Bike type choices

[coyote]

Hmmm you all have given me a lot to think about. I can not wait to get a new bike. I've known for a while that my current bike is too small for me but lately I've been having problems with my knees and the few times I've tried riding for longer times my hands have gone numb. But maybe I'll hold off a little longer and check out a few more bikes. I think I have been shying away from the road type bikes becuase all the bikes I have owned as an adult have been too big (hence the small bike now).

A guy at work commutes on a Jamis Aurora. It looks really slick with fenders on it.

I think I'm going to see if I can rent a road/cross bike for a weekend, one that fits, and see what it feels like.

The Bianchi Volpe is affordable and does have the all important rack eyelets. If the rent-a-bike goes well I think I'll check out the Aurora and Volpe.

Thanks all of you for your input.

[BikeDutchess]

REI has the Marin Belvedere Bike - 2007 model on sale for $440 right now. Commuter bike with fenders, and I believe it also allows you to attach racks (no racks included).

[TsPoet]

I know the bentvangelists on bikejournal can get rather annoying, but have you considered looking at a bent? A Giro 20 or 26 would fit your bill nicely.
But, as Sheesh pointed out, you may want a road bike, or a road bent, and just use it even though it isn't officially a commuter bike. I have a Giro 20 and a Corsa (the bent equivalent of a fast-ish road bike). I ride the Corsa most often, just cause it's more fun. The Giro is more logical, but the Corsa is more fun!

[coyote]

TsPoet,
What is a bent? I tried googling Giro but all I get is the helmet and I get a bike shop when I tried Corsa.

[Torrilin]

Googling "giro 20" turns up that it's a recumbent bike. You'll see the odd commuter in Madison on a recumbent. They look like they'd be great for certain sorts of physical disabilities, but for my purposes, they're not ideal. Hard to park (I have to carry my bike downstairs to park it at home), poor cargo capacity with the equipment I have, and I'd be less visible. I'm already short enough, I don't need any more help disappearing

It's worth trying one if they appeal to you tho. How will you know if you like something if you don't try it?

[coyote]

One of the LBS are recumbent enthusiasts. They have a whole big selection. I tried out a 3 wheeler. It was really low to the ground...impossible to over balance. The steering sat right under the seat and went directly to the front wheels. It really responded well and was really sweet. That is my 'if I win the lottery" bike. I wouldn't mind one like the Giro 20. I talked to a guy that rides a recumbent....he said it is so unusual that it gets him noticed all the time. I wonder how well they transport? Most of them seem really long, not like you can stick it on the old bike rack and take to the next state, especially the 3 wheelers.

[extra-vert]

Buy a used commuter on ebay and personalize it. I have purchased two older, (one early 90s, one mid-late 80s) cannondale roadbikes, (I'll take pics). I don't want my commuter to look too new or too fancy as I lock it up outside. I had mustache handlebars on it at one point, but went back to drop, I throw stickers on it at will, if I wish, and my tire choice are specialized armadillos for lasting power. Of course, I live in SF and must contend with hills, so I prefer a light enough ride. I am about to sell one of these two cannondales because I can no longer store 2. I'm very torn over which one to give up and I will take and post pics of both and ask you guys your opinion. For now, I ride the blue one it is so comfortable and sporty! Pics on the way. Good luck in your choice. If it were me, I would by a used aluminum roadbike - maybe 10-20 yrs old in good shape, maybe switch out to 25 or 28 size tires, from 23 (thickness), maybe put mtn bike handlebars, put fenders, If neccessary, and a rack that suspends just from the seatpost, a cheap odometer, lights, maybe some glow in the dark stickers for fun, and H2O cages - done!

[GLC1968]

I bought a used touring bike for commuting. It's got a rack and bigger tires to handle the load and the terrain, but it's light enough to handle the local hills. It's a relaxed road geometry, so while it looks like a road bike, it's not super race-like and its easier on the back (especially if I carry a backpack). I switched out the flat bars for drops and there is plenty of room for lights and the like to make it safe for winter riding. But...it's a road bike at heart and it not only likes to go fast on occasion, it likes long rides too.

[Zen]

After riding with Tam, I second (or third or fourth) the cross bike. That front fork suspension is sweet.

I'd kinda like one myself.