What type of bike??

I'm ready to start commuting to work. I've been reluctant due to a dangerous intersection, which I've figured out a way to avoid. My office is only 6 miles from my house and is mostly flat.

I need a commuter bike as I don't want the wear and tear on my road and/or mtn bike. I don't know what type of bike I should look at and I don't want to spend a lot of money, either. I'd love to stay under $400, if possible.

I know I could probably find a good used bike, but I know DH would feel better if I was on a new bike. He's already concerned about my decision to commute. I was also considering a single speed, but I'd have to ride one to see how it feels. They less there is on the bike, the less that can go wrong with it.

Thanks for the input. I know you will have a lot of good info for me to think about.

Kerry

I commute on my road bike, and even though the most direct route is 9 miles, I ride 18 to work in the morning, and 15 at night because it's prettier that way. I look at my commute as just another ride, picking the most scenic roads. I'm really lucky because I can keep clothes at work, and the woman I work for picks up lunch for me when she does her shopping, so I don't need to carry anything. She even usually has a fruit and yogurt smoothy waiting for me when I get there. Yes, I'm a little spoiled.

I also only work 2 days a week, so it's not as big a commitment as a daily commute that would wear out my bike. I don't need to stop and start much because there's aren't many stoplights or traffic, so it's good for clipless pedals.

If I had a daily commute that went through a lot of traffic, I think I'd use toeclips, and maybe ride a bike with fenders so I wouldn't have to clean it so much. I still feel most comfortable on a road bike, so that's what I'd choose. Whatever bike you end up with, make sure it's really fun to ride, otherwise, it will just feel like you're adding more work to your day.

I feel so good when I get to work. I ride a little slower than normal so I don't get all sweaty, and because of this I get to enjoy the scenery and fresh air.

Good luck! Can't wait to see what you get!

hi Kerrybelle,

I don't really have any advice about what kind of bike, but I think you'd be just as safe on a used bike that has had a good check-up from your lbs as with a new one that would need cables tightened after a short while anyway. If you're unhappy about traffic I'd say pick a comfy robust bike with decent components, not too heavy, that lets you see what's going on around you well, and spend a little money on lights, fenders, maybe a mirror and a rear rack too. I prefer commuting on my mtb because I can see more and react quicker with it and it can handle potholes and sidewalk hopping well.

Commuting by bike rocks, have fun :)

Here's a bunch of drool-worthy critters: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=22857

If your limit is $400, I suggest looking at the aluminum Kona Dew ($400) and the steel Kona Smoke ($350).

I've had both, commuted on both, and loved both. Sturdy, inexpensive, well made, stable geometry, no frills (but don't need 'em), sweet bikes. http://www.konaworld.com/08_dew_w.htm and http://www.konaworld.com/08_smoke29.htm

Edit to add: the Kona Smoke comes with a set of pretty good fenders, I like them. The Smoke's grip-shifts are great for commuting, cuz you can whip through a bunch of gears quickly. (and a quick glance at the shifter tells you what gear you are in, very nice when you are too distracted by the ambulance in the intersection and the bus behind you to remember what gear you were in when you stopped!)

I'm just getting accustomed to my new commuter--making small adjustments, etc. :) I got a used one and I love it!

My LBS, however, almost sold me on a Trek 7.2 FX WSD :D I really fell in love with that bike and it was only $377 on sale :) It was an aluminum frame, a pretty blue color and decent components. But alas, my thrify self scouted out all the used bikes on craigslist and eBay first. That's how I found my Trek 830 :) I put 1.5" wheels on her and she is wonderful to ride! I would have had a hard time thinking about leaving a new shiny $400 commuter outside :( I'm trying to work out something so I can keep it indoors when it's icky (not happy about mounting a wet saddle....bleck) but that's still in progress because it's beautiful out!

I also looked at a few other bikes but they did not suit me as well as the Trek 830. It was sold to me for $100 with a rack, tail and front lights and two cable locks (one for tires) which was just too good of a deal to pass up. Plus it was my size and really fun to ride :p I then did some self-maintenance (truing wheels, chain replacement, tire replacement, etc) to get it up and running the way I wanted it and now it's fantastic. I have to say, though, I never expected to find a bike I love riding so much :)

Good luck with your search :)

I have a Trek720 that I picked up at a garage sale a couple weeks ago and I LOVE it! It was only $50, and a steal at that. I was commuting on my road bike because it's so far, and I may actually have to start doing that again (new road bike= lightweight and I can go faster). The Trek is heavier and sturdier, so it's now used as my errand bike/grocery store/all purpose bike (I rode it 11 miles downtown today to go to the marathon expo).
I'd scout out some used bikes on craigslist and get a good tune up done. You might be able to get an even nicer bike than you would if you got one new. If you really want a new one, I've been lusting after a Kona for some time. Those are really sweet looking bikes!
Good luck, and do show us pictures when you make your decision!!!:D

A used bike could be higher quality.... the basics of a bike don't wilt. My $400 Giant from 1988 has going on 18,000 miles (or maybe 20, I don't remember) ... its' not going to break.
I got a 1968 Schwinn Racer single speed for about a hundred dollars (including shipping) from ebay, spent another 25 on parts and fixup, and that thing will go anywhere and do anything.

Thanks for all the replies. DH & I are both off on Wed. I'm planning to take him to the lbs and talk to him more about a used bike. I'm all for saving money and buying a used bike.

I'll keep you posted. Those Kona's do look great. There isn't a dealer anywhere near me though. :(

Have fun with your shopping, KB

I use my two road race bikes to commute, as my commute is irregular and I use the commute as a training ride.

I aim to have a commuting bike - probably sometime next year.

I think the key thing about a commuting bike is you should feel comfortable on it... so don't choose a city bike, or a road bike, or whatever just because you are told to. Find something you will comfortable stopping and starting on at intersections. That will be the right choice :)

You are probably to the bike shop and back already, but one thing I would suggest is putting in tire liners, heavy-duty tubes, and get them slimed. May seem like overkill, but after having 4 flats in the same number of weeks, I feel it is totally worthwhile!

My commute is 6 miles roundtrip, too... 3 miles down (on the way to work) and... well, the opposite on the way home. I ride a Trek hybrid that I bought in 1999 and is still going strong. I can't imagine using my road bike to commute, as I commute in work clothes (or at least carry trousers or a skirt and ride in a pair of regular shorts).

Funny how people still think it's "amazing" that I ride to work. It takes me less time to ride my bike than it would to drive, find parking, and walk to my office (not to mention the other many bennies!).

One other thing - I usually wear a backpack, but I also put a metal pannier on one side when I don't want to risk crushing my lunch or when I need to stop at the store for something on the way home. It folds up out of the way when I don't need it - cost me maybe $60 or so a few years back, well worth it.

And if you will be riding early or late when it is dusk or dark, remember your blinkies! I ride some heavily used roads and have one on the back, on my helmet, a light that goes on the side of my arm, a headlight, and a reflective construction vest that goes on my backpack.

I just bought a Specialized Globe Centrum Sport, which is a single speed.
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=34073
Since, I will ride by the LBS during my commute, I wanted to purchase my bike from them. Didn't want to bring another competitors bike in should I need help on the commute. They are a great shop, too.

The owner just got his GF the Globe in a 3 speed and she really likes it. I rode a few different bikes. The Sport being the one I picked. I went with the single speed because there is little elevation where I'd be riding and there will be less maintenance.

I need to make a few adjustments, saddle, new pedals and a bag for the rack. When it's all ready, I'll post up a pic.

Of course, I will not be riding it today with the rain and 15+ mph winds and gusts up to 45 mph.

Now, I have to work out the specifics of my commute.

Thanks all.

Kerry