New commuter bike

[Inertia]

Hi guys, I'd appreciate some advice, I only got into biking again the last few years when I decided to start cycling to work. It's around 12 miles each way with a mix of small country roads, Main roads and tow paths.

I bought a specialized Hardrock comp disc and have been really happy with it. I got packets for it and it's done a great job for me, Ben very reliable. I've been contemplating buying a hybrid and having the hard rock as backup. The one time it has been off the road and I was bikeless for a while drove me crazy.

I've heard good things about the carrera subway but the bike to work when we use in work doesn't use halfords. Can anyone suggest a good alternative to the subway?

One thing though, halfords have a sale on and the subway is on offer at the mo, around 120 off. Maybe that makes it too good to pass?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Hitchington]

I use a Trek 7.3 fx for getting to work, nothing special but a good solid "workhorse" bike for riding through and around central London 25-35 miles a day. I used to use my tourer for work but was always scared of getting it nicked (nature of my job). I think the Trek 7.3 fx is around £400-£500 new. Upgrade the tyres and you should have a bike to suit your needs.

 

[Inertia]

Thanks Hitchington, that looks like just the kind of bike Im looking for, i will look into it

 

[vickster]

Specialized sirrus and giant rapid worth a look, a bit more roadie than the trek

 

[Phixion]

Have you looked at the Charge Grater?

8 gears (low maintenance), lightweight, steel forks... I'm considering picking one up.

 

[vickster]

How is 23.3kg lightweight?!? Which is what you said it weighs The ultimate commuter bike is a single speed. Get very fit very fast if you have hills!

 

[Phixion]

Where did you get 23.3kg from?

It's listed as 10.90kg @ http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/charge-grater-13

"This weight is based upon a large sized example of this bike. We weighed the complete bike as you would receive it, complete with pedals and EN / BS-approved reflectors and bell."

So the medium frame is even lighter.

Single speeds are the rage and have been for the last 5 or so years, but if you live in a hilly area they are a nightmare to ride.

Check out Ebay or Gumtree and you'll find a bunch of single speed/fixed gears for sale because even though they are cool, they aren't great in hilly areas.

 

[vickster]

That's what you posted in your other thread!

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/looking-for-a-new-hybrid-bike.132587/

 

[Phixion]

Hmm dunno where I got that from... the site I linked says its 10KG lighter!

 

[vickster]

Sounds more plausible, maybe you meant lbs not kgs

 

[Inertia]

Specialized sirrus and giant rapid worth a look, a bit more roadie than the trek

I will check them out, the roads a travel on are dirt rougher than tarmac and I also travel on the towpaths. Do you thin these are ok for that?

 

[Inertia]

Have you looked at the Charge Grater?

8 gears (low maintenance), lightweight, steel forks... I'm considering picking one up.

Thanks for the suggestion, unfortunately the area can be hilly (and windy) so I'm thinking I need more gears than that. It does look nice though

 

[vickster]

Never ridden on a towpath but sirrus was fine through local parks on the paths. Ultimately the quickest tyres and bikes on the road won't be best on rough stuff. A 32mm tyres with some tread like the trek will be fine except off road, but you won't manage the same speeds as a 23mm tyred roadbike on good Tarmac. Does that matter on a racked and guarded up commuter ultimately. Time for n+1 for road racing

 

[Inertia]

Well I know I wont go as fast a road bike but as I am looking at a new bike I figured that a hybrid might do the job and hopefully be a bit faster that my mountain bike. I dont do proper off road but the roads are dirt and loose gravel in parts with some small bumps. I will have a look at all the suggestions if they have them in the shop and see, thanks

oh, n+1?

 

[samsbike]

I ride a canal path sometimes on both my road bike and mtb (with slicks). It hard on both, because on the former its more bumpy and uncomfortable and on the latter its just not as fast, can't win. Personally I would get a hybird as recommended above simply because it will be more comfortable. From all reviews the subway is a good buy