New to commuting. Help needed for bike recommendation.

mcintoed

Hi,
I am planning to start commuting on a bike for the first time. Commute is 8-9 miles each way across London. I have owned a road bike for 6 years (Giant OCR) which is pretty bashed up and I am going to buy a new bike for the daily commute. Budget I have is £700. I am tempted to get a hybrid, I understand I will lose some speed but I like the idea of higher position on the bike and easier access to brakes. Hybrids I have seen in price bracket that I quite like the look of are Ridgeback 03 Flight and Specialised Sirrus Comp but I can’t really find any good reviews so am a little lost on what to buy. Not sure if I should maybe get a road bike with flat bars? Any recommendations really appreciated.

Many thanks

R_T_A

Hi & Welcome!

DDD did a fantastic job of putting everything you'll ever think about for commuting in this link: http://www.bikeradar.com/commuting/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12615053

The only other bit of advice to give is to go and try out a few that you like (you can test ride them), and see which bike fits you best.

We're all different, so go with what feels best for you

RockyHopperShow

I'm never quite sure whether buying a bike via a top-end budget is a good idea, if you see what mean. Best to decide what you want from a bike and go from there. You infer that you are not too worried about a little loss of speed. Well you can choose from loads of bikes in the £400 bracket that will be brilliant commuters e.g. Kona Smoke 2.9 (£365) or Trek 7.3 (well received and a snip at £425)
Of course if youu're determined to buy at the top end of your budget you won't go far wrong with the Trek Soho urban with its belt-drive, 8-speed hub and bash-resistant frame....a proper town tool.

mcintoed

Thanks R_T_A I will try and test ride a few and see what suits. Will also check out the link from DDD.

RockyHopperShow – Cheers I’ll look into the Trek 7.3 and Kona 2.9

Eau Rouge

Try out drop bars, they aren't about speed, they are about comfort over longer distances, having the best hand position for the current bit of road, have no problem with reaction times to pressing the brakes and can give as perfectly fine an upright position as flats.
If you really want flats, get a road bike with flats, rather than the more mountain-bikey hybrids.

FyPunK

Eau Rouge wrote:

Try out drop bars, they aren't about speed, they are about comfort over longer distances, having the best hand position for the current bit of road, have no problem with reaction times to pressing the brakes and can give as perfectly fine an upright position as flats.
If you really want flats, get a road bike with flats, rather than the more mountain-bikey hybrids.

Good advice, I bought a Ridgeback Hybrid, this was recommended by my local bike shop. I love the bike to bits, made it go faster by taking the 37's off and putting some sport 28 tyres on. However 9 months down the line and I have now got some wrist pain from the hand being in one position, I have now put the old style bull bars on to give more options. Take your time choosing and weigh up all your options.

mcintoed

FYPunk - I have heard mixed things about Ridgeback, which bike do you have?