Looking for a good bicycle for daily commutes. Any suggestions?

F

Fallen0101

New member
I gave up my car in trade for a bicycle last year. At that time I bought some piece of crap bicycle that I got on discount at K-Mart. It was put together poorly, and I spent way more time than I cared to fixing it. It shifts like crap. My decision for buying it was based on the fact that it had fenders, a rack over the back tire, and a cruiser style that made it comfortable to ride. Now I want better.

I've been looking at bikes from Trek and Giant. But it seems like a struggle to find things within my price range that don't seem like crap. I know there's many good bicycle makers out there, and weeding through them is a pain. What I'm looking for is a multiple-speed bicycle with a cruiser style frame, fenders, racks (or the option to add racks), and disk brakes. I'm tired of traditional, suck breaks. I'd like to keep my price below $600 if at all possible.

The bicycle would only see light use. At worst I'd be hooking my trailer up to it for some shopping, which is an eight mile trip away. Any suggestions?
 
Why don't you look at the Redline Metro 9. It is a purpose short communter bike for around $550 and it has fenders. It has good componts and seems like a decent bike for what you want. A quick search shows you can probably find one in the $500 range which would leave even money left over for a bike rack and some lights. (sorry it just has side pull suck brakes, but a good quality traditional suck brake will stop you faster than a cheap disk brake).

http://www.jrabikeshop.com/node/29
 
Why don't you look at the Redline Metro 9. It is a purpose short communter bike for around $550 and it has fenders. It has good componts and seems like a decent bike for what you want. A quick search shows you can probably find one in the $500 range which would leave even money left over for a bike rack and some lights. (sorry it just has side pull suck brakes, but a good quality traditional suck brake will stop you faster than a cheap disk brake).

http://www.jrabikeshop.com/node/29
 
Why don't you look at the Redline Metro 9. It is a purpose short communter bike for around $550 and it has fenders. It has good componts and seems like a decent bike for what you want. A quick search shows you can probably find one in the $500 range which would leave even money left over for a bike rack and some lights. (sorry it just has side pull suck brakes, but a good quality traditional suck brake will stop you faster than a cheap disk brake).

http://www.jrabikeshop.com/node/29
 
Motobecane is making some aluminum frame bikes that have specs and parts equal to some more expensive bikes. I think you'd really enjoy riding something lighter in weight after riding a K-Mart bike.

There are some great deals online if you can do the assembly / adjustment. You may still come out ahead if you pay somebody for assembly. Fenders and racks can easily be added to any bike. Check out the big online stores.

I have no problem with the mountain bike style V-Brakes on my bike. They work far better than traditional side or center-pulls. I believe mine are the Tektro that come on just about every bike in your price-range.
 
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/urban/allant/allant/

http://www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/bike-path/world-21-14228#/specs
 
Fenders can be easily added after the sale. And disc brakes are only needed for extreme conditions. I would suggest a performance hybrid from one of the major companies. Make sure it has a "cassette" rear sprocket & not the cheaper & out-dated "freewheel" - mostly found on 21 speed bikes. (3 X 7 = 21). An 8 speed rear sprocket (or better) usually means a cassette (3 X 8 = 24). Double walled rims will also help carry loads.

One exception found on the 7 speed theory is a Diamondback Insight 1 which does use a cassette. Add your fenders & a rear rack - you have one hell-of-a-good city bike. How do I know? I have a similar Diamondback Insight RS which sold through R.E.I. on 3rd link.
 
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