Need advice on a new commuter bike

[total_novice]

Hello lovely bike people,

Since my car exploded last week I've decided to give commuting on a bike a go. It's a 9 mile trip (Acton to Uxbridge) down some fairly busy roads (A4020 all the way - well it's that or the M4, which I gather is illegal) Could anyone recomend a bike? What accessories will I need? And if any Londoners are listening, are there any routes that would make the journey more pleasant/less terifying?

I have a budget of around £500

Ta

Ben

 

[Landslide]

Hi Ben!

As regards your route, try TFL's cycle guides. You can order free copies here. Looks like number 6 should cover your route!

 

[Sittingduck]

Hi

Have a look at Google maps and click the "Get Directions" thing to help you guage distance. It's a simple tool that will allow you to drag the big blue line (the route) around the map and customise your journey.

£500 will get you a very decent hybrid or just about get you an entry level road bike. Should be fun going to LBS' (Local Bike Shops) having a sit on some and seeing what they suggest.

You might also consider going 2nd hand for a couple of hundred quid and not risking so much money on something you may not become addicted to (I predict you'll love it though). This will also leave plenty in the kitty for a lock, lights, clothing etc.

Best of luck with it all - you won't regret the decision to commute by bike... best thing I ever did was to make that choice 1 year ago!

Cheers,
SD

 

[total_novice]

Thanks guys, sound advice much appreciated. Any discernable difference between a "City comfort bike" and a hybrid? Is there any advantage to getting a road bike over the other two?

 

[Sittingduck]

I got a hybrid 1 year ago. Got into cycling - craved a road bike... built my own and love it. It's not uncommon for newbies to get a "safe" hybrid a first then upgrade after a few months to a road bike! That said, you will get a lot more for your money with a hybrid. 500 quid really is entry level territory for road bikes but pretty high up for hybrids. Take a look online to see the prices and post back here anything that catches your eye. A lot of experienced folk here who are more than happy to offer some help

SD

p.s. I guess city comfort bikes can mean different things to different people. Any chance of a link to the one you have seen?

 

[palinurus]

Five years from now you'll have 13 bikes and you'll be machining your own hubs.

Still posting under the name total novice.

 

[palinurus]

A lot of the stuff I've bought for cycling I picked up over the years as and when I felt a need for them but there are a few things you'll need at the outset.

You will definitely need.

Lights- there are probably quite a few threads on here about lighting issues.

A rain jacket

A lock, or two, depending on security at each end of the journey.

Some way of carrying stuff whether a rack and panniers, a courier bag or rucksack or some other arrangement.

A basic toolkit. Tyre levers, spare tube or two to fit your bike, pump.

You'll need to consider clothing, partly depends on what you feel comfortable wearing of course.

 

[HJ]

Thanks guys, sound advice much appreciated. Any discernable difference between a "City comfort bike" and a hybrid? Is there any advantage to getting a road bike over the other two?

Yes and no, the term hybrid is used to cover a wide range of bikes, which includes the "City comfort bike", hence the no. However, there is more to hybrids that just "City comfort bikes", for your purposes a fast trekking or commuter bike would be more suitable. The terminology is just a wee bit confusing as all these terms are fairly loose.

The best way to choose a bike which is right for you, is to set a budget find a good local bike shop (LBS) (or several) and try riding as many bikes within the budget you have set, then buy the one that feels the best. If the shop won't let you take the bike out to ride on the road, walk away and never go back there...

 

[total_novice]

A lot of the stuff I've bought for cycling I picked up over the years as and when I felt a need for them but there are a few things you'll need at the outset.

You will definitely need.

Lights- there are probably quite a few threads on here about lighting issues.

A rain jacket

A lock, or two, depending on security at each end of the journey.

Some way of carrying stuff whether a rack and panniers, a courier bag or rucksack or some other arrangement.

A basic toolkit. Tyre levers, spare tube or two to fit your bike, pump.

You'll need to consider clothing, partly depends on what you feel comfortable wearing of course.

Thanks, I actually feel most comfortable in women's clothing, but that could get a bit drafty. I'm guessing a helmet could be added to that list? Also, I want to be as light/efficient as possible, would a rucksack/messanger bag fit the bill better than other carrying options? I'd be carrying about 2-12kg of paperwork on any given day.

The LBS is out of the question unfortunately, my ride to work scheme obliges me to go through Evans' cycles, but there is one in Chiswick I can pop into. The scheme has pushed my budget up to £700 though, including bits and bobs. Yay! I quite like the look of these, based on little more than juicy reductions. Opinions?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/mean-streak-30-2009-hybrid-bike-ec018134

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kona/dew-drop-2009-hybrid-bike-ec017271

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/felt/qx85-2009-hybrid-bike-ec017118

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/borealis-40-2009-hybrid-bike-ec018130

 

[Sittingduck]

Hmm, some interested option you have listed there
If you're riding on roads only I don't think you will require disk brakes. They will add weight.

Pop into Evans and see how drops feel in comparison to flat handlebars maybe?