Commuting Options.
Discussion
As part of my new year's resolution to get fitter, i've decided to put momentum behind my plans to cycle to work. The commute is 13 miles on road and I don't know what kind of bike to use. I have a mtb and an old diamond back hybrid that I used as a winter hack last year at uni and havn't used it since. My options therefore are to use the mtb (which i've been told might not be a good idea), replace the very rusty bits on the diamond back (which is a lot of it) or buy a new (road) bike. Just wanted to get some opinions on what you more experienced cyclists would recommend?
Get a new road bike, should be plenty for a few hundred quid in the sales. Ride it to work, get out on the weekends and if you enjoy it buy a new one in March/April time ready for the Sportive's in the summer and use your original, cheapish road bike as a winter trainer.
That's what I did a year ago and love it now.
That's what I did a year ago and love it now.
I would repair your Diamond Back and commute for a few months and see how you get on.
If you really want a road bike, then I'm sure you can pick one up on Ebay for a few hundred. The uptake of cycling is currently huge thanks to Wiggo and the Olympics, so plenty of people buy a bike and then chuck it on Ebay after they realize they don't have the time or the enthusiasm.
Remember commuting on a bike involves more investment that just the bike. You need decent all weather clothing, lights and back up lights too.
I used to carry basic spares when I was commuting including inner tubes, CO2 cannister, mini pump, cable ties and insulating tape. It can all be squeezed into a small underseat pouch
If you really want a road bike, then I'm sure you can pick one up on Ebay for a few hundred. The uptake of cycling is currently huge thanks to Wiggo and the Olympics, so plenty of people buy a bike and then chuck it on Ebay after they realize they don't have the time or the enthusiasm.
Remember commuting on a bike involves more investment that just the bike. You need decent all weather clothing, lights and back up lights too.
I used to carry basic spares when I was commuting including inner tubes, CO2 cannister, mini pump, cable ties and insulating tape. It can all be squeezed into a small underseat pouch
Commuting to work is very different to just getting out on your bike at the weekend and going for a ride.
I commute in to the City of London everyday on my winter road bike. As a starter you need decent gear, not necessarily just the bike but decent clothing, and waterproof clothing for when it rains. There's nothing like a 15 mile commute when it's tipping it down and you are soaked through, that's why I invested in a Gore Goretex jacket, not cheap at all but it keeps me dry. I'm lucky that I have showers at work, but remember you have to dry your cycling clothes as you are going to get back in them and ride home 8-9 hours later. I am also rather lucky that I have secure underground storage which is a bonus as I would not want to leave any bike out in London.
I love doing it and it saves a fair bit of money but sometimes when it's raining hard or as it was in early December -6C outside, I did sometimes think to myself what the hell am I doing getting on this bike to ride to work.
I wouldn't commute on a MTB. I'd see how much you need to spend on the Diamond Back to get it sorted, and if it's going to be a bit pricey to get it up and running properly I'd put the money into a new road bike. There will be plenty of online retailers doing great deals on 2012 bikes to get rid of their stock.
Good luck and keep us updated.
I commute in to the City of London everyday on my winter road bike. As a starter you need decent gear, not necessarily just the bike but decent clothing, and waterproof clothing for when it rains. There's nothing like a 15 mile commute when it's tipping it down and you are soaked through, that's why I invested in a Gore Goretex jacket, not cheap at all but it keeps me dry. I'm lucky that I have showers at work, but remember you have to dry your cycling clothes as you are going to get back in them and ride home 8-9 hours later. I am also rather lucky that I have secure underground storage which is a bonus as I would not want to leave any bike out in London.
I love doing it and it saves a fair bit of money but sometimes when it's raining hard or as it was in early December -6C outside, I did sometimes think to myself what the hell am I doing getting on this bike to ride to work.
I wouldn't commute on a MTB. I'd see how much you need to spend on the Diamond Back to get it sorted, and if it's going to be a bit pricey to get it up and running properly I'd put the money into a new road bike. There will be plenty of online retailers doing great deals on 2012 bikes to get rid of their stock.
Good luck and keep us updated.
Edited by Andy OH on Wednesday 2nd January 14:44
How far do you commute? Hills? All on paved pathways or roads? Do you have to leave the bike anywhere?
A long-ish distance commute needs speed which = roadie
Hills need low gears
Paved = roadie or rigid-framed hybrid
Leaving a bike unattended requires something that doesn't attract attention
A long-ish distance commute needs speed which = roadie
Hills need low gears
Paved = roadie or rigid-framed hybrid
Leaving a bike unattended requires something that doesn't attract attention
Thanks for the replies so far guys. In answer to some of your comments, there is showers and secure bike parking at work so no issues there. The commute is all road so i think I will look into fixing up my old hybrid. There are quite a few long hills though.
As the weather was nice today I decided today to take my bike to work on the train then cycle half way home to a train station. Ended up doing 6.4 miles at an average of 12mph according to endomondo. I did this on the MTB so was quite pleased with myself. Some things that I found I need though are another set of lights (kept worrying that the rear one would stop working and some of the roads are unlit) and some panniers as the backpack really started to get on my nerves. I can see that it may not be so enjoyable in the rain though.
If you have any more comments or hints i'd be happy to read them.
As the weather was nice today I decided today to take my bike to work on the train then cycle half way home to a train station. Ended up doing 6.4 miles at an average of 12mph according to endomondo. I did this on the MTB so was quite pleased with myself. Some things that I found I need though are another set of lights (kept worrying that the rear one would stop working and some of the roads are unlit) and some panniers as the backpack really started to get on my nerves. I can see that it may not be so enjoyable in the rain though.
If you have any more comments or hints i'd be happy to read them.
xeon said:
Thanks for the replies so far guys. In answer to some of your comments, there is showers and secure bike parking at work so no issues there. The commute is all road so i think I will look into fixing up my old hybrid. There are quite a few long hills though.
As the weather was nice today I decided today to take my bike to work on the train then cycle half way home to a train station. Ended up doing 6.4 miles at an average of 12mph according to endomondo. I did this on the MTB so was quite pleased with myself. Some things that I found I need though are another set of lights (kept worrying that the rear one would stop working and some of the roads are unlit) and some panniers as the backpack really started to get on my nerves. I can see that it may not be so enjoyable in the rain though.
If you have any more comments or hints i'd be happy to read them.
That's a good start! You might find your speed going in the other direction is slower if you try though due to hills/tailwind. I've just got a rigid hybrid with nearly slick tyres, waterproofs, overshoes and a waterproof bag and I've managed in all weathers. It's keeping the motivation that's the hardest bit!As the weather was nice today I decided today to take my bike to work on the train then cycle half way home to a train station. Ended up doing 6.4 miles at an average of 12mph according to endomondo. I did this on the MTB so was quite pleased with myself. Some things that I found I need though are another set of lights (kept worrying that the rear one would stop working and some of the roads are unlit) and some panniers as the backpack really started to get on my nerves. I can see that it may not be so enjoyable in the rain though.
If you have any more comments or hints i'd be happy to read them.
Just putting this here... brilliant value. Less than my bike was, and it's full carbon with 105.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ridley-orion-1105b-105/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ridley-orion-1105b-105/
Gizmoish said:
Just putting this here... brilliant value. Less than my bike was, and it's full carbon with 105.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ridley-orion-1105b-105/
That is tempting. I do like a good bargain and if i drop that much on a new bike its likely to keep the motivation up to keep getting on it. Considering I havent done any 'serious' cycling in the past, will this bike not be a light and skittish for me?http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ridley-orion-1105b-105/
I have been reading about cyclocross bikes today. Would one of these be a good compromise between a road bike and hybrid?
Took a proper look at the diamond back yesterday and I think repairing that is out of the question. It is preventatively expensive.
I havent ridden a Ridley but... All road bikes are pretty twitchy when you first start. Narrow bars and steep head tubes compared to mtbs. You get used to it pretty quickly. My MTB feels like steering a canal boat by comparison.
Cyclocross bikes are pretty popular, and their ability to deal with light trails and mud is tempting/useful. But I've noticed lots of them have quite a high lowest gear probably because in real CX racing you get off and run the steep bits. Worth checking the size of the smallest of the front chain wheels and the biggest rear cog.
Cyclocross bikes are pretty popular, and their ability to deal with light trails and mud is tempting/useful. But I've noticed lots of them have quite a high lowest gear probably because in real CX racing you get off and run the steep bits. Worth checking the size of the smallest of the front chain wheels and the biggest rear cog.
There is a Carrera Virtuoso RoadPro for sale by me - listed for £150, it has apparently 'never been used'. Would I be right in thinking this is a good deal? I'm thinking of going for it as I can't justify spending £850 on the bike above.
The Carrera is a medium size so I'm hoping that will be OK for me, I'm about 6 foot.
The Carrera is a medium size so I'm hoping that will be OK for me, I'm about 6 foot.
xeon said:
There is a Carrera Virtuoso RoadPro for sale by me - listed for £150, it has apparently 'never been used'. Would I be right in thinking this is a good deal? I'm thinking of going for it as I can't justify spending £850 on the bike above.
The Carrera is a medium size so I'm hoping that will be OK for me, I'm about 6 foot.
Only way to check the size is right is to go and get your arse on the bike and take it for a quick spin.The Carrera is a medium size so I'm hoping that will be OK for me, I'm about 6 foot.
Not sure about whether it is good value or not but sure someone else will be able to tell you.
When I had a 13 mile cycling commute through London I used my rigid single speed steel mtb with 1.6" slicks which I found great for the busy roads I was riding on as an mtb is better for dealing with unexpected incidents and jumping up onto curbs and I could ride as quickly as I wanted anyway. Definitely wanted the defensive option as some of those drivers could do some pretty crazy things!
xeon said:
That is tempting. I do like a good bargain and if i drop that much on a new bike its likely to keep the motivation up to keep getting on it. Considering I havent done any 'serious' cycling in the past, will this bike not be a light and skittish for me?
I have been reading about cyclocross bikes today. Would one of these be a good compromise between a road bike and hybrid?
Took a proper look at the diamond back yesterday and I think repairing that is out of the question. It is preventatively expensive.
CX bikes are a good compromise. Minimal difference in pace to a 'proper' road bike. But more robust. Also a slightly more relaxed riding position, due to higher bars. My Kona Jake CX is my bike of choice due to comfortable ride. Fit road tyres its 0.001% slower than roadbike but more comfortable for me. Fit CX tyres its quicker then MTB over 99% of terrain, tracks/tow paths etc. A good all rounder...I have been reading about cyclocross bikes today. Would one of these be a good compromise between a road bike and hybrid?
Took a proper look at the diamond back yesterday and I think repairing that is out of the question. It is preventatively expensive.
Jimboka said:
CX bikes are a good compromise. Minimal difference in pace to a 'proper' road bike. But more robust. Also a slightly more relaxed riding position, due to higher bars. My Kona Jake CX is my bike of choice due to comfortable ride. Fit road tyres its 0.001% slower than roadbike but more comfortable for me. Fit CX tyres its quicker then MTB over 99% of terrain, tracks/tow paths etc. A good all rounder...
Another KONA Jake commuter here. Comments are as above but a decent road bike is more than 0.001% faster (it is easier to hold higher speeds on hills for a start). Certainly an excellent all rounder though. ALWAYS have at least 2 rear lights as you say, you have no idea if one fails, and they do (I've had them fall off, fill with water, batteries die etc). If they fail when it is unlit on an NSL you will be pretty much invisible right up until impact... Edited to add - don't put the lights one under the other on the seat post, fit one lower down on the offside seatstay, it gives more perception of 'width' and 'size' as people approach you, helping them to work out how far away you are and also, apparently, more likely to give you a bit more room (on the basis they will be looking at a light on the extremity of your bike, rather than the middle, only a couple of inches, but when some pass only a few inches away anyway... A little flashing helmet light (white on front, red on back) is handy in traffic when your other lights might be obscured by bonnets etc. If you are at 12mph on an mtb with knobblies on, on a CX with slicks you'll be at 16 I'd wager. So it goes from over an hour to less than 50 mins and it will be easier and more enjoyable.
Edited by zebedee on Monday 7th January 17:06
Just a comment on wet riding, if you have showers at work then don't bother trying to keep yourself dry! As long as you can keep your work clothes dry,then embrace the rain and ride without waterproofs.
You'd be surprised how quickly the heat given out by a PC dries a set of bib shorts out!
Cheers,
Tom
You'd be surprised how quickly the heat given out by a PC dries a set of bib shorts out!
Cheers,
Tom
Thanks for the replies guys. I've just got back from another cycle commute. I went to the next station along this time which made it 9 miles. Was a little bit slower this time at 11mph. I went to look at a few bikes over the weekend, both second hand ones and new ones so at least I have now ridden a road bike and got a feel for what they are like. I think I will try a cyclecross bike before I make my decision as the added comfort would be welcomed! Tonights ride was not comfortable at all for some reason.
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