• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Commuter bikes?

EricC

EricC

Super Member
I saw there are hybrid/commuter bikes out there. I have only ever mountain biked but yesterday it took me 20 min to go around the block to get into my parking garage so I am now interested in a bike for getting around town. Any advice on what too look for? My condo has special bike storage but I still don't want to spend much since they get stollen on the street all the time. I have had diamondback and trek mountain bikes and the trek felt better built and gave me less problems
 
Register to hide this ad
Hybrids are nice but I'd go with a mountain bike for more versatility. Just raise the handlebar post a bit, put on some skinny slicks and a comfy seat. That way if you want to get down and dirty all you have to do is put the knobbies back on. The slicks make a huge difference on the road.

If you still want to go with a hybrid, a lot of manufacuterers build one. But with any bike make sure the frame fits and have it fine tuned to your body geometry. Just like audio give the all a good spin.

Good luck, have fun and don't forget a helmet! :yes:
 
Don't get a hybrid. Too girlie.

A road racer will be devastated by the mean streets (and curbs) of DC. A mountain bike is your best bet. Plan on getting your new bike stolen, so look at the cost as a one-year depreciation kind of thing. Anything after that is gravy.

KeninVA = KeninMD (during normal working hours)
 
Get a used "mountain" bike. Put Continental Town & Country tires on it (smooth center tread). Fenders (full or partial) if it's wet where you live. Racks, bags, lights, and locks.

commuterhi5.jpg
 
KeninDC said:
Don't get a hybrid. Too girlie.
Click to expand...

Now I'm girlie?

I agree, I wouldent buy one for this intended application. What makes a hybrid "girlie" in your head is beyond me. I have a feeling you pissed off more than just me with this statement.
 
I own three bikes and I've cycled probably 50,000 miles in my life.
Mountain bicycles are the most stable and versatile bicycle out there
for sure. But make no mistake about it, they are not road bikes.
When I sprawl out on my road bike onto the Airstrykes and get my
upper body horizontal, I can ride forever. The mathematical formula
if I remember correctly is that one gram of wheel and tire weight
equals one kilogram of cargo weight in lost kinetic energy.
I have always believed that a novice should start to ride a mountain
bike and then move to a road bike after he has balance.
But if you want to ride 20 or more miles round trip to work each day,
I say get a road bike. The touring bikes are ver comfortable and
even though the bike salesman will try to sell you the corvette of
bicycles, get a comfortable one instead. Just my two cents worth.
I don't claim to know everything. That's just how it works for me.
 
Clarence said:
Now I'm girlie?

I agree, I wouldent buy one for this intended application. What makes a hybrid "girlie" in your head is beyond me. I have a feeling you pissed off more than just me with this statement.
Click to expand...


Don't take it personal. I think he was poking fun at me.


I went to our local bike store and they wanted $419 for a trek. I won't be biking for miles everyday so I think I may just buy a set of street wheels and dig out the mountain bike. I tried riding it around here once with the off road tires and it was horrible. I only wish I would have gotten the rapid fire shifters on the diamondback. I'll have to make sure it still fits me.
 
Oops!
I just re-read your post.......
You already have a mountain bike............
I have two, one has the huge serfas "Drifters" on it for street slicks.
The other is one that I picked up from a guy that I felt sorry for.
I like all bicycles.......Sorry for the screw-up
 
KeninDC said:
Don't get a hybrid. Too girlie.

A road racer will be devastated by the mean streets (and curbs) of DC. A mountain bike is your best bet. Plan on getting your new bike stolen, so look at the cost as a one-year depreciation kind of thing. Anything after that is gravy.

KeninVA = KeninMD (during normal working hours)
Click to expand...

Yep. Snag a CL or garage sale bike so you're not heartbroken when it gets stolen or broken on the mean streets. Why spend $500 when you can snag a decent ride for $50 or less???
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom