[Newbie] Looking to commute...

[Zagek]

Howdy,

Well I enjoy cycling a lot and used to cycle to my old place of work but I was an idiot and got myself involved in an accident (I say that - even though it wasn't my fault - but we've all heard that ) & on top of that my road bike kept getting punctures!

Anyway, I'm looking to commute to work again but I don't want to get endless punctures like I did before. The roads I go on are not the best so this time I'd like to stay away from a road bike and maybe go for a hybrid if that's what they're called?!

Does anyone have any information on a good hybrid/commuter thingy! My budget is around £500 and I've been looking at the Giant Escape M1 if that's any good.

Thanks

 

[bonj2]

not all road bikes get punctures. I haven't had one in about 1000 miles and i ride on shite roads.
The cause of repeated punctures is most likely to be old tyres.

get a road bike or a mtb, most hybrids are just "easy to use" cycles for non-cyclists.

 

[Zagek]

Thanks, is it advisable to get a MTB for road use?

 

[Tynan]

road bikes don't get more punctures than hybrids

hybrids are quicker on the road than MTBs and road bikes quicker than the other two

all things being equal

good tyres at the correct pressures on a road bike will cope just as well as a hybrid, assuming you're prepared to avoid the worst of the potholes, get an MTB if you want but bear in mind it's you that'll be puffing all the extra weight and bad design (for roads)

 

[HLaB]

You might consider a flat bar road bike for the commute, something like a Specialized Sirrus. I used to commute on mine when I had 17.5 mile commute but I've moved closer to work now and I've bought a cheap Ridgeback Hybrid.
I think if I'd was doing a longer commute I'd use a road bike, IME they don't p****ture more I've not had any, touch wood (my head will do) on my road bike in 1625 mls.

 

[Zagek]

Thanks everyone and sorry for my idiocy!

 

[bonj2]

Thanks, is it advisable to get a MTB for road use?

yes, you can do..

The only reason roadbikes are faster on the road. is (in order of most significant first):
* thinner tyres which have less rolling resistance
* closer ratio gears
* lighter weight.

 

[punkypossum]

If the roads are pretty rough, you might be better off with a hybrid. Also depends on how long your commute is and if you want to use the bike for other stuff. For example, if you wanted to go off-road at weekends and only had a short commute, a mountain bike with slick tyres might be a good option. Similarly, if you want to do long distances on the road when not commuting and can only have one bike, you might want to use the road bike as your commuter... A hybrid lets you do a bit of everything, but is not an expert at anything... (well, that's all a bit generalised, but sort of sums it up I think)

 

[Zagek]

I'm looking at the Specialised Globe & Sirrus. I'll probably go round my local stores if they're open tomorrow and see if any have them so I can have a look in person

Do you lose a lot of speed not having drop down handle bars?

 

[RedBike]

Do you lose a lot of speed not having drop down handle bars?

There isn't that much of a difference between flat bars and riding 'on the tops' of drop bars. You are normally sat more upright on a hybrid so it is harder to get out of the wind.

Normally it's the heavier wheels / tyres that makes a hybrid feel slower.

 

[Dayvo]

That's three reasons bonj, not the only one, and there are more. Like aerodynamics.

And fitness; and ability; and nerve!

 

[redfox]

And fitness; and ability; and nerve!

And how clean and well lubricated you keep whatever choice of bike!

 

[bonj2]

I'm looking at the Specialised Globe & Sirrus. I'll probably go round my local stores if they're open tomorrow and see if any have them so I can have a look in person

Do you lose a lot of speed not having drop down handle bars?

no but you might find drop handlebars comfier as there are more different hand positions and when you ride on the hoods (as you normally do) then you are more stretched out (thus putting less weight on your arse) but not too low for prolonged riding.
the drops rule for gonig down hills though.

 

[HJ]

If you want to avoid p****ture you just need good tyres, something like Conti GatorSkins or Schwalbe Marathons, and keep them well pumped up (use a track pump with a gage).