Bike options for a hilly 11 mile commute ?

Icicle19
Icicle19 Posts: 377
edited May 2009 in Road buying advice
Hi - I'm in the fortunate (?) position of being able to take advantage of a Cycle-to-Work scheme, up to a value of £1000, but would appreciate some wise words re selecting a replacement for my current commuting bike. Current bike is a 1992 Diamondback Topanga, thus steel, modified for road use, with 26'' wheels, rack and panniers etc. With well built 36 spoke wheels it copes with my size - 6'6'' tall, 115kg weight. I've raised the bars high to help with my back problem, and it is very comfortable, but it is heavy up the hills. Apart from commuting (over 11 miles each way, hilly), it's great for rides with the missus, plus we hope to take our lad on the back soon in a Co-Pilot seat.

So am considering what type of modern bike could do all of the above for me ????? Options include something like the Trek 7.5 or 7.6 FX, or perhaps a Specialized Cirrus? I understand such a bike would be considerably lighter and faster than my current one, but I have reservations about parallel spoked and/or minimal spoked wheels. Or would I be better to consider a more 'traditional' bike - but if so, which? FWIW I do know I'm not interested in disc brakes, as upgrades to Magura HS33s would be part of the longer term plan.

Any advice greatly received !
Many thanks.

Comments

Categories