Best bike for commuting

[vickster]

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/carrera-subway-2-hybrid-bike-2015



FWIW, Mrs ND has the womens Subway One and loves it.

TMN to you see post #7

 

[MichaelW2]

This is 2x 10miles, not 2x5miles, so you are entering long distance commuting.
Is £400 a realistic budget? What would the alternative to a bike cost? If you amortize the cost over 5 years, you are talking commuting costs of £80 per year.

I would suggest a cx/tourer style do-it-all bike which will give you the aerodynamics for a fast ride and the medium tyres for tracks and trails. The flat-bar non-suspension equivalents such as Boardmans are also good. Disk brakes for winter riding and threaded eyelets for standard bolt-on rear luggage rack and mudguards + an effective lighting system for winter and a tyre upgrade to something with good protection.

Don't forget to budget for accessories, luggage, clothing, insurance (esp 3rd party).
A backup bike is pretty useful to have, or at least some spare wheels.

Subway is a decent urban commuter but the wheel size limits tyre choice (check availability of commuter tyres at Halfords) and it may be a bit slow on longer rides.

 

[vickster]

Where do you get £80 a year from? The bike will also need parts and maintenance presumably especially if used in all weather? Plus all the extras

 

[vickster]

Could look at something like this instead

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-cross-2-16?bct=browse/bicycles/cyclocross-bikes

Or if able to access C2W, might be able to increase budget as don't need to find cash immediately, but do budget to insure the bike (don't want to lose a bike and still have to pay it off)

 

[Cycleops]

That Subway looks like a great bike for the money. Only problem is the association with that dreadful sandwich bar.

 

[Leaway2]

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s190p4404/GIANT-RAPID-4-2012 maybe? they only have M/L so depends how tall you are.

 

[vickster]

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s190p4404/GIANT-RAPID-4-2012 maybe? they only have M/L so depends how tall you are.

I wouldn't see that as suitable for trails as the 5th post

 

[Leaway2]

I wouldn't see that as suitable for trails as the 5th post

I replied after reading the 1st post. IMHO the 2 are incompatible unless you are commuting less than 5 miles or legs like Gripel. I stand by my post, keep the original bike as a trail bike.
Lugging a heavy bike 10 mile each way would put off most people.

 

[MichaelW2]

Where do you get £80 a year from?

A £400 bike amortized over 5 years is £80/year. This is a very small amount to spend on commuting long distance.
Additional maintenance costs may be up £100/year if a shop does everything. Mine is about 1/2 that.
The bike needs useful accessories which may push the price up from £400 to £500 or more.

I don't think £400 is a realistic budget for a long distance, fully equipped all-weather commuter bike unless you build it up from decent used parts.
One year of bus fares will set you back over £500 and you have to pay the same again every year.

 

[vickster]

Is 10 miles each way really considered long distance? I would think that's not far off an average cycle commute in greater london

 

[DaveyM]

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-country-1-16?bct=browse/bicycles/touring-bikes

Mud guards and rack already fitted

For what my opinions worth

 

[vickster]

I replied after reading the 1st post. IMHO the 2 are incompatible unless you are commuting less than 5 miles or legs like Gripel. I stand by my post, keep the original bike as a trail bike.
Lugging a heavy bike 10 mile each way would put off most people.

CX bike? I did 80 miles on mine last weekend, no more discomfort than I would have on my carbon roadbike it weighs under 11kg.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Could look at something like this instead

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-cross-2-16?bct=browse/bicycles/cyclocross-bikes

Or if able to access C2W, might be able to increase budget as don't need to find cash immediately, but do budget to insure the bike (don't want to lose a bike and still have to pay it off)

Revolution bikes are generally good and my cross 2010 model was a fantastic, comfy, leggy go where you want bike. Gutted it was nicked from my son.

It'd be a very good year round bike for a 10 mile commute and has all the eyelets and clearances you need

 

[Leaway2]

CX bike? I did 80 miles on mine last weekend, no more discomfort than I would have on my carbon roadbike it weighs under 11kg.

You may do 80 miles on it, but as a newcomer the OP may not. Others are suggesting Triban which is a roadie, I still stand by my posts. Keep the original bike for trails and a buy commuter.

 

[Cycleops]

Everyone has different ideas. I see he hasn't come back as yet. You've given him various options, it's now up to him to decide in which direction he wants to go.