Recomendations for a fast commuter / fitness bike?

hughsimps
hughsimps Posts: 7
edited September 2009 in Commuting chat
Hi all!

I havent had a new bike since buying an Orange P7 about 12 years ago! Just hit 30 and along with some savings I am going to buy myself a decent, light commuter / fitness bike for about £1000 +/-.

I very much like the Ridgeback Flight 05 and have found one for £875 in a sale that fits but before I make the dive just wondering if anyone had any other recomendations or any positive / negative feedback about the ridgeback?

Also can anyone recomend a good carbon stem and also a good seat?!

Many thanks!!
Hugh

Comments

  • Rodmc
    Rodmc Posts: 42
    Ridgeback Flight 05 = Don't do it!!

    Get a road bike, seriously. I had a flat barred bike until someone stole it recently. I got a road bike on sale and through the Cylce-to-work scheme and saved a packet.

    Also the road bike is great, so much quicker (some may say neigh) that a flat barred commuter. Not sure where you live but I commute round London and I have no problem with the dop handle bars

    There are some cracking deals out there at the mo to be had on 09 bikes, have a look and really get a road bike.
  • hughsimps
    hughsimps Posts: 7
    I have to say I really am not that at home on a road bike. Is there an issue with the Flight 05 or are you generally talking about flat bar bikes?

    Most people I have asked have said a drop bar is hard work in London for commuting?
  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    Get a road bike
    I like bikes...

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  • artaxerxes
    artaxerxes Posts: 612
    Most people I have asked have said a drop bar is hard work in London for commuting?

    Thats what I thought until I got myself a drop bar bike. A lot depends on the geometry and set up of the road bike. Mine is more of a light tourer than a racing bike, so the stem and bars are angled to allow a more upright position which is very comfortable for commuting, but not so good for racing.

    £1000 ain't cheap, so try a variety of bikes (both flat and drop barred) as they will all be slightly different in geometry etc. Make sure you go for a spin on the streets with each one.
  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    hughsimps wrote:
    Most people I have asked have said a drop bar is hard work in London for commuting?

    Welcome! :)

    It's absolutely fine. I've got a 28 mile round trip at the minimum and it's more efficient on the road bike than my mtb. Buy a bike that fits and you won't be uncomfortable.

    What's your route?
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • Rodmc
    Rodmc Posts: 42
    hughsimps wrote:
    I have to say I really am not that at home on a road bike. Is there an issue with the Flight 05 or are you generally talking about flat bar bikes?

    Most people I have asked have said a drop bar is hard work in London for commuting?

    I'm sure there is nothing wrong with the Ridgeback, I was commenting on flat bars in general.

    Eveyone I know who commutes in London does it on drops.
  • pastryboy
    pastryboy Posts: 1,385
    Depends on the route - If you've got a nice 20 minute scenic route then I'd go for the flat bars. If you've got a bit a distance and want to be efficient then go for drops.
  • DonDaddyD
    DonDaddyD Posts: 12,689
    I just got back from riding with mates (2 with Carrera Subways, 1 Langster, 1 Rigeback hybrid and me on Karen, my road bike).

    My mates that were claiming drops were hard work and wouldn't do it, never have tried drops ever.

    I personally had a hybrid flat bar number. Drop bars and the whole road bike has been a revelation. Easier up hills and more comfortable over 7.5 miles too.
    Food Chain number = 4

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  • hughsimps
    hughsimps Posts: 7
    Thanks very much for the replies. I will certainly have a go on some but I think I am decided that I don't want drop bars. Plus I think the ridgeback is already quite road orientated of the hybrids. I will let you guys know what I go for soon.
  • EdZed
    EdZed Posts: 119
    If you like the idea of a road bike position but without the drop bars it might be worth looking a Scott Speedster S30 Flatbar. It's around the same price as the Flight 05, has full on road bike geometry and has eyelets to take mudguards to keep you clean on your commute. You might have to look around a bit to find an 09 version, as most seem to have gone now but the 2010 bike is meant to be available in the next few weeks.

    For a few hundred £'s less there's the S60 FB, but there's very few of these about at the moment either and (I understand) the S60 FB version will be replaced by an S50 FB for 2010 for around £550-600 (or so I have been led to believe), so this may be a better bet if you're not sure about road bikes and drop bars.

    There's a simple review of the 09 S50 (w/drops) here... http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/news/article/mps/uan/4122

    There's a review of the Flight 05 here... http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... 5-09-34058

    Once you get used to them, and you will very quickly, drop bars aren't hard work and make riding into a headwind much easier than flat bars. As others have suggested, get a few test rides and see what you like.

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