Bike type choices

[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.

[Kalidurga]

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

The TriCross doesn't really have suspension, it (like some of Specialized's road bikes) has Zertz inserts in the front fork that really do smooth out the ride. I don't have the option of commuting, but it's certainly been great for everything else I've done with it, and it's set up to take a rack and fenders. And they've put a triple chainring on the newer models (mine's a compact). The TriCross may not be as sexy as a Volpe, but it's slick and sturdy

If/when I begin thinking of getting a new bike, I might consider a touring bike, but I'd most likely go for a 'cross bike again. Their versatility is just fantastic. In a way, it seems as if 'cross bikes are becoming the new hybrid.

[Zen]

Now you've got me looking at Thudbusters

[bikerHen]

[QUOTE=Kalidurga;220942]The TriCross doesn't really have suspension, it (like some of Specialized's road bikes) has Zertz inserts in the front fork that really do smooth out the ride. I don't have the option of commuting, but it's certainly been great for everything else I've done with it, and it's set up to take a rack and fenders. And they've put a triple chainring on the newer models (mine's a compact). The TriCross may not be as sexy as a Volpe, but it's slick and sturdy.[QUOTE]

If I may ask, what model Tricross do you have? I'm thinking that's what I'm going to get, but am real torn between the Sport and Comp. bikerHen

[KnottedYet]

If/when I begin thinking of getting a new bike, I might consider a touring bike, but I'd most likely go for a 'cross bike again. Their versatility is just fantastic. In a way, it seems as if 'cross bikes are becoming the new hybrid.

I've been thinking how much cyclocross bikes seem like the good ol' road bikes we had in the 1970's!