Commuter Bike Conundrum?

[HB_Dude]

Well I was Looking at 'sensible' hybrids in my LBS to do the daily commute on, which is 15.5 miles, As i thought this might be a better option than to subject my lovely Spesh Allez sport to a hammering and would be less attractive to theives, when I just happen to spot a very nice Kuota Korsa ( bike acquisition syndrome kicks in ) and I got to thinking perhaps this was more sensible?

So you thoughts please folks.....

Option A; Buy the hybrid to commute on save some cash and and enjoy the Spesh for my fun weekend rides as I have been doing to date.

Or

Option B; As my commute is a fair distance, use the Spesh to commute as its a faster ride and will make me ride harder, so good for fitness, and buy a newer road bike ( like the Kuota ) to enjoy whist riding at weekends etc.

 

[helston90]

B- has to be. fair distance for which you'll appreciate the varying hand positions of road bike, let alone the lightness and faster gears.

 

[stan leyden]

If I had the choice it would be option B for me.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

In my opinion for 15 miles a hybrid will be more than enough.

The real question for you to answer is, which bike do you want to be riding on the weekend, the Allez or another road bike? Answer that and you have your commuter sorted out.

 

[Maylian]

B......it's what I've ended up doing with my new Wilier and it makes me look forward to the weekends all the more.

 

[HB_Dude]

I had a feeling this would be the general consensus, and as long as I'm only buying one bike swmbo will be reasonably happy..... Let the browsing begin, so many choices

 

[Southside Mike]

Does the Allez take mudguards? You'll be pretty filthy after 15 miles without them when it's wet.

 

[HB_Dude]

Does the Allez take mudguards? You'll be pretty filthy after 15 miles without them when it's wet.

No, it doesn't have frame or fork lugs
But I was going to give the crud catcher race guards a go and see how it goes, but yes you're quite right that journey in bad weather without mudguards would be fairly unpleasant.

 

[fossyant]

Option C - go fixed.

A and B are sub standard compromises

 

[4F]

Option C followed by option B

 

[jay clock]

Something with mudguards that will take a rack would be top of my list

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Option C. But...

Depends on the terrain. and the age of the riders knees.

I'm lovin' ridin' singlespeed this spring. (burn him! burn him!) and am not getting dropped on the descents like I was when SCR'ing last year.

I want someone* to patent a hub with a freewheel that can be locked solid by turning something. Sort it out @User1314 you're always passing yourself off as an intelligent man.

*when I say someone I mean Surly. Obvs.

 

[Southside Mike]

Other things to consider are - what is your commute like? Are you using bumpy cycle lanes? Do you need to bump over kerbs? Would hydraulic discs help you avoid that taxi? How much do you need to carry?

There's a reason hybrids are popular commuter bikes. If you are keen on drops, then there's the CX option too, although I'm not sure the "different hand position" argument really matters if you are commuting in traffic and having to stop frequently.

 

[fossyant]

You only need one, and fixed it needs to be !

 

[HB_Dude]

Option C is a definite no, my route is full of undulations and one quite murderous hill...so gears is a must!

How ever I have been fettling the Spesh this morning and tbh I'd have to spend bucket load of cash to get any better!, yes I would be getting 10+ on the back and probably the joys of carbon fibre but would it be any better? would it make me quicker? That said I have had the Spesh a while now ( even though it looks like new!! )

But I am going to need mudguards etc for the commute ...hmmm perhaps a hybrid now and a toy later, I love riding so I do want to love what I'm riding if you see what I mean.