New Commuting Bike

amc

I'm a club cyclist and occasionally bike commuter whose wife is expecting twins - so I'll soon be selling my little car and becoming an occasional club rider and regular commuter.
I have an ok alu/carbon rear rear road bike but I'm thinking about getting a second bike (through a ride to work scheme) mainly for the commute but as I won't have a great deal of spare time I want something that I can use for training while commuting.
My ride to work is only 13 miles there and back and I usually use a backpack as I can keep my suit at work, which also has secure storage facilities. So I want something pretty slick, with drops, spd pedals but also fairly robust for the potholed roads of London and crazy drivers.
I'm tempted to go for a fixed wheel as I don't have any big hills, have heard they are good for getting a smooth pedal stroke and are fun to ride.
Another options I guess are; go for a more robust 2nd road bike, upgrade and go for a top notch titanium bike or just get a new pair of wheels to existing bike and hope it doesn't fall apart.

Just wondering what you regular commuters reckon?

Massimo

I've been using a Cannondale CAAD 8 for the last 6 months - I got it thru' Ride2Work and its been bloody brilliant!!!

Chriscommuter

If you are fit enough and skilled enough to doa fixie 13 miles each way, 5 days a week then go for it.


As i commute all the time i have Chas Roberts Audax bike which i bought 9 years ago. It would suit your definition of something more robust. It is sturdy enough to put up with London roads during the rain and wind of the winter and it is a real pleasure to ride.

It wouldn't be as light or fast as something titanium but then that might make it better for training anyway.