Does Anyone Cycle - Commuting?

thelawnet

Drop bars are a good idea, not essential though, the biggest problem with 'hybrid' bikes is that they are an excuse to flog off horrid front-suspension bikes with 26" wheels and 2" chunky tyres.

Here's an example of the sort of thing to avoid

http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bikes/multiuse/expedition/expsport#specs

Absolute junk.

DCodd

I currently commute a couple of days a week and I have a cheap and cheerfull hybrid (Claude Butler). They are ok but my commute is rather hilly and the hybrid saps the energy a bit.

I've been looking at Cyclocross bikes, which are themselves a bit of a hybrid of a road/race bike and a tourer. They are not cheap, from about £500.00 upwards (personally wouldn't spend less than £750.00 on one). They have no suspension and are more sturdier, thus heavier than a road/race bike but lighter and faster than a hybrid. The rims are stronger than the road 700c's and can carry the thin 23/25 road tyres right up to 33/35 "knobblies" of a mountain bike, most can accept racks and guards too.

They seem to be the perfect commuter and with a change of tyre, can take a reasonable bashing on light of road tracks at the weekend as well.

As an example only:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/tricross-2012-road-bike-ec030752

Others have the compact chain rings and shimano 105's etc etc

Dave_C_2

It also depends on how you want to commute, if you have shower/ changing facilities and you don't mind getting sweaty then a road bike may be for you. A lot depends on the route, road quality, hills and etc.

Otherwise as others have said a good hybrid bike is what is required.
In general, comfort and ease of maintenance is the name of the game.

• Hub gears gives the option of a full chain guard so minimal chain cleaning/oiling - and no oil on your clothes
• Schwalbe marathon puncture proof tyres - not knobbly ones
• Full mudguards are a must - especially lately!
• Brookes or Selle Royale saddle - your bum will thank you
• Consider a more upright riding position
• A Rack to hold your laptop bag etc is much more comfortable than a rucksack.
• And of course good lights

Edited to add:
This is advice from an old cyclist, where comfort is more important than speed - YMMV

Also you will get a small tax advantage under the cycle to work scheme and more advice on hybrids on that web site.

Dave

custardy

Wood.Justin wrote: »

Hi Folks,

I'm ditching my run around car to cash in and going to get myself a bike for the commute to/from my place of work via my company under salary sacrifice.

I used to do it years ago in previous employment and thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I'm currently after some input from like minded folk who do commute to work via two wheels!

I'm thinking of getting a hybrid (Specialized of some descript) for my 20 mile round trip. Any experiences with hybrids are welcome?

I'm not planning on just jumping on the bike, probably will build it up over a few weeks/months and then go for it.

Am I mad?!

Thoughts/comments?

Cheers! :cool:

I run a Boardman hybrid as my main commuter bike.
same sort of distance as yourself
good bke. though IMO,10 miles each way is getting to around the point a road bike could come under consideration.
Though i have done in on the MTB (comfy but slow!) and road bike.
I like the hybrid for its riding position vs traffic and disc brakes.
I've fitted a bike bin and pannier to the hybrid. so i can carry clothes/gym gear and pick up shopping on the way.

jc808

Type of bike also depends on the road surface - how good are the roads you intend to travel?

How assertive are you as a rider? Assertive (riding in primary position all the time) or a gutter-rider? Will you need to off road at any point in your journey? (Eg onto skate parks/ concreted areas, small woodlands etc) The latter may make a rear suspended MTB an option

custardy

rear suspension?
come on.hardtail at the most

astreet3

I think the answer is to find a good local bike shop, try a few different models out and get some good advice.

My wife has a Gary Fisher "hybrid", I would say it's a great bike, little more comfy than a road bike with the flat bars, front suspension and still fast due to the gearing being higher than a mountain bike.

jc808

I meant front suspension rather, rear suspension is total overkill

thelawnet

Front suspension is pretty much useless.

custardy

thelawnet wrote: »

Front suspension is pretty much useless.

depends on the route I supoose
I used to run a set of rockshox with lockout, on the MTB i used as a back up commuter.
lockout makes a huge difference on the road and it was nice to be able to go off road on the way home if the mood took me.
however for a solid commuter. I would want rigid forks(carbon for comfort if possible) and 700c wheels