Which Bike to get to work

[sanson]

Hello - I have just changed jobs and now live an extra 11km from where i live. I have just got into the great habit of cycling to work and wanted some advice on which bike to buy to make the new journey. My current bike isn't up to 23km each way.

The two bike i have in mind are TREK 7.6FX on sale for 990 euros and the BH L31M8 Race One Sport Flat Bar. I found an offer on a website for 599 euros reduced down from 875. I live in spain thats why im quoting in euros.
I wanted to get a Flat bar road bike as I prefer the riding experience.

The complete spec for each bike can be found on these links
http://www.bicicletasguillermo.com/....html?osCsid=36e8e425420cfa1af111613f1d7b6256
and
http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/bike_path/#
its the blue trek 7.6fx cant send the direct url because of the interactive website.

I know the Trek is properly a better spec but the 400 euros difference is a big incentive. Which is the best value???

Last point, the trek would come from a LBS, but they will have to order it in so i wont get a chance to ride it first. The BH will come from that website so who knows.
thanks for you advice in advance.
Sanson

 

[Mr Creosote]

What in particular drives you to the Trek 7.6 FX? I gave the 7.6 some consideration but in the end couldn't justify the extra £200 to myself and went for the 7.5 FX. The 7.5 FX price (based on UK prices) would seem to put it on a par with the BH L31M8 Race One.

 

[maxcherry]

Looking at the bikes at the links you supplied, just one question. why dont they supply peddals, for the price your paying that's the least they can do......

 

[Young Un]

Looking at the bikes at the links you supplied, just one question. why dont they supply peddals, for the price your paying that's the least they can do......

This is because different people have very different personal pedal requirements and preferences, at this level of bike most riders will be using clipless pedals and so will want to buy what they think is best for them etc, i hope that that made sense.

 

[fossyant]

Hello - I have just changed jobs and now live an extra 11km from where i live

Erm.... hee...hee are you camping now then ?

 

[sanson]

What i mean is "I live an extra 11km from where I work making the total distanct 23kms".

Well i have looked into it but I'm almost convinced I'll get the cheaper bike (BH). Only thing is that if I'm gonna ride this bike through the city. One question on my mind is how well will it stand up to knocks and bangs, speed bumps and the like?
The guy in the shop told me that the BH has part carbon and part Ali. They cant be wielded and have to be glued so it might not stand up to a lot of city riding.

What's the verdict on that???
Thanks
S

 

[Mr Creosote]

The Trek also has a carbon fiber/aluminium mix. If you are worried about the robustness of a composite material I wouldn't look at either bike. However, given that modern aircraft and mountain bikes can be made from the stuff I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Aluminium is just as much a pain in the arse to repair because you need specialist welding equipment.

 

[sanson]

Really!!! thats news to me. I have decided to treat myself and have gone for the Trek 7.6FX.
I know there wasnt much in it between the two bikes. Not much difference in the setup, but the BH is just a racer with straight handle bars, where as the Trek FX has been designed for upright riding. I suppose that the Trek therefore is gonna be more comfy. Plus its got that special seat for comfort and the iso system on frame (rubber bit by the back wheel).

Is it worth 400 euros more? I doubt it. but still!!!
:0)
I'm getting a new bike

 

[Mr Creosote]

Really!!! thats news to me.

Which bit?

That the Trek uses a bit of carbon?
That modern aircraft use composite materials and/or MTBs use the stuff?
Or that aluminium needs specialist welding equipment?

 

[sanson]

Which bit?
Or that aluminium needs specialist welding equipment?

But interesting all the same. Thanks for your replies

 

[domtyler]

Don't get why you want flat bars on an otherwise nice road bike? Just limits yourself to one hand position for no reason!!