjumpers are great, high-end treks, maybe GT, bianchi.

Whatever you do, don't buy anything with an aluminum frame. :bang:
 
'74 UA FJ said:
I'm learning, so :flipoff2:

At least I didn't go and buy the first bike I saw.
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Just messing with you. It is by and large a personal preference. I rode aluminum for 3 years before switching back to steel. I'll probably never own another aluminum bike again... and then there are those like Cary that will argue that aluminum can be as plush as steel... All I know is that I prefer steel... but, it's one of those things that you won't know until you have a s***load of saddle time. Who the hell knows what I'll prefer if I ever get around to buying a road bike. For your intended use, I don't think its going to matter much. Both of the bikes I recommended for you earlier are aluminum frames. :meh:
 
I have a Trek Soho Single Speed. It's got about 2000 miles on it since last August. Worked great for my 20 mile commute to work. Simple, light (5.4 kg), and slick looking. Only downside is sacrificing weight for ride (aluminum frame). Great bike! Great Geometry! I rode a 1987 Panasonic DX2000 I got for free for a long time too. It was super dependable. I 'fabbed a rack to go on back to carry my Carhartt's and work boots. It was a steel frame and rode alot better than my Trek. It just weighed a ton though. You can get anything, but it's got to be a singlespeed.
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'74 UA FJ said:
Why not?
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Aluminum frames are lighter and stiffer which are good choice for racing where you want to feel the road. But quite opposite for a commuter, you want a steel frame as it can absorb shocks on various road condition, and in the meantime more solid and long lasting... I am currently commuting with a 20 year old Bianchi bike (converted to fixed gear) - comfy and worry free.
 
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'74 UA FJ said:
Why not?
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wxm said:
Aluminum frames are lighter and stiffer which are good choice for racing where you want to feel the road. But quite opposite for a commuter, you want a steel frame as it can absorb shocks on various road condition, and in the meantime more solid and long lasting... I am currently commuting with a 20 year old Bianchi bike (converted to fixed gear) - comfy and worry free.
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What he said.

I got my first full-suspension because riding was hurting my back. Shortly afterwards, I got a steel hardtail for commuting. Once I rode the steel bike off road, I quit riding the full suspension for good.

A carbon-fiber or ti seat post can help smooth out the ride too.
 
That's very interesting. I never considered that one could tell that much difference between Al and steel. I know Al is more rigid, but damn, steel isn't that malleable.
 
I would try for a used cyclocross bike. It's has the speed like a road bike but stability like a mtb. The bonus is you can put road tires on it. This will give you more speed if you get to riding longer distances. Generaly you can mount fenders and a rack with no problems.

Good luck!
 
'74 UA FJ said:
That's very interesting. I never considered that one could tell that much difference between Al and steel. I know Al is more rigid, but damn, steel isn't that malleable.
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Try to bend a steel stick, you can slightly bend it without permantly altering its shape. However, try the same to an AL stick, you will notice that it won't give in even you eventually crack it...

The argument between AL and steel bikes has been going on forever. IMO it is pretty much personal preference... I have a Felt TK2 (AL) and a Bianchi Pista (steel). Even though the Felt TK2 is much lighter and more expensive, the Bianchi is much more comfy for street ride.
 
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