Apr 25, 2011
Searching For The Perfect Commuter Bike
The internet can be tough on the body. That’s why this Spring/Summer/Fall, I’m going to take some initiative to get to appointments and places on a bike instead of subway or cab. The thing is, my last bike was a rad little Huffy back in maybe 1987 so I am completely out of the loop. What I’m looking for is something that rides well, has brakes, looks cool, and is remotely affordable. All suggestions welcomed in the comments please.
16 Comments, Comment or Ping
sheabones
http://tinyurl.com/TheSkateBike
Apr 25th, 2011
warbo
Picked up one of these last year… http://www.giantnerd.com/tommaso-augusta-ninja-pro-track-bike.html?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=productads
Seems to be one of the cheapest single-speed’s out there and has held up perfectly, I sometimes ride it 15 miles to work and it’s money. I bought it used for $250 (never ridden)
Apr 25th, 2011
Matt
I’m a pretty big fan of Linus Bikes as commuters… Here in Toronto one of the local shops (Bikes On Wheels) has been selling them like mad and for good reason… Reasonably affordable and rad as hell.
Apr 25th, 2011
THMK
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-in/bikes/model/bowery.72/7537/46891/
has brakes (and fixie/freewheel), light enough for the streets, durable enough to handle wear and tear of locking up all over the city. I ride the version from last year (with some upgraded components) and it’s awesome.
if gears are your thing and you want low maintenance go internally geared hub
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/city.speed/7853/45481/
you should be able to score these both for under 1000 (the first one under 700)
The reasoning for recommending these guys:
both eliminate useless gears when commuting on relatively flat or even hilly areas and aluminum frames are lighter than steel and more practical (and cheaper) than carbon if you are commuting on city streets. Both look pretty hip too, if you’re into that.
Apr 25th, 2011
Troy
Check out Marin http://www.marinbikes.com I’ve had one for 5 yrs. I ride it to work in DC and take it out in Rock Creek on the weekends. Light weight and cool looking.
Apr 25th, 2011
cosmojoe
don’t you post stuff about fixies? get a fixie brah
Apr 25th, 2011
-kw
This will be the bike you choose.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/3816042898_d45a745b3d.jpg
Apr 25th, 2011
FunkyLaneO
Keep it rad, get a Swobo Folsom, just as cool as your Huffy but bigger, just like you!
http://www.swobo.com/catalog/product_info_b.php?cPath=2448_2456
Apr 25th, 2011
dp
http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/steel-road/rush-hour-11/
an american clasic…
now made in china
as we all are nowadays?
Apr 25th, 2011
countersteer
Whatever you choose don’t buy until you’ve visited MODSquad on Frederick Douglass btw 114th and 115th
http://www.modsquadcycles.com/modsquadcycles/Home_-_MODSquad_Cycles_-_Central_Park_-_Harlem_-_New_York_City_-_Bicycles_-_Service_-_Rentals.html
Dan, the head mechanic, is a fucking genius. I usually build up my own bikes and do most all my own maintenance and I hate it when I go into a shop and speak to the mechanic only to realize I know more than the grease monkey. Not the case here. Dan is always generous with his very helpful advice and VAST knowledge. Oy, the owner, is a quality chap, too. Decent people all around. As far as whips go… they sell Felt – nice road bikes (hipsters love these fuckers). Masi – nice lugged out and detailed steel road bikes. And Batavus – classy Euro commuters (I think the only place in the city that sells this dutch bike). They are also selling a brand called Handsome Devil which I know nothing about other than they are road/cyclocross bikes out of Minnesota(Wisconsin?). MODSquad is by far the BEST bike shop in the city (I’ve been to all the Manhattan bike shops and most of the BKLYN ones. DIxon’s in Park Slope is my second favorite but I only go in for supplies so I don’t know how they are in regards to selling new bikes. And Enoch of Enoch’s on 10th ave and 33rd? is a mechanic I would let touch my bikes but I he doesn’t sell quality new rides so…) Let us know what you get and keep the rubber down.
Apr 25th, 2011
SpeedWobbles
http://subrosabrand.com/malum-fixed-2/
Subrosa is a BMX brand and they make a fixed gear. Not sure if a fixie is what you want, but this thing is rad!
Apr 25th, 2011
mikeatsparkys
ALERT: shameless self promotion:
I’m from Subrosa bikes, break me off an email.
our bikes are simple, clean, and durable. BMX is our background so it’s tough.
keep it classy.
Apr 25th, 2011
patrick
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/trackbikes.htm
Apr 25th, 2011
todd
I’m not from subrosa,but have been into bm for years and can say they make legit stuff. Any single speed road bike is what you’re looking for. A tough one made by Subrosa or Volume would be a good idea for getting around NYC. They’re built a little more beefy to take abuse so you wont worry as much about hitting potholes / other bumps you cant avoid in NYC.
Apr 26th, 2011
Mike
Surly Cross Check
Apr 27th, 2011
Rick
Take a look at Montague Bikes. They make full size folding bikes. Most folders I;ve seen don’t seem like they ride or perform well but these use full size wheels and standard parts. They’re pretty versatile for commuting since you can fit them in a trunk, onthe bus etc…
Jul 13th, 2011
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