Sold the car, looking for a bike.

[innerstyle]

Assuming you are using it for commuting, will you leave it locked up, unattended in some public place? If so, I wouldn't spend a lot on a new expensive bike. Just get something cheap and used from Craigslist.

 

[vm1336]

I would go with the Long Haul Trucker. I found mine used for $400 and I use it more than my carbon race bikes and my mountain bike.

 

[uhurit]

The main problem with OP choosing the bike is that he plans initially to use it for 5-6 mile rides and then eventually increase to 25 mile trips.

Herein lies the problem: for short trips you don't need anything fancy, something from your local walmart should work.
Riding a bike for 25 miles is no easy feat and goes into a totally different price range and configuration. It needs to be light, suited to your body geometry, no luggage racks etc.

For short trips (up to 12 miles) a have a $500 Fisher, for long-distance riding a Pinarello

 

[zippyh]

You'd want more than a bum bike for 25 mile but that's really not a very long distance, especially if it's flat.

 

[NAMOR]

..

 

[uhurit]

25 miles is two hours on a ****** bike with racks' and stuff and would be hell, especially in florida summer

 

[JayJay]



25 miles is two hours on a ****** bike with racks' and stuff and would be hell, especially in florida summer

Yep, one would need a pretty decent bike for this distance on a daily basis.

 

[vm1336]



Yep, one would need a pretty decent bike for this distance on a daily basis.

My commute into Denver is 25 miles, so I rarely do it on the bike. That being said my Surly LHT is only about 5 minutes slower than my carbon fiber road bike for the commute. And the 1.5" Scwalbe Marathon tires on it will plow through glass and potholes. With traffic lights the ride takes me about 1:45-1:50 each way (with a couple of big hills).

One problem with long bike commutes is that weather can change on you during the course of the ride. That's why I have water proof panniers (Ortlieb) and front and back fenders. I also carry rain gear just in case.

 

[IronRock]

For the money you cannot beat the flexibilty of the Specialized Tricross (nothing to do with Triathalons). You can fit all manner of fenders and panniers to it. Carbon front fork with damper make for a smooth ride. Aluminium construction might not be to everyones liking but the geometry of the tubes make it feel like a steel bike imo. Big cog for the flat, tiny cog if you got any hills, can take fat tyres or tiny skinny tyres. Cantilever brakes are probs the only bad thing.

And

It's great value.

 

[KurtS90]

Sorry it has taken me so long to update. I test drove a Trek 520 and loved it, the drop down handle bars will take some getting use to (mostly brake/shifting). But they do seem a bit more comfortable, when not tucked in. The ride was smooth as silk, yet versatile, and I can get it moving when needed. So I am moving this style bike up top. It does seem most bike competitors use the same components, so really little difference I would imagine?

Yes, this bike would mostly be used for 6-10 miles a day. Monday-Saturday, Sunday is my lazy days. I am not including entertainment, if I want to go out and see the movies or just scoot down to the beach. As much as I would like to do the 25 mile one way trip, I would only only consider it if I am in great shape. But I don't see it as a feasible option for up to 4 times a week... Maybe once a week and if I loved commuting by bike I could invest in a Triathlon series. But I think by this time I would have either bought a scooter for the long distance since they are cheap to insure, maybe a Alfa Romeo Spider or 450SL if insurance is reasonable...

I was going to buy this week, but may push it back to the end of the month... My laptop is getting a bit sketchy and it maybe time to get something with a warranty to last me through most of college.

~Kurt

 

[otc]



Sorry it has taken me so long to update. I test drove a Trek 520 and loved it, the drop down handle bars will take some getting use to (mostly brake/shifting). But they do seem a bit more comfortable, when not tucked in. The ride was smooth as silk, yet versatile, and I can get it moving when needed. So I am moving this style bike up top. It does seem most bike competitors use the same components, so really little difference I would imagine?
~Kurt

The key to the drop handle bars is to realize that most people ride on the "hood" of the brakes most of the time (even the pros) which sets you more upright than the bottom of the drops. You only go down into the drops when you are pushing it hard or fighting a headwind and want to get down. Otherwise having your hands in the hoods and sometimes moving them up to the tops of the bars with occasional trips down into the drops means you have a lot of different hand positions so when your hands get tired of one, you just switch to a new part of the bar for a few minutes.

 

[100 yrs]

i ride my long haul trucker to work almost everyday, about 7 miles each way, and it's perfect. i would poke around on http://www.bikeforums.net/forum.php as there's tons of threads just like this. the trek 520 looks solid, i think you're in the right ball park. for your primary transport for short trips, you need the rack + a good set of panniers.

 

[whiteslashasian]

The components on that 520, assuming stock, aren't that great. Servicable sure, but definitely far from great.

Again, the components on the Nashbar touring bike are several steps better and the price is less expensive (from the prices I've seen of the 520). I haven't personally tested out either though (hard to with the Nashbar as it's online only) though on paper, I think I prefer the nashbar geometry to the 520 as well.

Both are more relaxed and longer than my steel Bianchi, therefore better suited for long tours but a little bit heavy.

 

[KurtS90]

Well bought a bike, 2011 Trek 7.5 FX. They threw in Trek Red Shield 5 Year Service plane and a water battle/cage... I also purchase a rack system. Probably not the best deal, but I am happy with it. Pick it up Monday and will post pics. I also applied for the Trek Card and was approved for 6 month interest free financing (Will pay it off in 4-5). I rode the bike for about a mile and felt like a kid again (Reminds me of my old bikes, but more street). Hopefully in 6-8 months I will be in good shape and really want a Road Race bike for the weekend/events. Thanks for the help guys. I know I went a bent different, but I felt the deal was good for me. I still have easy access to a car and only intend to carry laptop/books/water.

~Kurt

 

[IndianBoyz]

I'd get an e-bike.