Long commute: audax bike or recumbent?

yannigr

Hello all,

I already posted this on the commuting forum but it did not generate much interest so here it is again:

I have changed job and my commute is now 12 miles (up from 4ish), I had a go last wednesday with my hybrid did not find it unmanageable but thought that I will need something faster if I want to carry on being a cyclist!

I quite fancy the new Thorn audax mk3 (probably the max I would be willing to spend), but also think that may be a recumbent would be better. The first half of my commute is a bit undulating then it is a flat railway path.

Could anybody point me toward a recumbent worth considering for this kind of money (say maximum 1000) ?

Or do you think I should stick to an upright bike?

I am after comfort and best speed for minimal sweat!

Yannig

Bronzie

I would say that 12 miles is not that big a commute really - about 40-50 mins.

A slightly quicker road frame will perhaps make a bit of difference to your current hybrid, a bit more comfort perhaps from having different hand positions available with drop bars. You'll certainly be more visible on an upright if your commute involves much riding in traffic.

Can't really comment on a recumbent as I've never ridden one, but I'd certainly suggest you try test riding one for as long as possible before committing either way to make sure it is for you. If you're near London, have a look at this http://www.londonrecumbents.co.uk/index.php?id=7.

RossC

Coincidentally, I was informed today:
http://www.trikesandstuff.co.uk/ will have http://www.cruzbike.com/ stock in about 10 days, all in limited quantity:
Sofrider V2 available at £685 inc. VAT and Freerider available at £635 inc. VAT.
Kits will retail at £229 inc. VAT
delivery about £20 a bike and £10 a kit.
info@trikesandstuff.co.uk
0207 193 7085

If you're in London, try BikeFix too
but see http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12547771
recommends rice T Trice Q Windcheetah - lots of choice with bents, including home build if you can

I have an Optima Hopper II which I'm getting used to in my second week; it's kind of like learning to ride again. Bacchetta Cafe and HPVelotechnic Spirit are similar entry level under a grand 'bent bikes
Seat position is important for yer butt muscles, but you have to grow new ones I am told!
I am also told clipless pedals help by enabling you to forget about keeping your legs horizontal - I'll try them when I'm more confident
gear inches aren't as high as a tourer: one chain ring (52) & 9-speed casette (34, 30, 26, 23, 20, 17, 15, 13, 11) 20 inch rear wheel, so is a bit slower at the moment, but I dont miss a front derailleur and I enjoy not being so bold in a way
draws attention and some questions

Dustine

Ive been doing a 20 mile round trip daily for over 4 years now, and the 30-35 minutes of a typical day (on a road bike) means it isnt worth looking for comfort or whatever. I just use a normal road bike. If it was 20 miles or more each way, i might be looking for something different, but again, its only like a 1 hour training ride each way, and you would do that on your road bike.

I would change from the hybrid though- my first year or two was spent on a mtb with wide slicks, and when i use it now when the usual bike has a mechanical, or the weather is REALLY bad, i find it a real slog. Whatever you go for, make sure you can fit proper mudguards- race guards are a real pain if you use them for 6 months a year.

meagain

That cruzbike is one really ugly looking machine!

GaryGkn

Audax should fit the bill. For more comfort opt for a tourer.

yannigr

Thank you all for your help.

Even if I still quite like the idea of a bent, I think that I will go for an audax bike as I would really get an entry level bent for this money. I will buy it on the cyclescheme in feb so I have a month to think about it. I quite fancy the thorn audax mk3

I have bought one of their tandem second hand and it has been working very well probably the best bike I have ever had.... OK I am not into racing and though I like riding I've never spent a fortune in a bike

Do you thynk it is a good choice or some of you know of better alternative

Dustine

That thorn does look like what you are after (just re-read your original post and noticed the off-road bit), or maybe a cross bike that has mudguard eyelets???