ps Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 I just got a new job about a mile from my house, and I am looking for a new bike to get me to and from work. I was thinking of getting this: its from Trek's "urban" line of commuter bikes, and I think it looks slick... but the price is kinda steep ($550) anybody have any recommendations for a good commuter bicycle? I am looking for a single speed, durable, and without drop bars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cosmonaut Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Based on your description of what you want, that Trek seems to be a good match. The price seems steep, but it's not that much for a complete bike and it will be worth it to have the decent parts. If that Trek comes with a flip-flop hub, you can ride it with a freewheel or a fixed gear, which is a nice option to have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ps Posted July 22, 2008 Author Share Posted July 22, 2008 it does have a flip flop hub... I think I'll go test one out... gas savings alone will pay for it in about 5 months. Thanks for the input Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brentoage Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 would you prefer a single speed or fixed gear bike? either way, i would sooner pickup this IRO Mark V complete build: http://shop.irocycle.com/shop/product.php?prod=Mark%20V%20Bike%20Build&productid=16359&cat=1&page=1 you have the option of adding black flat bars instead of the drops that are pictured. it's a few bucks more than the TREK you've mentioned but i think overall, from what i've heard, IRO makes better bikes and parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ps Posted July 22, 2008 Author Share Posted July 22, 2008 IRO has a store in Boston... maybe I'll check them out. Thanks for the suggestion. By the way, what do you guys ride? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snaggle Von Swift Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 By the way, what do you guys ride? 80's Peugeot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twat Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Shwinn "le tour", you can find one on craigslist for cheap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest conoley Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 I have a Trek and I'm very satisfied with it. Not the same as yours, but a good company. I take mine to work when I don't walk, about half the time, and it's yet to let me down. I love working a mile from home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cosmonaut Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Those older bikes are awesome. You can get one for cheap and save it from a landfill. But I think for your purposes, a new setup would be best. It's nice to not have to hassle with finding replacement parts. Here's a stock pic of my current fixed gear setup, a Jamis Sputnik: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ps Posted July 22, 2008 Author Share Posted July 22, 2008 sweet.... thanks guys. And I am totally excited to work to close to home. Aside from getting 40% more money than my current job, I am going to save between $80-100 a month in fuel costs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest baseball Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Man, I'd kill to be able to bike to work. My job's just way too good to give up over a 15 mile commute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FullCircleHook Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 I was thinking about buying that Soho as well. If you get it let me know how it works out for you. I might have to delay my purchase, because my primary turntable is acting up. :-/ I might go with the 1.0 instead though. I ride about 4 miles to work. That's not that much, but sometimes I take really long rides. I am so used to switching gears that I think I might go that route instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kirbypuckett Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Why not just buy a cheaper bike? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ps Posted July 22, 2008 Author Share Posted July 22, 2008 Why not just buy a cheaper bike? I am going to be riding it 8-9 months out of the year every day..... hopefully for many years to come. I don't want to spend $200-300 on something that is gonna break or have to replace parts every year. You get what you pay for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cosmonaut Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Why not just buy a cheaper bike? I am going to be riding it 8-9 months out of the year every day..... hopefully for many years to come. I don't want to spend $200-300 on something that is gonna break or have to replace parts every year. You get what you pay for. So true. It's worth it to buy something decent now and not have to replace a bunch of shitty parts that break after a few months. Plus, $600 or so isn't that much for a bike - they can cost thousands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kirbypuckett Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 I bought a bike almost a decade ago for $300 and it still works fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benchwarmer Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/925.html this bike is also awesome. almost bought it but a I got a fuji instead. also, go to a few bike shops, local places, and talk to people, you should be able to get a feel for what you want. stay away from bigger chains and the such! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmonkey Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 I've got a Trek 7.2Fx, and I really like it. I don't have a car and I use it to get anywhere. Its survived a couple of drunken crashes (yeah, yeah, don't drink and ride...my mom says the same thing...). For hauling crap around I have a bike trailer. It gets a little hard in the winter, say with three or four feet of snow on the ground, but it does the job. I did the cheap, rebuilt bike thing for a while and they work great...for a bit. There's just a lot more maintenance the less you spend if the parts are old and cheap. However, I've got a couple friends with old bikes with really nice, but old, components that still work really well. If you feel like looking around, you can find those instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brentoage Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 i'm riding an old raleigh frame that i converted into a fixed gear. it has needed replacement parts here and there, but nothing that has cost nearly what a brand new bike would run me. i just can't justify dropping more money on a brand new frame/parts when it could be stolen at any moment from me while i'm out and about in toronto. unfortunately locking up your bike really doesn't make that much of a difference in this city. that being said, i need to pick up a new bottom bracket and crank set, because what's on there now is wearing out and doesn't provide for the most comfortable ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kevinb Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 I am going to be riding it 8-9 months out of the year every day..... hopefully for many years to come. I don't want to spend $200-300 on something that is gonna break or have to replace parts every year. You get what you pay for. So true. It's worth it to buy something decent now and not have to replace a bunch of shitty parts that break after a few months. Plus, $600 or so isn't that much for a bike - they can cost thousands. yeah, they can cost thousands if your freakin Lance Armstrong... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brentoage Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 i think that because i've had a few bad experiences in the actual trek store here in toronto, i'm kind of avoiding their products all together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ps Posted July 31, 2008 Author Share Posted July 31, 2008 So I picked up my new ride today: 2008 Trek Soho S got it for a steal (courtesy craigslist), but I had to drive down to Boston this morning to get it. As of Monday I will no longer require gasoline to get my ass to work... and that is awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbbrew22 Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 here's mine! its an old schwinn circuit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valentine Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 buying one of the two on friday: i cant decide if i just want to go full out fixie, or get a single speed for now, and eventually work my way there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
don Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 You'll love your fixed bike until you have to walk it up a hill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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