Need a bike for long commute, buying from ebay, opinions....

[TameRacingDriver]

I'm just going to start out cycling, and am going to attempt a 15 mile commute each way to improve my fitness and save money.

I want a hybrid to get me started and seen this on ebay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120899784504?_trksid=p51...

Seems to have a couple of small issues, would the issues he speak of be much of a problem to sort out?

• The headset is quite rusty and would benefit from being serviced

• The above has bubbled the paintwork on the headtube

Or any better ideas?

[julianm]

Replacing a headset isn`t too difficult & a bit of paint peeling won`t matter. For 15 miles I`d put slick tyres on & pump up hard - right to the limit, put a rack on - much better than any sort of backpack, and fit some decent mudguards for the inevitable rainy days. The hub gears have a good reputation.
As an alternative try something like a Dawes Galaxy - an older one which is a bit tatty will still go on for years.
Good luck if you manage it - I used to do 20 miles each way which was about the limit in terms of common sense & practicality for me. Kept me fit too!

[TameRacingDriver]

Cheers, so it doesn't look like a bad buy?

Thing is my commute by public transport costs circa £90 - £100 a month and takes 1 hr 20 minutes, and commuting by car would cost almost double in petrol (most cars I end up with probably manage at best 25 MPG on the journey). I need to make time for exercise, and even if this take a little longer, it will be worth it for the health benefits.