Cost of a decent bike?

Question

I'm looking to buy a decent bike to commute around 30 miles each way. How much should I be looking to spend to get something decent ? Any tips of the brand and type?

Answer 1

For these sort of distances. Definitely road bike

If you want good performance,Shimano Ultegra would be your best bet as far as components v price. If you can get something with Shimano Dura Ace, Record or Chorus (campagnola) components in your budget add them to your list. If you want to save a few bucks (upfront and maintenance) try a shimano nexus eight speed hub (power transfers are not as good but they last for ages not much to go wrong)

As far as brands go there are lots.
See this link.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bicycle_manufacturers

Most of them offer pretty good warranties so don't be in a hurry to rule one out just because their cheap.

Expect to pay around 1000-1500 usd (or straight conversion to your currency) for a bike with Ultegra components a bit more for the others. A bit less for the nexus system.
Make sure you are professionally fitted and you have a good quality saddle.

Answer 2

Im going to agree with the other poster. You do not want a mountain bike, unless your 30 mile commute is offroad..
60 miles a day is alot, so youll want something that is lightweight, but at the same time, comfortable and not a race bike.
If you look at road bikes, youll see some that have a longer frame, these are race bikes, thats all they should be used for, youre going to want a compact road frame (or hybrid depending on where your commute is), because your body will fall apart in a week trying to use a race bike for a commute.
A decent commute bike should be in the $1000 dollar range. This is where you start getting high quality lightweight parts. Spending anything less, youre really going to get a brandname basic bike with cheap parts, and like i said, 60 miles a day is a hell of a lot.
Brands is really your discretion. I personally think that trek 'OWNZ' road bikes. i dont know of another company that offers so many high quality road bikes.

Answer 3

Have a look on E-Bay or in cycling weekly classifieds; go to a race and ask someone - there are always people looking to sell their used bikes - you will get a good deal, a reliable bike, and some decent advice - but do go and look - rather than agreeing to buy over the phone without riding the thing. Look out from brands like Campagnolo and Shimano throughout the whole bike - tubing made by Columbus or Reynolds. I would STRONGLY advise - unless you are going to get very heavily involved in the sport and replace yuor bike every couple of years - that you get a STEEL, yes that was STEEL, framed bike. But it MUST be a good quality tube - like Columbus or Reynolds - the seller will be able to tell you which one; these will have more ride comfort for your commute, and be a fraction heavier, but easier to maintain, will withstand a bit of a beating, and last you for more than 10 years, if it's is a decent bike. Spend up to about £450 - you will get Reynolds or Columbus tubing, Mavic rims, alloy handlebars - probably oversized - Flite or Fizik saddle; probably Shimano Ultegra components - most likely 9speed though - giving you a theoritic 18 gear bike - weighing in at around 22lbs that will not baulk at the daily journey of 30 or 60 miles. Get the proper kit to go riding as well - two pairs of shorts, quality shoes and a helmet - this can easily add a lot to the cost of the bike, so remember to budget for it....either than; or regret not spending the money as a dribbling vegetable in the hospital after coming to grief (please God, let's hope not!) F.W Evans in London also do good second hand bikes.

Answer 4

If you want a good reliable and comfortable ride, I would go for something like a Dawes Galaxy. They are around £400 so, not cheap. There is something about their frame geometry that I find very comfortable.
This is really a touring bike. I have used one for over 25 years.
30 miles on one of these is a breeze.
I don't use my galaxy for commuting as I have to go off road, however, i only do 6 miles a day so i use a mountain bike.

Answer 5

for those distances you require at least £500 or you will have excessive maintenance costs over those kind of distances, For commuting i would reccommend a hybrid bike such as Trek 7200fx although trek have a wide range of hybrids all with a lifetime warranty on the frames (or they did last time i used them)
If you don't like trek then try specialized or saracen. Giant or Gt are also fairly good but as they do more budget bikes you would need to not drop below the £500 mark for these.

Whatever bike you choose for these distances you must keep on top of maintenance and cleaning otherwise any bike will break after a time. Also always carry spare inner tubes and a chain and if possible tyres as any of these going will prevent you making it home and half way there its a long walk either way!!

Answer 6

If you are going to be doing 60 miles a day, I would recommend putting decent wheels under you. You can get something cheap from $500 - $800. But I would look into investing up to $1500. You'll get something that will last you and make your commute smooth.

I am a Trek ambassador! I've always had Treks. Try the 1500 road bike.

Answer 7

Touring bikes don't have "lots of places to hold luggage". What they have is a frame designed with mounting points to which you attach racks that can hold pannier bags into which you load your gear. You can also install mudguards to protect you and the bike when you ride in wet weather. Some touring bikes will already have these accessories included in the price of the bike, so factor that in when you start looking at bikes. If the bike you buy does not have racks, you will have to pay extra to buy them. As for price, once you buy all the things you will need for an extended trip you will be close to the 1000 pound mark. That may seem like a lot, but don't forget, that bike will still be yours for many years of cycling after you have done this ride. If you skimp on the bike you could run into problems once out on the road. The bike will have to be able to carry you and perhaps another 50 pounds of gear, so you need one built for your purpose

Answer 8

I am full of praise as you will get really fit.For god sake get a road bike not a mountain bike, unless you plan to do some serious off roading at the weekend.

A road bike is so much faster on roads.Mountain bikes have been very much a fashion but roadbikes are making a comeback now.A decent roadbike can stand up easily to potholes and has less rolling resistance.When I raced in Belgium some of the events took you over cobbles and raised railway lines at crossings (At least 3 inches) and my wheels stood up to that fine.I have both but would always commute on the roadbike.

try looking at the Ad's in Cycling magazine.Some second hand bargains in there.Look to spend £200-250.Good luck!

Answer 9

I recommend road bikes for you as it is lighter compared to other kinds of bicycle & its faster too (wow that 60 miles each day?) . Why not try Specialize bike & trek bike they have models that are cheap & remember its branded so you can get manufacturers warranty. Ask bikeshops for your ride requirements. My rough estimate is you spend around 800 pounds more or less.

Answer 10

to travel a 60mile round trip, you should have a road bike. the trek 1000 is cheap for around $750 for the '07 model. it hase good awesome parts that will suffice for an entry level rider. you could get it cheaper if you get it off ebay. i wouldnt spend less than $600 for a new bike