Besy commuter bike for newbie lady?

[Nerdontoast]

Hi All, just bought a house in Surrey and will be doing around 15 miles each way into work. Train is slow and car is not feasible because no parking is available unless I pay a small fortune every month.

Which bike would you recommend for a 5'3" lightweight newbie? Roads will mostly be the A316 (or A314+315) plus a bit of city. Would a scooter be ok? Is it worth getting a Piaggio MP3 (felt too high for me?).

Should I play safe and buy an electric car instead? (There is a car park near my workplace with charging bays for £6/day).

Thanks so much in advance and apologies for sounding so clueless!

Edited by Nerdontoast on Friday 19th August 08:01

Edited by Nerdontoast on Friday 19th August 08:02

[Nerdontoast]

Thank you so much for the suggestions so far, will check them out! I plan on taking lessons, riding local and putting a few miles on the clock before I face the lovely morning traffic. Safety first!

I've been a car driver for near 15 years and I cycle to work, although it's a nice ride through residential roads - no way I'd pedal on the A316 - and I still remember holding my breath the first time a double decker bus overtook me!

My workplace has bays for motorbikes so taking gear with me or changing clothes shouldn't be an issue.

[Nerdontoast]

Wouldn't a 600 cc be a bit too much to begin with? I can imagine myself looking at it and thinking "this is like riding a dragon, GoT style"

[Nerdontoast]

I think something easy and affordable to begin with is a good option, and then upgrade if I enjoy the ride (which I hope I will despite the traffic)

[Nerdontoast]

The MP3 just needs a car licence, hence its appeal, but I tried one in a shop and felt a bit tall and bulky. Can't assure I'd ride it with confidence.

[Nerdontoast]

So many choices, they all look so good! Thank you everybody for your messages!

Work is in Shep Bush, hence the A316.

[Nerdontoast]

That one is getting quite a few votes

[Nerdontoast]

I will be keeping in on the street as sadly I don't have a garage or drive

I think I nice scooter would be a good starting point and I can build it from there as my confidence grows.

Thank you again for all you comments, they also include great suggestions for future upgrades!

[Nerdontoast]

Love the name. ELIMINATOR.

I bet I can customize it with laser ray guns and mini missiles or something like that. Looks amazing btw, really nice one.

Thanks for the advice re: street parking. My neighbour chains hers and covers it overnight. I think she just chains the wheel though...

I have space to build a small garage in the new house, might go for it.

[Nerdontoast]

I'm glad to see someone who has done the A316 for years! Thank you for the info about the CBT.

I think an automatic scooter seems to be the best bet as the entry vehicle.

Next thing you know I'll be riding a Ducatti (7th hand, with my budget!)