Anyone commuting on a bicycle regularly?

I used to commute on a bike and still use it to "commute" to the gym. I'm not really going to recommend one though as my commute bike is circa 1981. I think it also depends a lot on where you are, how far you are going to go and how long you want to get there. If I was still working I would seriously consider an ebike because not only could you get to work a lot less sweaty (that was ok for me since we has a shower at work but not for everyone) but also coming home after a long day sometimes you regretted riding that day, or the weather had turned crappy and you were stuck with a long ride home in the cold, wind and rain. I'm quite comfortable on drop bar road bikes but many commuters what more comfortable rides than a road bike. And then there is the topic of carriers. I carried/carry everything I need in a back pack but lots of commuters use panniers etc to carry all their stuff. Like this

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I don't commute, but I ride frequently. The best advice I have on choosing a bike is to go to a couple bike shops in your area, and see what they have and what's comfortable to you. They can give you good advice on a bike that will fit you well, regardless of brand. Personally I lean towards Trek as a brand, but that's because the best bike store in my area is the Trek store. I also tend to be fond of Giant and Specialized.
 
Aahzz said:
I don't commute, but I ride frequently. The best advice I have on choosing a bike is to go to a couple bike shops in your area, and see what they have and what's comfortable to you. They can give you good advice on a bike that will fit you well, regardless of brand. Personally I lean towards Trek as a brand, but that's because the best bike store in my area is the Trek store. I also tend to be fond of Giant and Specialized.
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It's pretty hard to go wrong with those three brands. Even at the entry level. Personally, I would go with a 12 speed mountain bike to have the off road option. If I rode mostly street, I would have street friendly tires.
He definitely should have a reputable bicycle shop show him the ropes. Let them know he wants a capable bike for commuting.

Also, compare prices online.
 
The first question is, what's your budget?
What is the distance, and is it hilly or flat?
It will need fenders or accept a fender set unless you only ride on nice days.
 
Thank you.

Not riding hard. Couple miles each direction. Carry some groceries. All paved. Don’t want my knees in my chest or my head bent over near the handlebars. I want a fat seat.
 
DinoMikeSr said:
Up to $2500.
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I would get this. It may not be the bike for you.
There are probably better options for street only. You will probably be leaned over and sitting on a tiny seat.

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You could also by a Schwinn comfort bike for $400 that would handle your low mileage needs.
 
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For a couple of miles on flat pavement, you can't go too far wrong on any bike that comfortable for you.

When I was commuting to work every day (15 hilly miles round trip) in my 40s and 50s, I found I needed three things:
1. Highish handlebars. Leaning over killed my back and my shoulders. I flipped my ram's horn bars upside down.
2. Big seat. Something that spreads the pressure out of a larger area of butt.
3. A rear rack for cargo. Any attempts at carrying things in a backpack would kill my back quickly.
 
2500 is a lot of bike for a commute bike. Never thought of the belt drive but it's a great option especially if you don't want the hassle of cleaning and oil the chain regularly. You'll probably want something reasonably large to carry groceries. Like others have said a bike shop visit would be well worth it as a starting place
 
Tig said:
Take a look at these Gates carbon belt drive bikes. https://www.prioritybicycles.com/pages/best-commuter-bike2

The third one has all the bells and whistles for half your budget, but I tried the "SPR15" discount at checkout and saved $90.
www.prioritybicycles.com

PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX

The Priority Continuum Onyx is the ultimate all-season, ready-out-of-the-box, belt drive commuter and touring bicycle.
www.prioritybicycles.com www.prioritybicycles.com
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Transmission gear thing is interesting. I have used Gates belts forever, car, motorcycle, now maybe a bike.
 
nuke_diver said:
2500 is a lot of bike for a commute bike. Never thought of the belt drive but it's a great option especially if you don't want the hassle of cleaning and oil the chain regularly. You'll probably want something reasonably large to carry groceries. Like others have said a bike shop visit would be well worth it as a starting place
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I've got a SS belt drive bike I use for errands and casual around town stuff. It's pretty darn nice and basically silent.
 
My last two bikes have had Gates belt drives, I'm a fan. My last one had a hub gear and was nice to have essentially no maintenance or mess. Only drawback is removing the rear wheel to fix a puncture is a bit more of a faff.

It got nicked so I bought an electric also with the Gates. It's great fun to ride and perfect for commuting and popping around town. But I do have regrets about the range. You can't go for a nice long ride without worrying about running out of power and is horrible to ride without it. It isn't geared so if I got an electric now I would make sure it's geared to make it more usable without power. The other problem with the electric is you don't get as good a workout. Depending on the circumstances that's a good or bad thing but it's nice to have the option. Again a geared bike might help with that
 
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