Need some advice, ladies.

[Caitiebear]

I'm fairly new to the concept of commuting to work with a bike. I figured with the rising gas prices and the fact that I HAVE been looking for a way to get in shape again, I figured why not. At first I was looking as a base-level mountain bike for commuting, but now I've discovered the hybrid/cross bikes, and those sound a bit more down my alley.

My hubby and I went to one of the local bike shops here in town and at first I was looking at the Specialized Myka Base, but then while parusing their website today, I saw the Crossroads Sport and the Expediton Sport, which is the same price as the Myka, it's just they are both hybrids.

I guess what I'm asking, to get to the point, is has anyone heard anything about either of these bikes or has anyone of you ridden or even owned one so that I can get some advice on them?

Thanks ladies in advance.

[Blueberry]

No advice to offer on those models unfortunately. But I did want to say welcome! And good for you for wanting to bike commute!!

CA

[rij73]

I'm not an expert, but I do think that most of us would steer you away from a mountain bike for commuting. Bikes with suspension and fat, knobby tires really slow you down on the street. Something like a flat-bar road bike (Specialized Sirrus) or a hybrid would be a better choice. Also, for commuting, you may want to put a rack on your bike. If so, make sure the bike has the proper mounts for that. I *think* that most mountain bikes don't.

Good luck!

[Iris616]

Hi,
No advice on those specific bikes. But I wanted to say welcome.
Try a bunch of bikes, try different brands. Consider a preowned bike. The thing is: What is great for me, might be terrible for you. So take your time and try many.

[Becky]

Permanent fenders and racks are worth their weight in gold IMO. I'd make sure that any dedicated commuter bike could accept both, especially if your commute is longer.

Ditto what Iris said- try many bikes, and don't be afraid to buy something used. My ideal commuter bike is one that fits well and that I won't be heartbroken over if something happens to it. I bought a 15 year old steel Nishiki road bike on Ebay, and it's been perfect.

Welcome to TE too!

[TrekMom]

I bought a Trek FX 7.2 last year for riding around town and have loved it. The tires make a huge difference-- they are 700 cc x 35 so they are thicker than those on my road bike-- you get better comfort that way. They are also kevlar reinforced which must work because I haven't had a flat yet! Make sure that you are comfortable on the seat-- I did end up switching that out for one I liked. Good luck!

[ilima]

In the Specialized line, the Globe seems like a better commuter than either the Expedition or Crossroads.

I think a hybrid would be better for commuting. The Myka is going to be substantially heavier & you really don't need the front suspension for riding on the road.

The Globe City comes with fenders, a rack and even a chainring guard, so factor the cost of adding these when you're comparing prices.

[Kano]

A couple of years ago, DH and I bought Expeditions. He loves it. I liked mine, but the more I rode it, the less I liked it. Not riding -- that bike!

Last spring, I bought a road bike, with the skinniest of tires, and this summer, I've gotten my old Trek hybrid out of storage, to use when I want to carry stuff with me, or do a bit of shopping.

The most visible difference between the Expedition and the Trek -- no suspension on the Trek. Something about that suspension fork and the way I sit on the Expedition compared to either of the other two bikes. I don't know, we just don't mesh. But like I say, DH and his Expedition, they're best buddies!

Karen in Boise

[PscyclePath]

In the Specialized line, the Globe seems like a better commuter than either the Expedition or Crossroads.

I think a hybrid would be better for commuting. The Myka is going to be substantially heavier & you really don't need the front suspension for riding on the road.

The Globe City comes with fenders, a rack and even a chainring guard, so factor the cost of adding these when you're comparing prices.

I've been commuting on a Specialized Globe for about 2 months now, and have really been happy with it. One of the big selling points for me was the 700C wheels that made it much like my 29er I had been commuting on, plus it had the rear cargo rack and a hub generator setup so that I didn't have to worry so much about remembering to charge batteries. If the wheels are turnin', my lights are burnin'...

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t108/TomEzell/100_0186.jpg

This is mine, on a day when I was packing the panniers rather than the rack trunk that I've slimmed down to now... Checking by the local Specialized/Trek dealer, they had a WSD version of this model out on the floor... If you're going to use it as a city bike/commuter, this is well worth taking a test ride with. Suggested retail is $630 for a fully set-up bike, with a couple of bike club discounts I paid $590 for mine, plus tax. The only thing you need to add would be your own trunk and/or panniers, I added a bike computer and a battery-powered taillight for backup when I get caught at a stop sign or red light.

Tom

[pardes]

As mentioned above, the best way to choose a bike is to take your time in the store fiddling with it, ask millions of questions, test it out, and then trust your own instinct.

As for using commuting for getting into shape, it's pretty astonishing how biking will help over, in my opinion, other methods like running, etc. If you like biking you'll stay at it longer and I personally found that even easy biking at 10 mph without challenging hills and taking the time to enjoy the process has dropped another ten pounds that strict dieting and walking could not get eradicate.

Please though, as a newbie to commuting biking, pace yourself, don't overdo it and you will find rewards on many levels. I bike/bus and only have to ride about ten minutes to get to the bus stop and all on flat land. As I get stronger, I bike to the next bus stop and then the next and never to the point that exhausts me.

Figure out what your philosophy is about biking. In my case, I will never enter a race or go very long distances, or constantly face major hills. I'm in it for comfort, fun, the challenge of gradually stretching my biking boundaries all heaped onto the initial impetus of high gas prices and wanting to simplify my life away from the death-grip that cars have on Americans. And beneath all of that is the burned in memory of myself as a child learning to ride a bike and that ultimate transcendental sense of freedom and accomplishment and peace when I could finally balance it without falling and ride with the wind.

Good luck and keep in touch.