What kind of bike do you ride/want?

[Dogmama]

I've decided it's pretty ridiculous to fire up the SUV for small trips to the store or even going out to the gym. I have a nice road bike and a FS MTB that won't take fenders (and it too heavy/bulky to ride long distances). So, I'm thinking about getting a commuter but I'm totally clueless about brands & what to look for.

I need something I can put a good sized rack & baskets or panniers on, so it needs to be fairly durable. I'd also like to ride 8 miles to my favorite gym, (some big hills) so I'd like it to be "ridable" if you know what I mean.

I'm thinking this might be a good time to buy because there are lots of end of year sales going on. So, my question is - what are you riding & do you like it / and/or what would you like to ride? I'd like to keep it under $700 if possible.

Thanks!

[indysteel]

I don't have a dedicated commuter, but If I were in your shoes, I would look at Kona and Jamis. Each have several models that would serve your purpose and that are relatively inexpensive.

[redrhodie]

I'd get a mixte because of ease of getting on and off with a rack and panniers. When I'm carrying a lot of stuff on my 'cross bike (which is my commuter/errand/winter bike), it's awkward getting my leg over the top of the panniers, especially if they're full and heavy. It would be nice to not have to tip the bike to get off.

[Tri Girl]

Good for you!!! Trade in the SUV for an SUB. :)
I do like Kona and Jamis both. If you have an REI nearby, the Novara bikes are pretty nice, too. I've had my eye on the Transfer. http://www.rei.com/product/808786/novara-transfer-bike-2012 (http://http://www.rei.com/product/808786/novara-transfer-bike-2012)
Easy mount, internal 7 speed hub, chain guard, fenders, generator hub headlight, etc. Dreamy...
It's got all the bells and whistles you'd need for transportation/errands and it's right at $700. Don't know if the 7 gears would be OK for your hills, tho.


I'd get a mixte because of ease of getting on and off with a rack and panniers. When I'm carrying a lot of stuff on my 'cross bike (which is my commuter/errand/winter bike), it's awkward getting my leg over the top of the panniers, especially if they're full and heavy. It would be nice to not have to tip the bike to get off.

You make a good point! I have an old steel Bianchi Eros that's my commuter/errand bike and when she's fully loaded down, it CAN be hard to kick my leg up and over her full panniers. Which is why I've been dreaming about the Transfer lately...

[Velocivixen]

I have a Trek FX 7.3 hybrid (aluminum) and a Surly Cross Check (steel). They weigh about the same. They both have fenders and can accommodate a rack, etc. The Cross Check is technically a cyclocross bike, but I have kevlar lined smoother commuter tires, fenders, saddlebag, etc.
How much do you want to spend? Do you want a step through frame or would a higher top tube be alright?

[Dogmama]

I have a Trek FX 7.3 hybrid (aluminum) and a Surly Cross Check (steel). They weigh about the same. They both have fenders and can accommodate a rack, etc. The Cross Check is technically a cyclocross bike, but I have kevlar lined smoother commuter tires, fenders, saddlebag, etc.
How much do you want to spend? Do you want a step through frame or would a higher top tube be alright?

I'd like to spend ~$700. I'm not picky about a step through vs a higher top tube.

[Melalvai]

I'm happy with my Trek 7.2 FX. I have an enormous (heavy) basket on a rear rack. For longer rides I take the basket off and use something lighter, like panniers or a rack trunk, or even just a little seat pack if I don't need much. But that's rare. Usually it's got the basket on. I have a trailer for groceries.

[radacrider]

...I've had my eye on the Transfer. http://www.rei.com/product/808786/novara-transfer-bike-2012 (http://http://www.rei.com/product/808786/novara-transfer-bike-2012)
Easy mount, internal 7 speed hub, chain guard, fenders, generator hub headlight, etc. Dreamy...
It's got all the bells and whistles you'd need for transportation/errands and it's right at $700. Don't know if the 7 gears would be OK for your hills, tho.


That's pretty cool, especially since it comes with so much that you often have to buy in addition to the bike. Depending on the Nexus hub, looks like it should do pretty well with the fixed gearing part being 42x21 (if I read the specs right).

[goldfinch]

I have a Cannondale Quick4, which was less than $700. I have a rack on the back with panniers. I also carry a bag on the front. I can carry a lot of birding equipment in those panniers as they expand up. But yes, it can get awkward getting on the bike.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Tc9gxhjWxLA/Tka6pIGyv4I/AAAAAAAAZGs/JR3G0t2fKAU/s640/035.JPG

I daydream of endless bikes. If I could I would get a mixte too. The Novara Transfer looks nice, comes in multiple sizes unlike some of those bikes. My worry is how do you change the rear tire if you have a flat? That internal hub kind of messes that up.

[Dogmama]

I'm happy with my Trek 7.2 FX. I have an enormous (heavy) basket on a rear rack. For longer rides I take the basket off and use something lighter, like panniers or a rack trunk, or even just a little seat pack if I don't need much. But that's rare. Usually it's got the basket on. I have a trailer for groceries.

Do I read right - it's an 8 speed?

[badgercat]

Do I read right - it's an 8 speed?

I also commute on a 7.2FX, with a rear rack and Wald baskets. Mine came with a triple and an 8-speed cassette. It's performed quite nicely on Tucson hills. :)

[Ursula745]

I have a 7.2 FX also. I commute on that with my backpack on a rack. Love my bike!

[Antaresia]

I've got my bikes in my signature, and I love them both for their purposes.

The more expensive soma steel CX frame is for every day commuting, not to heavy, it can take fenders & a rack.

My grocery-getter is an old mixte, it came with fenders and after some work the LBS managed to get a rack on it.

Things I would look for in your position:
can take (or already has) fenders & a rack. I know some people like their back packs, but I can't do that. I find it uncomfortable and my back gets sweaty. Since you already have a few nice bikes, I'd go for something vintage. Lugged steel frame bikes are so elegant. I also think a mixte is a super fun option, I LOVE mine and swear I will always own at least one. I don't know what your area is like, but it's a major advantage being able to lock up my cheap bike and not worry about theft; I wouldn't care to leave my soma unattended for more than a minute.