bikerider wrote:That is reasonable budget to spend on a good idea but possibly ending up gathering dust in the garage six months from now.
I suggest you save the larger part of that money for a later time. The first bike you buy will not be your first choice in a few months.
I suggest you concentrate on getting fit commuting twelve miles a day and
gradually increase your mileage by taking the long way home with a little extra mileage
perhaps at weekends.
after a few weeks you will know if you are going to stick with it or return to the car a frost
or rainfall may end this good idea.
For cycling in varying weather conditions you will need a bike that takes mudguards and a rack
for carrying spare clothes etc. Do ensure the bike takes a full mudguard and not those flimsy clip
on things that rattle and bend and eventually you get fed up with them.
there are lots of suitable bikes new and second hand for commuting.
During your getting fit period building up to fifty miles look around bikes that others ride confirm
it's road riding you want to do.Now go spend the rest of your budget and perhaps a bit more knowing what you want.
No cyclist has just one bike and you do not want to ride your pride and joy to work.
I took your advice and got myself a second hand Charge Zester 2013 Hybrid
Bike Specs:
Frame
frame material Aluminium Double Butted
frame description Alloy, double butted tubing
Braking
brake caliper front Avid Elixir 1, 160mm
brake caliper rear Avid Elixir 1, 160mm
brake levers Avid Elixir 1
Drive
bottom bracket FSA powerdrive
bottom bracket drop / height 68mm
bottom bracket shell diameter 68mm
cassette (rear cogs) SRAM PG 1030 11-32t
chain YBN S10 CR
crank FSA Vero Compact, 46/36t powerdrive
pedals Wellgo Alloy trekking
Gearing
derailleur clamp size front 31.8mm
derailleur front SRAM Apex
derailleur rear SRAM Apex 10/s
gears 20
shifter(s) SRAM SL700 Flatbar 10/s
General
grips Charge Griddle lock-on
handlebar Shield Urban low riser, Double butted, 680mm wide
headset FSA No.8, Integrated
rigid forks Alloy 700c, Straight blade, Disc
saddle Charge Spoon
seat post Shield, 15 layback
seat release / collar Shield, bolt type
seat release / collar diameter 34.9mm
seatpost diameter 31.8mm
stem Shield, 31.8mm
Wheels
hub front SRAM Via GT, 32h
hub rear SRAM Via GT, 32h
rims WTB SX19, double wall
tire front Continental Contact 700x32c
tire rear Continental Contact 700x32c
wheel size 700C
The only thing i think was changed in the bike was the tyres, from 32 to 28
Is there anything anyone thinks would worth be changed to improve the bike?