What to look for in a good street bike?

[pixy0stix]

I don't even know if that's the correct term. I think I would like a good commute bike that I can use to get to and from work. I've got to break from the evening routine I've had for the last 3 years, because it's killing me. It was rec'd that I find a class or something to help break things up, but that would only be for a month or a day of the week. I've never biked to work so maybe that change would help. Sorry, I'm babbling.

Anyway, I've only always had Walmart special bikes, so I have no idea what to look for in a good one. Help?

[kams]

Sadle & some others will have better info than I do probably, but I would recommend going to a bike shop and looking for hybrid or commuter bikes. They will ask for some basic measurements and let you know what size frame will work best for you. If you have a specific price point, tell them what it is and they can help you stay within it (or tell you if it is/isn't reasonable).

If you look around and have some specific questions, post them and someone here (I'm looking at you, sadle!) will be able to give you a great answer!

eta: if you do have a specific budget, don't forget to include cost of helmet, etc in your final number - it adds up fast in a bike shop!

[finallykrisb]

A local bike store would be able to show you some hybrid bikes and let you test them out. That's likely the best type for a commuter bike.

[Deleted]

Hybrids are great commuter bikes. Head to a local shop and see what they recommend.

I think bike commuting is a great idea! Shake up the evening routine, get guarantee exercise every day, reduce carbon emissions. All good things.

You might ask kelbrian on cep too. I know she does a lot of bike commuting.

[sadlebred]

Most manufacturers make commuter specific bikes. I'd start by going to a few local bike shops and seeing what they offer.

Were you planning to use the bike for anything other than commuting?

[pixy0stix]

Feb 20, 2014 11:31:24 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

Most manufacturers make commuter specific bikes. I'd start by going to a few local bike shops and seeing what they offer.

Were you planning to use the bike for anything other than commuting?

Nope, just getting to and from work.

[darnkatz]

When I was commuting, I preferred a step-through frame, especially on days that I was wearing a dress or skirt. Not sure if that's a concern for you or not. My bike also had a skirt guard to keep it from tangling in the chain and wheel. Mud flaps were also handy. I adored my Batavus Dutch bike, but I'm not sure it would be the best fit for you if you live in a hilly area (which, I think you do) because it has coaster brakes and no gears. I lived in a pretty flat area when I was using it.

Other brands to consider are Linus, Pilen, Gazelle, and Civia. I have a Civia Loring street bicycle that I seriously just adore.

I would recommend investing in a nice bike seat like Brooks. It will last you for years and years, and the comfort can't be beat.

[sadlebred]

If it's just for commuting, I recommend looking at specific commuting bikes that usually come with places to attach fenders, panniers, and other such gear.

[sadlebred]

Here are a few examples:

www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/town/urban_utility/district/
www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/globe/daily
www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/globe/work
www.rei.com/product/857590/novara-gotham-bike-2014

[archaeominx]

I have a Trek FX7.1 that I use for commuting, it's worked out really well. I had gone back and forth with getting a straight up road bike but some of my commute takes me a little off the road (so I can avoid highways on my return route) and the slightly bigger tires worked out better. I had a rack and some panniers installed. My total commute is about 25 miles round trip.

Here's the link for the bike, I got my rack and stuff from the LBS

www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/town/fitness/fx/7_1_fx/#/us/en/model/features?url=us/en/bikes/town/fitness/fx/7_1_fx

[labbie]

 I love my hybrid bike. We just tool around the neighborhood and on local trails in the nice weather.
Test driving is key! I was amazed at the different feel of the bikes. I went to a few local shops and rode various brands. They were all ok, but when I got on the Trek I knew it was 'the one'.

[andrealynn]

You have lots of good advice here, but I just wanted to say that I love riding my bike to work!