What bike for a commuter virgin?
Discussion
I'm doing quite a lot of reading in this section as I'm seriously thinking about cummuting by bike.
I'm sick to death with public transport, it sometimes takes me 2hours for a 9 mile commute
I'm not sure where to start my search for the right bike.
I think I'd rather get a 2nd hand one to get the most for my money.
The bike will need some storage capacity as I travel with a laptop and would need to carry my shirt, trousers, shoes for work.
I live in SE London and commute to the city so it's all tarmac roads.
My budget is around £500
I'm 6ft and about 13.5st
So, suggestions / links would be appreciated.
Many thanks.
I'm sick to death with public transport, it sometimes takes me 2hours for a 9 mile commute
I'm not sure where to start my search for the right bike.
I think I'd rather get a 2nd hand one to get the most for my money.
The bike will need some storage capacity as I travel with a laptop and would need to carry my shirt, trousers, shoes for work.
I live in SE London and commute to the city so it's all tarmac roads.
My budget is around £500
I'm 6ft and about 13.5st
So, suggestions / links would be appreciated.
Many thanks.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
That and a back pack/panniers.
Try and keep X amount of suits at work for the week.
That and a back pack/panniers.
Try and keep X amount of suits at work for the week.
I've just started too, though my commute is slightly shorter at 5 miles. Work clothes and all weather cycling gear are two completely different outfits and aren't interchangeable, so as said try and keep as much as you can at work. Shoes, dry pair of socks and whatever you need to wear during the day will make a world of difference, a lot easier if you've somewhere to change at work too.
As for the bike probably best off with a hybrid style of commuter rather than a full on road bike. Will be a bit tougher and sturdier so will cope with potholes and kerbs a bit better, worthwhile at the expense of a few seconds IMO. I've got a Carrera Subway which does the job, I'm soon to change to SPD pedals for it though
Only real problem I can foresee is carrying the laptop, would it be feasible to leave that at work too? If not it should fit in a 35-40l backpack I would've thought. I've got a smaller one made by Overboard that is really good, no zips to let water in it has a roll top and is completely waterproof, it'll even float apparently.
And last thing, you won't regret it! Bad time of year to start but even so the sense of achievement you get is second to none, before even considering the health and financial benefits.
Good luck!
As for the bike probably best off with a hybrid style of commuter rather than a full on road bike. Will be a bit tougher and sturdier so will cope with potholes and kerbs a bit better, worthwhile at the expense of a few seconds IMO. I've got a Carrera Subway which does the job, I'm soon to change to SPD pedals for it though
Only real problem I can foresee is carrying the laptop, would it be feasible to leave that at work too? If not it should fit in a 35-40l backpack I would've thought. I've got a smaller one made by Overboard that is really good, no zips to let water in it has a roll top and is completely waterproof, it'll even float apparently.
And last thing, you won't regret it! Bad time of year to start but even so the sense of achievement you get is second to none, before even considering the health and financial benefits.
Good luck!
It is sometimes said that hybrids are bought by people who haven't yet decided whether to get a road bike or a mountain bike...
However, for what the OP is planning, a hybrid sounds about right. Too short a journey for a road bike and too urban for a mtb. The Boardman is very, very good. Mrs 66 has the women's version*. It's light, sturdy and the disc brakes are very effective, especially in the wet.
For commuting, you're best off leaving as much of your work clothing at work as you can. Bring in only what you need each day (eg a shirt and some pants). Everything else stays at work. You will not enjoy riding in in a rainy day in your work clothes, then sitting in them for the day.
If you're carrying a laptop, you have three basic options: panniers, a backpack or a courier/messenger bag. I recommend the third, but really it's a matter of personal choice.
Budget for additonals though: helmet, lights, spare inner tubes, CO2 cartridges and an adaptor, tyre levers, (possibly) some form of hi-viz kit, a lock, (perhaps) a pannier rack, race blades (mudguards). And don't jump red lights, don't filter up the inside of HGVS, and don't filter with a massive speed differential.
However, for what the OP is planning, a hybrid sounds about right. Too short a journey for a road bike and too urban for a mtb. The Boardman is very, very good. Mrs 66 has the women's version*. It's light, sturdy and the disc brakes are very effective, especially in the wet.
For commuting, you're best off leaving as much of your work clothing at work as you can. Bring in only what you need each day (eg a shirt and some pants). Everything else stays at work. You will not enjoy riding in in a rainy day in your work clothes, then sitting in them for the day.
If you're carrying a laptop, you have three basic options: panniers, a backpack or a courier/messenger bag. I recommend the third, but really it's a matter of personal choice.
Budget for additonals though: helmet, lights, spare inner tubes, CO2 cartridges and an adaptor, tyre levers, (possibly) some form of hi-viz kit, a lock, (perhaps) a pannier rack, race blades (mudguards). And don't jump red lights, don't filter up the inside of HGVS, and don't filter with a massive speed differential.
- She has recently taken the road bike choice at the inevitable fork in the road.
Edited by anonymous-user on Saturday 8th December 17:47
Edited by anonymous-user on Saturday 8th December 17:48
Thanks for the replies.
Regarding the laptop, most of the time it stays at work but sometimes I'll have to visit a different job for a few days which requires me to take my laptop.
Same goes for the clothes as well.
I work on construction projects and most have shower facilities for the workers.
I'll have a look at the hybrid bikes as you guys suggested.
Thanks
Regarding the laptop, most of the time it stays at work but sometimes I'll have to visit a different job for a few days which requires me to take my laptop.
Same goes for the clothes as well.
I work on construction projects and most have shower facilities for the workers.
I'll have a look at the hybrid bikes as you guys suggested.
Thanks
Mrs Pablo has a Pinnacle Neon Two which has rack and guard mounts, is surpisingly light (21 lbs), well finished and has a nice retro look and feel to it. Definately worth a look.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/neon-...
Have a look at Globe too, lots of those in the racks at work!
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/neon-...
Have a look at Globe too, lots of those in the racks at work!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specialized-Sirrus-Elite...
ADD mudguards panniers and lights...good to go commuting :-)
ADD mudguards panniers and lights...good to go commuting :-)
magpie215 said:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specialized-Sirrus-Elite...
ADD mudguards panniers and lights...good to go commuting :-)
echo this... I ride 10 miles to work on a road bike, spot on and super quick. I just take my day clothes to work and get changed there, I also take a pair of trainers as I keep going though shimano SPDs as there is a bit of a walk from the bike rack to my desk.ADD mudguards panniers and lights...good to go commuting :-)
Get yourself some Cree lights off ebay, cheap and powerful
davepoth said:
two hours for 9 miles? never mind a bike, you could walk it quicker!
Call it an hour on the bike once you take faffing with cycling gear both ends, changing and showering.You'll save an hour each way, 2 hrs a day, 10hrs a week, potentially 480 hrs a year if you have 4 weeks holiday and are really dedicated, thats 20 days a year of your own time you get back
Do it!
I've had both the Sirrus and the pinnacle recommended by others, both fine and comfy for commuting, but I preferred the sirrus.
Get plenty of lights, two on front and two on rear, get yourself lit up like a Christmas tree and as others have said expect idicoy, then you'll only be happily surprised when someone doesn't take your front wheel out!
Get plenty of lights, two on front and two on rear, get yourself lit up like a Christmas tree and as others have said expect idicoy, then you'll only be happily surprised when someone doesn't take your front wheel out!
Thanks for all the comments and suggestions guys.
I'm currently biding on a Boardman Hybrid Pro on eBay. It still has a few days to run.
My commute doesn't always take 2 hours, the journey to work is the most reliable and generally takes an hour.
It's the coming back that is a pita. I just miss my train connections by a few minutes and then sometimes have to wait 20mins for a 5min bus ride.
I'm going to speak to my boss today to see how he feels about my coming in by bike.
I'm a consultant so work in clients site offices 95% of the year. He might not approve as its not very professional, I'll find out today.
I'm currently biding on a Boardman Hybrid Pro on eBay. It still has a few days to run.
My commute doesn't always take 2 hours, the journey to work is the most reliable and generally takes an hour.
It's the coming back that is a pita. I just miss my train connections by a few minutes and then sometimes have to wait 20mins for a 5min bus ride.
I'm going to speak to my boss today to see how he feels about my coming in by bike.
I'm a consultant so work in clients site offices 95% of the year. He might not approve as its not very professional, I'll find out today.
Greg66 said:
It is sometimes said that hybrids are bought by people who haven't yet decided whether to get a road bike or a mountain bike...
I think it's just a bad label really. It gives the impression of being a half-way-house, neither here nor there, but in reality they can be as focused as a Road or Mountain bike. They're designed to be commuter bikes, tough enough to bump up and down curbs and deal with the sort of pot holes and cracks that we have on our roads and cycle paths. They've got a low drag drive train and a comfortable riding position that gives the rider a good view of what's going on around them - yes the original ones came as a mix of MTB and Road Bike parts, but they're pretty bespoke these days.
P-Jay said:
but in reality they can be as focused as a Road or Mountain bike.
Agreed, there's plenty of choice for geometry and style as well so you can go for anything from a hard tail MTB type of thing with slicks and with or without suspension to what is basically a relaxed road bike with discs, flat bars and sturdier wheels. If I didn't allready have an old mtb running quite narrow slicks and basically a hybrid set up I'd be looking for one for the commute.
re: road bikes not being as strong or sturdy as hybrids. Has anyone actually broken a road bike whilst riding it?
This would suggest their frailty is something of a myth...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZmJtYaUTa0
I wouldn't have a hybrid, have something you can really enjoy when you aren't on your way to work as well.
This would suggest their frailty is something of a myth...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZmJtYaUTa0
I wouldn't have a hybrid, have something you can really enjoy when you aren't on your way to work as well.
zebedee said:
Has anyone actually broken a road bike whilst riding it?
No, but it's more about the way they feel when getting a hammering over rough 5hitty roads that you have to go along during rush hour. Of course a road bike can do it, it's just that they don't always feel like they're particularly comfortable doing it IMHO.
Rolls said:
Where will you be going from / too?
I'm sidcup way, and ride into the west end (almost) daily! - tis fine once you get used to it!
I live in Bromley and will be travelling to either Woolwich Arsenal (9 miles) and / or West End (14 miles) I'm sidcup way, and ride into the west end (almost) daily! - tis fine once you get used to it!
I've only ever owned a mountain bike when I was younger so a flat bar would feel more comfortable for me.
My boss has said he wouldn't have a problem with my cycling into work, which is good news.
He mentioned the cycle scheme but I think I'd rather just own the bike rather than all that paperwork hassle.
Apart from eBay and gumtree are there any other major sites where people sell their unwanted bikes?
P-Jay said:
I think it's just a bad label really. It gives the impression of being a half-way-house, neither here nor there, but in reality they can be as focused as a Road or Mountain bike.
They're designed to be commuter bikes, tough enough to bump up and down curbs and deal with the sort of pot holes and cracks that we have on our roads and cycle paths. They've got a low drag drive train and a comfortable riding position that gives the rider a good view of what's going on around them - yes the original ones came as a mix of MTB and Road Bike parts, but they're pretty bespoke these days.
I agree with all that. I think the point of the saying is that most hybrids are bought by people who are getting back into cycling as adults. They use them for commuting, or shopping, or something else where the bike is incidental to what they're really doing. Then there comes a point at which they realise that cycling can be an activity in and of itself. And at that point, they decide they'd like a bike more dedicated to a particular type or riding, and hey presto they're at the fork in the road. They're designed to be commuter bikes, tough enough to bump up and down curbs and deal with the sort of pot holes and cracks that we have on our roads and cycle paths. They've got a low drag drive train and a comfortable riding position that gives the rider a good view of what's going on around them - yes the original ones came as a mix of MTB and Road Bike parts, but they're pretty bespoke these days.
That plus the fact that you can, if you wish, use a roadie or a MTB to commute if you're intent on doing so is what's behind the saying.
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