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- Buying a New Bike - Rate 'em for me, please!
- By:admin
- I'm moving up from the old mountain bike - it is just too much of a pain to ride to work - and would like all your expert advice on a new one.
Here's my situation:
I ride about 10-12 miles round-trip in fairly aggressive traffic (Los Angeles), almost exclusively on badly maintained pavement. Some inclines, and only one really bad hill - which my house is on top of. Because of the traffic situation, I'd really like a heads-up position. I'd also like to spend less than 800 bucks.
Bikes I'm considering:
Bianchi Milano: http://bianchiusa.com/603.html
Breezer Villager: http://breezerbikes.com/bdp-town-d.html
Novara Fusion: http://tinyurl.com/5ac86
Novara big buzz: http://tinyurl.com/4e2hh
Trek 7300: http://tinyurl.com/6jce8
Considerations: is the shimano nexus hub/gear system adequate, or do i need a higher-end, traditional gear system?
I've been reading these forums for a few weeks, and you folks know your stuff. Please help me out - Thanks!
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
My vote would be the Novara big buzz as you are doing the kind of miles that would benefit by a bike built a little more for distance and speed than comfort cruising. It is also likely the fastest one of the lot and speed is nice in traffic. The downside is that you will not get as upright with this bike.
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
also check out this site: http://burley.com/ They have some internally geared hubs like the breezer. I like the breezer (have rode one at my LBS). Wouldn't consider it something you would really "fly" on like a road type bike.
The internally geared hub is something I would like to get since I don't like cleaning my chain that often or dealing with front/back derailers...
my .02
Keep Cycling,
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
If speed is your priority then go for the big buzz
If you don't want to be maintaining your chain etc, go with the Breezer, although I've heard that removing the rear wheel for repairing punctures can be a hassle (not sure if this is true or not)
If you want your bike to be commuter ready (lights, racks) it looks like the Breezer or Fusion
Probably your best bet is to ride each of them and choose the one that is most comfortable.
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Breezer is a great bike from a great co. that truly supports commuting and a cycling lifestyle. Remember, the shop you get it from is as important, if not more important than the bike itself. They should stand behind whatever bike they sell you and keep it rolling.
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
I've been researching bikes for my dad for somewhat similar purposes. Right now the Schwinn Super Sport (or GS model) are at the top of the list. Other options are the Kona Dew and Dew Deluxe, the Marin Muirwoods and Novato, and the Specialized Sirrus. None of them use an interally geared hub though. They also all have lowish gearing which is a necessity for my 63 year old pops.
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
Breezer Villager: http://breezerbikes.com/bdp-town-d.html
Novara Fusion: http://tinyurl.com/5ac86
Novara big buzz: http://tinyurl.com/4e2hh
Trek 7300: http://tinyurl.com/6jce8
Considerations: is the shimano nexus hub/gear system adequate, or do i need a higher-end, traditional gear system? First -------- Lets cross out Bianchi Milano --- Glorified Beach Cruiser and Trek 7300 -- Comfort Hybrid. These are nice bikes and if there weren't any hills, both would do just fine. These are probably the slowest of all the bikes on the list.
Second ----- We're left with the Big Buzz, Villager and Buzz. I guess it determines how big that hill is going up and down. The Buzz is probably the most efficient ride of all the bikes selected and it will be perfect IF the bike can fit fenders. The disk brakes on the Buzz would be the best solution for going down that big hill in wet weather.
