Bike type choices

[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!

[Kalidurga]

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

I got the 2006 Sport model. I didn't know much about bikes at that point and I had a bunch of accessories to buy, so I went for the less expensive model. The Comp has more Zertz inserts, an 11-34 cog set, and better rims. If I knew then what I know now, I probably would have sprung for the Comp instead. For 2007, though, they changed both the Sport and the Comp from a compact chainring to a triple. I prefer the compact, but I'd love to have that 11-34 cog set. The TriCross Expert with an 11-34 would be awesome, but it's just way out of my price range.

[kfergos]

I recently switched to a mountain bike with slicks on it to a cyclocross bike, (28 mm slicks) and I've never looked back. A cyclocross is versatile, tough but comfortable, and lets you go fast on occasion as well. I've received many admiring comments on my cross bike, so I too recommend considering a cross. Just avoid disc brakes if you do choose one -- they're more hassle than they're worth!

[Beane]

If you have a Jamis dealer in the area and go to check out the Commuter, you should also look at the "Coda" line of bikes. They're perfect for commuting, steel (soo comfy), and well spec'd for the price. This spring I got an '05 Coda Sport on mega clearance and have been quite happy with it (though I've upgraded several things, that's probably because I'm a gearhead and not because the bike needed it). The other nice thing is that there are several different Codas, ranging from about $450 to over $1500.

On another note, I test rode a bike once with a thudbuster and it was awesome! I can't really justify one for the price since my route isn't particularly bumpy, but the thudbuster was not even in the same category as "normal" suspension posts.

[anaphase]

I have the Jamis Commuter and I really like it for errands and trips under 10 miles.

The good:

• Easy to put a rack and pannier/trunk bags on it
• VERY adjustable in the handlebar/stem
• Nice upright riding position
• Wheels and tires feel a bit more substantial than my road bike, so I'm not as scared of potholes and road debris, which are a part of my commute for sure.
• Shifts like a dream
• Fun to ride, and very easy to ride (good control)

The not so good:

• It's heavy. 10 lbs heavier than the road bike, so it's slow.
• The fenders are junk.
• Um... that's all I can think of.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

The not so good:

• It's heavy. 10 lbs heavier than the road bike, so it's slow.
• The fenders are junk.
• Um... that's all I can think of.

[/QUOTE]

The main weight difference between it and your road bike is probably mostly in the accessories, not in the actual frame (which might likely be 3 to 4 lbs heavier than your road bike frame).
Heavier/wider tires and rims, racks, fenders, saddlebag, non-carbon parts, perhaps a third gear ring, etc....
Many people like very lightweight fenders rather than heavier metal old fashioned fenders. Light fenders can seem junky ...but all they really need to do is keep the rain from splashing up at you. Some folks even like plastic fenders.

[anaphase]

The main weight difference between it and your road bike is probably mostly in the accessories, not in the actual frame (which might likely be 3 to 4 lbs heavier than your road bike frame).
Heavier/wider tires and rims, racks, fenders, saddlebag, non-carbon parts, perhaps a third gear ring, etc....
Many people like very lightweight fenders rather than heavier metal old fashioned fenders. Light fenders can seem junky ...but all they really need to do is keep the rain from splashing up at you. Some folks even like plastic fenders.

Well, I don't know where the actual weight comes from, but stock it is about 10 lbs heavier. It's listed at 28, vs 18 for my road bike, which is a triple, and felt 10lbs heaver *before* I put the rack on it. The fenders are plastic and super flimsy, which is fine for keeping rain off, but I've had to adjust them about 20 times to get them right, which is annoying. So to me, those are the particular cons for that bike.