What commuting bike to buy with £2,000?

iamjeccles
iamjeccles Posts: 17
edited June 2012 in Commuting general
Hi. I'm looking to buy a new bike for my daily commute through London. For the last 18 months I've owned and riden my Ridgeback Flight 04, which has been fine but I find it quite labourign at times

I've test riden a few bikes and can't decide what the best option is. I've got up to £2,000 to spend and have been looking at high-end hybrids and road bikes. So far my top 2 are the Whyte Montpelier and the Canondale Synapse 105. Now I haven't really riden road bikes before, whcih is why I'm drawn to a high-end hybrid. But the Canondale has a pretty upright position, which is why I like it too. I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions for me to try out? These are my needs:

* Up to £2,000 budget
* Fairly upright position
* Lightweight
* Fast
* Reasonably sturdy as it might get knocked on the train

Any advice will be much appreciated?

Cheers, Jamie :)

Comments

  • getprg
    getprg Posts: 245
    £2k is a lot to spend on "just" a commute bike. For starters - I hope you don't intend to leave it locked on the street whilst at work - it will need to be somewhere very secure both day and night - but then I guess you know that.

    Second, are you intending using it winter and summer? Around here winter weather eats bike components - some fittings (eg handlebar clamp bolts) are rusty in one season despite my best efforts at cleaning and protecting - so I have a winter bike that cost just £450 for both winter and wet summer use. Also if using it winter then you need to think about fitting mudguards (mount points make it easier to fit robust - eg SKS guards). Finally, if you are commuting with clobber then a pannier rack is useful.

    So with all that thinking out the way you then need to decide what else (if anything) you will use the bike for. Sportives, weekend blasts, audax, touring?

    Once you have a better idea about all the requirements then you can start to look at the best piece of kit. Budget, in some respects comes last - once you've decided on your full needs.
  • thiscocks
    thiscocks Posts: 549
    wouldnt bother blowing 2k on a commuting bike. You can get as good a bike as you will ever need for half that.

    http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cha ... gn=froogle
  • styxd
    styxd Posts: 3,234
    * Fairly upright position
    * Fast

    That doesnt work!
  • jonomc4
    jonomc4 Posts: 891
    Specialized Sirrus expert - is a good carbon hybrid - I believe it is the same frame geometry as the Roubaix (or however it is spelt).

    http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec030745


    Then use the spare cash on some drop bars and levers (and a good saddle) - sorted best of both worlds.
  • Hoopdriver
    Hoopdriver Posts: 2,023
    styxd wrote:
    * Fairly upright position
    * Fast

    That doesnt work!
    Agree! And unless you've got wonderful security at work, I'd be really anxious about leaving a £2000 bike locked up and unattended all day. I'd re-think this...
    http://www.My-Bicycle-and-I.com
  • iamjeccles
    iamjeccles Posts: 17
    My apologies if I came across like I didn't know what I was talking about. It's the first time that I've posted and just wanted some quick ideas about bikes to check out. I understand the comments of 'quick and upright' just doesn't work', so I should have been more specific. I have a bad back and riding in a position that it too lent forward aggrevates it after a while. I currently ride at least 20 miles a day across London and have done for 2 years, so I want something that makes the ride easier. At the moment I ride a Ridgeback Flight 04 which a good riding position for me, although I think I'd be okay with something that requires a slightly leaner position. So to be clearer on what I'm looking for, and to answer some questions:

    I'm looking for a fast road bike that will be used for at least 20 miles a day, and I may take of road cycling at the weekend.

    Locking it up isn't a problem as it is always stored inside, other than the odd meeting (no longer than 2 hours). I also have two quality Abus Gold Standard locks.

    I have a 2k budget because I want it to last me, plus thinking of longer rides at the weekend. So for my 2k I am more looking for a good quality bike that is robust, as well as the componants (i.e. able to take bumps in the road over the years).

    I'm not looking for something superfast, aggressive, or just to show off on... Although if it looks beautiful that would be a bonus!

    Now I've hopefully come over a bit better, can anyone help please?

    Cheers, Jamie
  • getprg
    getprg Posts: 245
    Thanks for the update on your requirements.

    It might be a bit of an unexpected suggestion but have you might consider a handbuilt touring style bike (eg a Thorn from SJS Cycles) or- if you want something lighter but still robust an audax cycle (from the likes of Ellis Briggs). You will be buying a beautifully built cycle that, well cared for, will last you a life time, will fit you exactly and is perhaps less likely to attract the light fingered. They should also leave you some change out of £2k - how much depends on your chosen spec.
  • iamjeccles
    iamjeccles Posts: 17
    Excellent... Very helpful! I'll take a little look over the weekend. Cheers very much... :)
  • CarlosDSanchez
    CarlosDSanchez Posts: 455
    Ti audax bike? Google fat birds, excellent shop in Hunstanton.
    Dolan Preffisio
    2010 Cube Agree SL
  • iPete
    iPete Posts: 6,076
    For 2k and with requirements for comfort I'd look at a Burls custom frame with guard mounts [http://www.burls.co.uk/titanium.php], some reliable handbuild wheels and a mid range groupset like 105 5700 to keep replacement costs reasonable, as assume you'll be using all year around.
  • MichaelW
    MichaelW Posts: 2,164
    I like my commuter bike to be a clean, low-maintenance, grab and go machine. If I had lots of cash to spend, I would consider a belt-drive Rohloff system with hub dynamo and hydraulic brakes.
    If Sir needs Something For The Weekend, can I suggest another bike, maybe a lightweight sportiff or Audax style.
  • jeepie
    jeepie Posts: 497
    Spa Titanium Audax?

    http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Magazine/201103054.pdf

    An old man's bike but rides like a dream.
  • iamjeccles
    iamjeccles Posts: 17
    Excellent, really helpful! I'll be honest, I don't know a lot of the lingo, but I've had a quick look into it.
    So Sportive and and Audax road bikes are built for speding more time in the saddle and longer rides? And maybe look into a titanium frame as it will be stronger and more robust?

    I''ll bare this in mind when I have a search this weekend. Thanx... :)
  • clarkey cat
    clarkey cat Posts: 3,641
    get yourself a nice steel-framed audax bike.

    I have a Hewitt Chiltern and it is fantastic.
    Condor Fratello is also a very popular choice.

    Enjoy!
    Dolan Mythos
  • Dan_Giant
    Dan_Giant Posts: 72
    Hi,

    I've recently purchased a Cannondale Synapse Sora 2011. Was £520 from my LBS.

    Ive only done a few training rides so far and love it. I plan to use it for a 16mile commute each way a couple of times per week.

    Like you I have back issues, but find the more relaxed position on the bike very comfortable. I don't think you'd have any major issues there.

    I've also flipped my stem to give a bit more height on the bars bringing the position up further still.

    The 105 is the same frame/forks AFAIK so as you prob know its designed to be a little more forgiving over bumps and position than a full on racer like the Caad 8 in their range.

    Hope this is of some use.

    Dan
  • chrishumes
    chrishumes Posts: 227
    ive got a ridgeback flight 04 with the hub gears and think its a perfect bike for what you need, i know its a bit heavy with the hub, but maintenance free etc and covers the gear range. what do you find wrong with it??

    if I had 2k to spend i would have got the ti framed flight, the top of the range one....
  • jeepie
    jeepie Posts: 497
    How's the search going iamjeccles ?

    Let us know what you decide.... A nice decision to have.
  • Bi50N
    Bi50N Posts: 87
    If I had £2,000 to spend on a off-the-shelf commuter that I knew would be locked up safely and could be used for day / weekend rides or light touring, I would seriously look at the Genesis Day 01 Alfine 11

    Steel frame, disc brakes, Alfine 11 hub - http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/cross/day-01/day-01-alfine-11

    Or, look at the On-One Pompetamine 11 as a base and upgrade some kit... http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOOPOMPETVERSA11/on_one_pompetamine_versa_11_speed_pro

    And if I wanted to spend more, I'd look at Shand and get a custom built frame, Alfine 11 and maybe modified for belt drive... http://www.shandcycles.com/frames/allroad/stoater-overview/

    I ride an On-One Pomp Versa Alfine 8, and it's a superb commuter / all rounder. So you could also spend half the money on that. Or get two. The ones mentioned above are essentially upgraded models of the same concept...

    £2,000 on a commuter. I wish :(
    On-One Pompetamine | Trek District | Tokyo Fixed S2 | Canyon Ultimate Al
  • jeepie
    jeepie Posts: 497
    Yeah - me too. I wish. That's why I want to know what (s)he gets :)
  • Steve@Tern
    Steve@Tern Posts: 15
    What about a Scott Sub 10?
    It's way under your budget (around £1200), but super-lively, clean and tidy to ride with a belt drive.
    OK, it's only got 8 hub gears from the Alfine, but it's got hydraulic discs and comes in at a skinny 11.4kg.
    You could always look at putting a double chainring on to extend your gear options.
  • uhf101
    uhf101 Posts: 1
    For that money - I would think a milk bike http://www.milkbikes.com/ RDA would be about the best out there,
  • danieljsoul
    danieljsoul Posts: 5
    Dude who commented on the Condor is spot on. You have all this cash, don't get some off the shelf bike. Go into Condor, they'll fit a bike especially to your frame and riding position, suggest the best components for you and get it set up especially to your needs. With that £££ DONT buy something pre-built, go custom.

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