Commuter Bike

I know there are a few folks on the board that are also avid mountain/road bikers and I was hoping I could get some advice.

Gas prices are beginning to get the best of me by cutting into my fishing funds! So, since I only live 7 miles from my work I thought I would try commuting by bicycle. Problem is, I don't know much about bikes at all. 

I would like to get a good commuter bike, preferably used, but if I go new I have a price limit of about $550 max. My thought is I want something that is fun to ride, because if I don't like the bike, i know that sooner or later I'll end up leaving it in the garage. A couple of the new models I'm interested in are the K2 Astrol 3.0, K2 T-9 Tradewind, and Marin Novato.

So, my questions are:
What types of previous models should I keep an eye out for on Craigs List?
Are the new models I'm looking at any good?
Is buying a bike kind of like buying a kayak? (ie, get the best you can afford that meets your needs) Or, are there a lot of bells and whistles that I shouldn't worry about for commuting that come on the high end bikes? 

I'm just starting to learn about kayak fishing but I am knowledgable about bikes. I have done downhill, trail, recumbent and street. If you are only going 7 miles I would recommend a mountain bike because they are more versatile and durable than a road bike. Get a hardtail because they are lower maintenance and much less expensive than full suspension. Put street tires on a mountain bike and you will be suprised how quick you can move. If you aren't climbing big hills you may want to consider a single speed.

Do you want to use a backpack or bike rack for carrying stuff? What size do you need (how tall are you)?   

I recently purchased a new commuter bike up here in Portland.  I have a relatively flat 5 mile commute and went with a single speed.  I actually bought a new Redline 9-2-5 single speed for about $400, but if you're mechanically inclined you can make your own single speed commuter out of an only road bike frame.  IMO, single speeds are very fun to ride and it's nice not having to worry about keeping any derailleurs in tune.

As for commuter bikes in general, I prefer the more upright sitting position of a mountain bike but I like the larger but narrower wheels of road bikes so I'm generally drawn to hybrids.  Recently manufacturers have started calling their hybrids are urban and sometimes comfort bikes.  Oh and here are some add-ons to consider for bike commuting... helmet, rain gear, lights, fenders, chain guard, rack, painners.

Just like kayaks, it's a good idea to try a bunch of models before you buy.

Here's a picture of the 2008 Redline 9-2-5. 


I actually have the 2007 model that comes in black with mustache handlebars.



Brian

There's been loads of trickle down, with the higher level features showing up in the below $500 price range.

I like performance b/c of their 100% guarantee.  Keeps me coming back to them.  And they are blowing out their 07 models.  You can probably haggle at least 10% off their sales price, and get a further 15% of any accessories you want to buy that day.  Also, if join Team Performance, you'll actually get back a bunch of your purchase price in the form of store credits.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23881&subcategory_ID=3050

With the above Iron Horse, it probably weighs a metric ton but is so inexpensive you can fully outfit yourself and stay in your $550 budget.  Don't compromise on the fit though - fit is everything.  Keep it simple and cheap for your commuter/ beater bike.  If you get into it you can always upgrade.

Most important, buy a good lock!

Thanks, this is the kind of feedback I was hoping for! 

I do have one significant hill in my ride because my building sits at the top of the highest point on Mare Island. It isn't the biggest hill in the world, but it is about a 1/2 mile steady climb, so i think I will want multiple speeds. Also, I kind of like the option of gearing up and going faster 

I'll check out Redline and Performance and see what I can find there too. Anybody have any knowledge about the K2 and Marin bikes I'm looking at? I've heard of the brands, but know nothing about them.

Also, I checked out a site online about fitting a bike. I know I'll have to do some test rides, but the site mentions that at my size (5'11", 32" inseam) I probably want to star looking at 20" frames. Sound about right to you?

at my size (5'11", 32" inseam) I probably want to star looking at 20" frames. Sound about right to you?

71" tall with 32" of inseam?!  Dude, youre all torso!   j/k. 

A 20" mtb frame is going to be about right, although as a roadie, I like the larger frames.  Pretty upright position for you to ride a 20, so I wouldn't have any heartburn if you jumped to a 21.  The longer frame will give you a little more room up front and provide more relaxed handling.

Hey, that's not funny! I'm 6'00" with a 32" inseam. My brother is 6'03" with a 32" inseam. We got guts for sure!

I almost forgot, you should go down to your local cop shop (PD or SO) and see if they sell their "found property" bikes. Most agencies had a TON of used bikes just laying around.

You're likely to get a great deal!

Brian:

Sweet retro rig...so Portland! 

I saw this at the shop and in real life this is an incredibly sweet looking commute rig...http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=08GlobeCentrum

The performance bikes web site has a pretty good selection. Anybody have an opinion on Mongoose bikes? Based upon the specs, this one seems like a good choice: 
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=25454&item=30-0751&slitrk=search&slisearch=true

I may head down to the shop in Walnut Creek this weekend for a test drive if they have one.

Glad you started this thread as I am about to go down this path as well. I need the exercise and I just spent $71 to fill up, ouch! I will most likely have a train/light rail ride in the middle there so something I can easily load on the train wold be nice.

I just bought a new bike for the mountains but kept my old one for getting around town - it's nice to be able to leave it in not-so-great places and not worry about losing an expensive item.  And after a couple of weeks, 7 miles will feel like nothing, and even cheap bikes today are way better than expensive bikes of 20 years ago. 
    I also made some saddlebags out of some (waterproof!) carry-on bags I found at Goodwill- just roped them to my package carrier, stuck a piece of cardboard in the side pocket and faced that toward the wheel - I hope they look cheap enough no one would bother stealing them. For the same reason, you might want to replace the saddle post quick release with a ss bolt, and cable lock both wheels and frame to something solid when you leave it.
  I snag my shoe laces and pant legs often enough that if I was riding it to work I'd want a chain guard.   
   And I wear a "life jacket" when I'm riding the streets - a bright orange mesh vest.  And I don't mind riding an extra mile out of 10 if it will keep me off of busy streets.  Get to know your city!
    I test rode several bikes on the steepest hills I could find, as well as on the flat.  It's surprising how much difference there is among them in terms of fitting your body.  Gel or other padded gloves will keep your hands from going numb on longer rides.
    And ride in real low gears to spin fast and easy as you start each ride, that and keeping your knees warm (Goodwill fleece sweatshirt sleeves)  will keep your knees from hurting and getting arthritic.  A thin waterproof windbreaker jacket gets a lot of use.
   

Hey, that's not funny! I'm 6'00" with a 32" inseam. My brother is 6'03" with a 32" inseam. We got guts for sure!

Just kidding!!     I'm a total shrimp so any comment of mine regarding height is little guy just frustration and envy. 

I almost forgot, you should go down to your local cop shop (PD or SO) and see if they sell their "found property" bikes. Most agencies had a TON of used bikes just laying around.  You're likely to get a great deal!

Great idea, forgot they even do this!  Bet PD prices are impossible to beat.

The performance bikes web site has a pretty good selection. Anybody have an opinion on Mongoose bikes? Based upon the specs, this one seems like a good choice: 
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=25454&item=30-0751&slitrk=search&slisearch=true

FJ, I'm not so keen on cross-hybrids.  The geometry will probably keep you from barreling down hardcore singletrack, but that's not really your primary application anyway.  But that '08 Mongoose Crossway 450 has some pretty nice features at that price. great to get an aluminum frame, weight will be substantially lighter over comparably sized steel. 

also consider the Iron Horse Maverick 4.5 mtb in 21.5.  http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=24828&subcategory_ID=3050.  Like amphibian advised, this is a dual suspension so it might be more maintenance.  But if you have any intention of doing off-road, rear suspension is a really nice.  (sorry to add to the variables)  performance will typically do first tuneup free, and if you have any problems, you can always warranty the bike back to them.

remember that through performance, you can order anything through the catalog through their in-store "red-phone" and have it shipped to the store w/o shipping costs.  so if you see a model you like, but they don't have your size at that store, you can ask staff to call around to other stores or you can red-phone it to your store.

finally, don't fret 24 v 27 speeds.  for commuting purposes over the terrain you described, you'll not miss anything with 24

There are lots of great options out there, but I would suggest looking for a used, decent quality mountain bike on Craigs list, with no rear suspension, and perhaps a rigid fork up front as well. Should be able to find something around 300-400 dollars.Simple will work fine for you. If it doesn't look beat up or rusty  and rides smoothly, it's probably in good condition-few bikes get worn out from mileage. Put some light fast tires on it for road use.

If you can save a few bucks that way, you can spend them on some other essentials: a helmet, some decent riding shorts, a lock, perhaps an upgraded saddle.

But if something new and shiny beckons....just buy it and ride!

Good advice, I use a converted old roadie...I'll try and post some pics.