Commuting on a budget. Purchase advice?

[Nostalgia]

Hello, all. My wife and I have been talking about biking to/from work for some time, and the gas hike is a good motivator. I'm hoping to solicit some advice from you all, since I've never owned a road bike of any type. Always been a crash-through-the-woods kinda guy.

First, my requirements: My commute is ~20 miles each way with some very sustained climbs. Gear includes a laptop PC each, maybe some books. As endurance develops, I'd like to take larger tours. Since I have to buy 2 bikes, I'd like to keep the budget to $500 each, but could be persuaded to stretch it to $1k each, if the argument were compelling enough.

So, I've been looking at touring bikes like the Cannondale T800 and Trek 520. Being a mountain bike guy, I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking at. Any guidance will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

-Joe

[MB1]

In the store where I work we have some really nice $600 bikes that would make great commuters (Bianchi Brava, Trek 1000, Giant OCR3). Sure, you could spend more money and get a somewhat nicer bike but to really get much real world improvement you would have to move into the $1000 price range.

For the difference you could set yourselves up to be real bike commuters. You are going to need (in no order really);

Helmets
Good Locks
Good Lights
Fenders
Flat and on road bike repair set-up
Cycling specific clothing (shoes, shorts and gloves at a minimum)
A rack and bags to carry your stuff.
Water Bottles and cages.
Upgrade to clipless pedals.
A digital camera for ride reports.
Raingear.

If you don't buy this stuff with your new bikes you are going to want and get it all in the first few weeks of commuting.

Go to a bike shop and work your best deal for 2 bikes and all the stuff. This is the time of year when summer shops really want to reduce inventory so if you don't insist on an exact brand and model you may be able to get a nice setup for the both of you for that $2000 which seems to be your upper limit.

Good luck and remember to post a report.

[Spinfinity]

Helmets
Indispensible - buy them immediately if you don't have them.

Good Locks
Try to find a safe place inside the building where you work and use locks as well.

Good Lights
10W rechargeables are pretty cheap these days and good enough for most of us.

Fenders
I drive if it's raining in the AM, but keep a clip-on rear fender on the bike most of the time
anyway

Flat and on road bike repair set-up
Buy it with the bike and use at least one spare tube as well as a patch kit

Cycling specific clothing (shoes, shorts and gloves at a minimum)
I commute in running shoes (see clipless pedals below), would get wool socks.

A rack and bags to carry your stuff.
I use a messenger bag, which may not be enough for a lap top and clothes

Water Bottles and cages.
Profile plastic cages are one of my favorite value items. Shop should give you a bottle
with their name on it.

Upgrade to clipless pedals.
I pass on this one. Clips and straps are good enough for me.

A digital camera for ride reports.
Yes and a guitar or synthesizer to provide background music for the ride reports.

Raingear.
At least a waterproof (NOT RESISTANT) jacket and probably pants for colder days


I'd add Reflexite to the list. I have it all over my bike so it glows in the dark from any angle.

[Nostalgia]

Since we're MTB'ers, we've got much of the (most excellent) checklist. I've even got a guitar and bass ;) Thanks for that. Will I need a special rack for the bass amp? It's pretty big...

Heading off to the local bike shop for some browsing after work. Any other advice on which bikes I might like to look at? Are the touring models the way to go for needs like mine?

Thanks again,

-Joe

[Spinfinity]

A few years ago I'd have recommended a Lemond Poprad, but I don't know if they are still available. Often bikes in a given price range look to me to be of pretty similar qualities. Just make sure there are eyelets for a rear rack and clearance, front and back, for big tires and fenders.

Most long term commuters I see have frankenbikes with strapped on stuff that suits their needs or idiosyncracies. For example, you'll probably want a trailer for that bass amp. I, on the other hand, ride with a clip-on handlebar bag to augment my messenger bag, and aero bars for riding into the wind and getting my headlight in front of the handlebar bag.

[The Walrus]

Touring models are definitely a good way to go--they'll have the fittings for the racks and fenders, a much wider range of gearing (with a lower bottom end), more relaxed (read "stable" and "comfortable") geometry, clearance for wider tires.... Since you speak of wanting to do touring as your endurance develops, why not get the bike now, instead of having to buy another when you're "ready" to tour?

[YuriB]

Originally Posted by The Walrus

Touring models are definitely a good way to go--they'll have the fittings for the racks and fenders, a much wider range of gearing (with a lower bottom end), more relaxed (read "stable" and "comfortable") geometry, clearance for wider tires.... Since you speak of wanting to do touring as your endurance develops, why not get the bike now, instead of having to buy another when you're "ready" to tour?

Bingo! and you can mimick you mtb geometry

[cbbaron]

The Trek 520 seems to be the best touring bike in the $1000 range. The Jamis Aurora ( http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/05_aurora.html )is several hundred cheaper and has most of the functionality but with lower components. Surly ( http://www.surlybikes.com/ ) makes the CrossCheck as a complete bike which has all the fittings for a commuter and light tourer with different tires or the Long Haul Trucker which is a full on touring frame which you can build up yourself.
New you are looking at around $800 for these bikes, but you maybe able to find some deals on last years bikes or used.
Craig

[MarkS]

[quote=rusa1586]A few years ago I'd have recommended a Lemond Poprad, but I don't know if they are still available. QUOTE]


I am commuting on a 2004 model Lemond Poprad. I know that there was a 2005 model; I don't know about its status for 2006.

The bike has worked well for me. I have a 14.5 mile one-way commute. The five miles closest to my house are on great roads with slightly rolling hills, then I have one significant climb. The middle section of the ride has some rough roads and the last mile is on downtown streets that are in horrible shape. The Poprad handles well all of the various conditions I encounter. I usually use a set of old Rolf Vector Comp wheels with 23 cm tires; but when the weather was kind of dicey in the winter, I used the Bontrager wheels and wider tires that came with the bike. The stock wheels and tires will be good for commuting if you have rough roads or slippery conditions.

I have been very happy with the Poprad. The manufacturer's suggested retail price is a little higher than you want to spend (around $1,200). But, you may be able to get a deal on the 2005 model now. It is hard for me to tell you exactly how much I paid for mine last fall because I traded in an old hybrid and the LBS threw in some other stuff with the bike. But, you may be able to get one near your $1,000 range if you work at it.

[Nostalgia]

So I went to my LBS today. I was completely ignored by all of the employees. Two even made eye contact with me and continued to ignore me. Nice!

I went to a less local LBS and was treated very well. The only problem is they only carry Trek and Specialized. I took a look at the Trek 520. I didn't really like the bar end shifters, but it seemed OK otherwise. It was a bit uncomfortable, but the frame was prolly one size too small for me.

The sales guy directed me to the 1200C, which I liked very much. Still in my price range, and seems like a really nice bike. It's more a road bike than a tourer, but has a really comfortable geometry. It's still got bolts for a rear rack, but nothing in the front. Should I pass this up as a commuter?

Trek also has their "Trekking" series, but they all have straight bars. I think I'm going to want a set of drop bars. I tried some of the straight bar bikes and it felt like my mountain bike with skinny tires. Not really what I'm looking for.

Thanks,

-Joe

[Thommy]

with long seatstays. The touring or cyclocross bikes offer better clearance for wider tires. You may consider front rack and panniers. There are plenty of companies that offer panniers and laptop specific bags for bikes. Barend shifters are a low cost easy maintenance alternative to STI or Ergo shifter systems. My commute is only 10 miles one direction so I use the Chrome messenger bag. My panniers were a little small and the Chrome allows more storage. Idealy if you can keep the weight off the rear wheel you can go longer in between truing of you wheels. Bikes fully equipped with Sora or 105 offer pretty good bang for the buck. If you go with the rechargable lights make sure they are light weight as every little bit of extra weight you add to the bike you will feel it on hills. Most important tip: leave a little extra early should you need to change a flat. I carry a small flashlight and truing tool just incase. Leaving early will allow you to change your flat at a somewhat relaxed rate. How many times have you had to change a flat in the morning only to start worrying about how much it will make you late? And what usually happens? You start frantically sweating. Avoid the sweating by allowing yourself the extra time incase of emergencies or like me once in a while grab that extra cup of coffee along the way. Good luck to you, I hope you and your wife can find a good deal. Try and spend some time on your new bikes getting everything adjusted prior to your commuting regimine if possible. One more thing, take along baby wipes if you don't have a place to shower. Leave your lock at work to lock up your investment there.

[The Walrus]

My advice is that if you have misgivings about the bikes you've looked at, don't pull the trigger yet. I don't know where you are or how many shops you've got to choose from, but if there's a Bianchi dealer anywhere close you might look at the Volpe; it's their touring-cum-cyclocross bike, steel frame, triple crank, wide-range gearing, rack and fender mounts, good tire clearance...and it lists at $850. You could probably get a pretty good deal on a closeout '05 model. http://www.bianchiusa.com/570.html

Good on ya for walking out of that first shop. You might want to call up and talk to the owner or manager some time and point out why your money went elsewhere.

[Nostalgia]

Funny you should mention Bianchi; my wife went to a different shop that carries Bianchi. She picked out...*flip*flip* the Castro Valley ($800), Bergamo ($640) and Brava ($720). The Volpe, however, does look like the bike I could grow with the most. The Castro Valley is nice - and built on the same frame as the Volpe - but I think I'd be unhappy only having 1 chainring.

I had to walk out. I can't stand being ignored in a place I've gone to spend my hard earned cash. I'll gladly pay more elsewhere if that's what it takes. I will see if I can get a hold of a manager or owner.

Thanks so much for all the replys. You all are a great bunch ;)

-Joe

[filtersweep]

Roll your own? I took an old steel frameset, added a downtube rear friction shifter, a rear derailleur, a set of old 105 brakes, some moustache bars (just to be weird), and an old wheelset... and also a rack. I'll ride rain or shine and am not afraid to lock it up. I really wouldn't want to use anything new for commuting.

I probably have $200 into the bike- and close to 150 in lights... and $75 in racks and panniers.



I built a comparable bike for my wife... out of an old Centurion frame- although she hated the bullhorns and I went back to drops. Hers is a single speed.



The issue with commuting is you can't control the weather, and if you are like me, you'll neglect maintenance once in awhile. I rode the 40 mile round trip fixed mostly, but facing relocation to some mountains, I opted for what is now a 7-speed. The other issue is with locking up your bike. I keep mine indoors at work, but for errands, I wouldn't want a new bike. Thieves don't care if you have a Trek 1000 or top-shelf Colnago- in fact most would probably go after the Trek first...

[Nostalgia]

Those are some excellent points, especially about locking it up. I've been on the hunt for used bikes for the last couple of weeks, but nothing exciting has popped up here. Paitence, I guess ;) There's also that new bike smell...

"I hate waiting." -Inigo Montoya

-Joe

[The Walrus]

I like the Castro Valley, too, but as you point out, the single chainring would be limiting, at least for touring use--but then, Bianchi is pushing it as a dedicated commuter. I'm just wondering (never having seen one in the "flesh") if the CV frame has the cable stops for a front derailleur, since it is ostensibly the same frame as the Volpe.

[ottomark]

Joe,

You've really hit the nail on the head. I've been looking for several months. I have a mountain bike (1990 Gary Fisher; weighs about 62 pounds) and I can't make any headway. I believe now that I want two bikes -- a commuter and a bike for centuries. But like you, I've found most LBS's to be worthless. I live in south Florida and I've only found one bike shop that I really liked -- Pro Cycles in Stuart. But they sell Specialized and Raleigh, and I don't think I want either one. Most bike shops, if they give me the time of day, push Trek to such an extent that I just leave. An LBS with a good selection and helpful service is so rare. And yet I want to support them. It's like bookstores. I want to support a local bookseller but there aren't any left where I am so it's Barnes & Noble or Amazon. Because I can't get good help at B&N, I use Amazon so that I don't have to deal with anyone. I'm at that point with bikes, which makes things more difficult -- meaning that I'm at the point that I want to do it myself. And for that, I'm leaning toward some type of Frankenbike for my commuter (touring type frame and used components) and a Kogswell P for my longer rides. I know I'll need some LBS support for installation of the BB and other parts, but for me that'll be preferable to getting something I don't want.

Mark

[Nostalgia]

I wish I could afford two bikes, as well. *sigh*

Is it cost-effective to build a Frankenbike? I was pretty pleased with some of the Cannondales I saw today, and finally found a bike shop I like. They offer free lifetime service, and their sales help was excellent. They carry Cannondale, Trek and can order a few others.

I like the Cannondale T800/T2000 and the Cyclocross/Cyclocross Disk. I'm leaning towards the tourers, methinks. While the Cyclocross bikes are cool, they've only got 2 chainrings, and I might need some granny gear action ;)

-Joe

[ottomark]

Hey, if you've found something you like, go for it. That bike shop wouldn't happen to be in south Florida, would it? I've read that people really like the Cannondale tourers. Good luck and let the group know how you like it.

Mark

[Nostalgia]

Nope, north/central NJ. I'd really like to ride the Cannondale touring bikes, but finding someone with one in stock is a tall order.

-Joe

[Geet]

I have a Cannondale Cyclocross disk and they are great bikes. Strong light and fairly stiff.

It is a bit of a pain to mount racks and conventional fenders on the bike. If you do get one, try to get the LBS to do the mounting for you.

[fbagatelleblack]

Originally Posted by Nostalgia

Is it cost-effective to build a Frankenbike?

Etremely, if you are willing to put in some time on the project. See:

http://home.earthlink.net/~fbagatell...ike/index.html

for the first chapter of my current project.

[SCW]

Originally Posted by Nostalgia

I wish I could afford two bikes, as well. *sigh*

Is it cost-effective to build a Frankenbike? I was pretty pleased with some of the Cannondales I saw today, and finally found a bike shop I like. They offer free lifetime service, and their sales help was excellent. They carry Cannondale, Trek and can order a few others.

I like the Cannondale T800/T2000 and the Cyclocross/Cyclocross Disk. I'm leaning towards the tourers, methinks. While the Cyclocross bikes are cool, they've only got 2 chainrings, and I might need some granny gear action ;)

-Joe

I have been commuting/touring/fun-riding on my Cyclocross for almost a year and have about 4K miles on it. You can mount racks and fenders on it without any trouble and have a very acceptable bike right out of the box, the weakest part on it is the wheels I think. If I'm riding lots of hills I put an 11-34 mountain bike cassette on it and have the same range as a triple.

When I bought mine I also went from shop to shop until I found one I liked and had them order the bike for me. I really think the shop is more important than the bike if your starting out and need the technical advise/backup. I'm a lot better about fixing and maintaining my bike now than I was when I got it mostly because I didn't want to pay to have a shop work on it (we moved out of state and can't get back to the first shop) so I do my own stuff now.

[cbbaron]

Originally Posted by Nostalgia

I went to a less local LBS and was treated very well. The only problem is they only carry Trek and Specialized. I took a look at the Trek 520. I didn't really like the bar end shifters, but it seemed OK otherwise. It was a bit uncomfortable, but the frame was prolly one size too small for me.

The sales guy directed me to the 1200C, which I liked very much. Still in my price range, and seems like a really nice bike. It's more a road bike than a tourer, but has a really comfortable geometry. It's still got bolts for a rear rack, but nothing in the front. Should I pass this up as a commuter?
Thanks,
-Joe

Bar end shifters are little more difficult to use than the Brifters on modern bikes but they are popular with tourers because they are much more reliable and easier to repair than Brifters. The 520 could probably use a little more rise in the stem to increase the comfort. A good LBS could probably work with you on getting a good fit what ever you chose.
I was also impressed with the comfort of the 1200C. It looked like it would be a good commuter, expect (and I found it a big exception) it uses short reach brakes and therefore doesn't have room for 28mm tires with fenders.
If you can find a local LBS that carries Jamis look at the Aurora. Also if you have a favorite LBS, just about any LBS can order you a Surly CrossCheck. Both look to me to be excellent values in commuter/touring bikes.
Craig

[Nostalgia]

I've finally found one or two shops I'm really happy with. I've also narrowed my search for a new bike down to the Cannondale T2000 or the Specialized Sequoia. Yes, I've stretched my poor budget to death

I've heard good things about the Sequoia, and my LBS is building up an '06 for me now. If I like it, he says he'll order me an '05 and knock $100 off. Sounds good to me!

-Joe