Commuter Purchase Dillema
I'm a recently graduated student and am on a budget. I don't have a car and do not yet have a desperate need for one (especially when the gas is so $$$!). The places I visit most often are my workplace and the grocery store (I heart Whole Foods!).
I went to my LBS and looked at a beaaautiful Trek 7.2 FX WSD but I'm having trouble justifying spending $400 on a bike that is going to be left outside to be rained on/snowed on, etc. I know I would use it and I currently live and will move to a place where I can store it inside while at home.
A couple questions for you regular commuters:
1) How do you keep your commuting bike in good shape? I might be able to keep my bike inside while I work, but what about commuting to other places?
2) Did you replace the stock saddle on your commuter bike?
3) Do you use clipless pedals on your commuter? I'm considering an spd/platform pedal (spd on one side, platform on the other).
4) Is the maintenance cost for a commuter bike comparable to that of a road bike?
Thanks!!!
Test Riding (makes me want to buy lots more bikes!)
I have test ridden both bikes only once and a week apart.
Here's what I gathered from my rides:
Trek 7.2 FX WSD
- Obviously fast
- Nice handling
- Nice click gearing
- Pretty blue! (okay, not most important characteristic...)
- Comfortable enough that I know I could ride it anywhere
- Rack attachment compatible
- Less expensive than the Cannondale
Cannondale Comfort Comfort (Rememine?) 5
I tested the men's version because it was in my size. Here are my notes:
- Not as fast as the Trek
- More upright position
- Cushier (which I don't really care about. I like speed :))
- Twist shifters which I am not crazy about
- Not as pretty (in my opinion)
- Fatter tires which are better for the bumps in the road but are not as fast :(
- Rack attachment compatible
- More expensive (~$50) than the Trek
- Frame was "beefier" than the Trek...more indestructable-looking (relevance unknown but I thought I would include it)
Between the two, I'm pretty sure I like the Trek better not only because it's prettier (I know things like that aren't supposed to matter...) but also that it's more fun to ride! Plus they have VERY comparable parts on them (with the exception of the shifters).
There was also another Cannondale I am considering from the same Cannondale dealer from which I test rode the Comfort 5. I haven't test ridden the Cannondale Adventure Feminine 5 but it is more comparable to the Trek in that it has 700 x 38 tires and is also aluminum. The LBS said I could test ride it in my size once they assemble it (this weekend) if I like :) The Adventure is the same price as the 7.2 FX WSD Trek. I will likely go back tomorrow and test ride that one :)
Thank you for your respones!
Thanks for your info :-) I always love to hear from someone who has both--it's the best advice when trying to decide between :D
Okay, time to look at bikes :)
Still More Recycled Bike Joy
Quote:
Originally Posted by
liza
that saddle looks like a torture device though. is it comfortable?
Surprisingly, yes, it is comfortable! It's really very strange because it does not look comfortable but it is (I have a 130mm Specialized Ariel on my road bike which is a cushier saddle by road bike standards)! I think it works by cushioning and perching you up by your gluteus maximus more than your sit bones so my girly bits are unharmed. It's a gel version and is VERY cushy but is comfortable. You have to keep in mind that my commute is not more than 15 minutes so I have never been on it for prolonged periods of time (and not sure it would withstand the test). In addition, I dismount my bike at lights/stops. It probably cushions my soft tissues from all the bumps of the road :P
If I had a more serious/longer commute, I would probably be looking for a new saddle.
I thought I would do the close-ups to show my Q-tip handy work ;)
I just want to hop on my bike and go everywhere! It's like a bonus after I get out of work :D