Which commuter/town bike should I get?

kari_wonder

New member
I am looking at getting a new bike and live where there are lots of hills. I would be using this bike not only in my bus & bike commute to and from work, but also for shopping as there are various places I could bike to and/or from where I would like to be able to buy more than merely what I can fit in my backpack. I am open to purchasing Racks/Baskets if needed to achieve this. I would also like the bike to be very sturdy.

http://bicyclecentreseverett.com/

I'm currently looking at Commuter/Town Bikes for Women at the above site. However I am torn between a couple.

Bike 1: http://bicyclecentreseverett.com/product/10-trek-allant-wsd-49001-1.htm I like this one because it is light and even has a front rack which I am sure will come in handy since I like to bike to and/or from stores. It also has the 21 Speeds that I will require with the hills.

Bike 2: http://bicyclecentreseverett.com/product/10-trek-atwood-wsd-59662-1.htm This bike is also being considered. I know it's a heavier frame but wouldn't that make it more durable? Plus I could put a basket on the front that might be even better than the rack on the first bike since I would be doing grocery shopping. It is a 21 speed, so it's pretty much in the same thing but heavier. I could probably manage getting it on the bike racks since my upper arms are fairly strong. It is when I must lift something and carry it around that I have a problem.

Now, those are the two that I'm really favoring, since they both have the 21 speeds however I am also interested in disc brakes since my area does get a good deal of rain, even in the summer.

Bike 3: http://bicyclecentreseverett.com/product/10-trek-atwood-wsd-59662-1.htm This bike has the Disc Brakes that I am fairly interested in having, however it is only an eight speed, so I am not sure how I would feel about that going up and down hills. It also has a belt drive instead of using a conventional chain drive, which is probably a plus, since there is an issue with dirt, mud, and other grime from the road much of the year.

Last but not least there is Bike 4: http://bicyclecentreseverett.com/product/globe-womens-haul-2-60101-1.htm Bike 4 is more expensive than Bike 3, uses a chain like most bikes but has the nice sized rack in the rear instead of a smaller rack in the front, and it has some really nice extras such as a front and rear light and a bell.

The first and second bikes are the most affordable. I could either one of them in the space of a month, and have cash for little extras that I know I will want and use. However, the only thing that unsettles me are the brakes since I do ride every day, rain or shine, unless I am too sick to work.

Likewise, both the Cost and the lack of a wider range of gear combinations are issues for me with the more expensive bikes.

At the same time, Winter is coming quickly and I doubt my area will have sunny skies for much longer.

Input would be greatly appreciated and the best input will be rewarded.
 
Back
Top