Another commuter newbie asking bike advice

[Flyingfox]

Hi all

4 weeks ago I started commuting to work on my very old GT mountain bike, and have decided to invest in something more suitable for my needs.

My commute is just over 8.5 miles each way through south east London up to Green Park. The road in places is full of pot holes, sunken drains, and general uneveness. I also cycle along the Thames path some weekends.

So my question is which bike - I have narrowed it down to 3, the Kona Dew Plus, the Specialized Sirrus or the Ridgeback X2. Just in case it makes a difference I am femail, but don't want a woman's specific bike.

 

[spandex]

1st Welcome to CC

I would not get the Kona dew + as you cant fit a rack to it and fitting mudgards to it is a pain. So saying that if you drop down to the Dew you can fit it all to it. Nice bike

The Sirrus is just a bit more sportear then the Dew

Go to the shops that have them and take them out for a test (all ways a must)

 

[Maz]

welcome,
I have the specilized sirrus elite. If you're used to riding a mountain bike, you might find the transition to Sirrus hard going on your backside, but you'll get used to it in next to no time.
It really is a great bike for commuting. Give it a test ride.

 

[Flyingfox]

Thanks for you very prompt replies, I should have also mentioned my mountain bike is that old it has no suspension, and has cantilever brakes, so any upgrade would be a bonus!

 

[spandex]

It would be a big bonus

 

[Paulus]

The Sirrus range is very good. Which one are you thinking about?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/sirrus-elite-2008-hybrid-bike-ec001399

or this?
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/sirrus-comp-2008-hybrid-bike-ec001398
Both are good bikes.

 

[discplayer]

Hello.
My sister rides a Dew and is very happy with it. No-one I've met with one or read here has ever said a bad word about the Sirrus, I did really like one I tried. As said, go and try.

 

[spandex]

Do bear in mind that that as fer as I know All the Sirrus's that have carbon on is a carbon rap over metal.

 

[shimano]

Hi Flying Fox - a lot will be down to how much you can afford, I'd have liked to go Specialised but plumbed for a Ridgeback Speed in the interests of being able to eat next week.

ps had it 8 hours and done about 15 miles or so and really like it :?:

 

[Phixion]

You can also get a basic Specialized Sirrus for £399.

 

[Downward]

I have the Kona Dew and it's a nice Ride - Did 16 miles yesterday and that's the 1st time I have been on a bike for over 6 years and I am no way near being fit.

There are so many out there it's down to personal choice in the end. My 1st Choice was the Giant M Escape Zero but they were out of stock for at least 6 weeks.

 

[Scoosh]

Hi Flying Fox - a lot will be down to how much you can afford, I'd have liked to go Specialised but plumbed for a Ridgeback Speed in the interests of being able to eat next week.

priorities ??
"A meal is for a few hours
a bike is for ages"
- Justmadeup

 

[Flyingfox]

Just to let those who gave me advice, I ended up with a Kona Dew Deluxe. It was worth taking my time as I ended up getting it in the sale as the 2009 models are due out this month.

Anyway I've added all the trimmings - lights, mudguards, Ergon grips, and transferred the computer from my old bike, so I'm all set to go, now I just a day when it is not chucking it down with rain (sorry dry weather cyclist)!

 

[Scoosh]

Well Done ! I hope you and your bike have many happy hours and miles together

dry weather cyclist, eh ? Well, that's very good - you should be able to get out in about 10 months' time

 

[stevie_b]

dry weather cyclist, eh ? Well, that's very good - you should be able to get out in about 10 months' time

Thames towpath sounds good, but I wouldn't fancy the traffic around Green Park. I walk through Trafalgar Square every day to work, and it looks pretty hairy. Still, I am a cycling newbie and loads of other people do it....