Best bike for a long commute



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OK. Now that I've dipped my toe into the pool thought I'd try another.

For health reasons I have to increase my level of exercise. I already cycle
at weekends off road at a local forest centre (about 20 miles) and use a gym
semi regular. I want to incorporate exercise as a part of my day.

I currently drive 31 miles each way to work. It is my aim to start cycling
part then all of that as my fitness increases.

My question? Well what bike would fit the bill for such a commute? Dont
think my mountain bike will do the trick!

The roads are mainly country A roads with some hilly sections. I'm no
youngster so a more "relaxed" riding position would be ideal.

Have seen touring bikes such as the Dawes Galaxy in the past, is this a
suitable beast?

Your views will be most welcome.
 
newsgroup wrote:

>
> Have seen touring bikes such as the Dawes Galaxy in the past, is this a
> suitable beast?
>

It is. I have such a beast, and also a cheaper Dawes tourer from years
ago, and they are both excellent commuting bikes.

You may decide on something a little lighter, depending on how much you
wish to carry. You may also decide to fit thinner, smoother tyres for
efficiency.

It is possible that a hub-geared bike may require less maintenance than
a deralieur if used year-round, but I can't say I've found this to be a
problem.

Have a look at other threads here for discussions about lights, LEDs are
fine, dynamo sets are great, and I use a halogen set with a sealed
lead-acid battery that lasts about a week on a charge.
 
"newsgroup" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> OK. Now that I've dipped my toe into the pool thought I'd try another.
>
> For health reasons I have to increase my level of exercise. I already
> cycle at weekends off road at a local forest centre (about 20 miles) and
> use a gym semi regular. I want to incorporate exercise as a part of my
> day.
>
> I currently drive 31 miles each way to work. It is my aim to start cycling
> part then all of that as my fitness increases.
>
> My question? Well what bike would fit the bill for such a commute? Dont
> think my mountain bike will do the trick!

I use a Dawes Horizon, it's cheaper than a Galaxy (though heavier I guess)
it has canti brakes and can take 700x35C nobbly cyclocross tyres or 700x32C
touring tyres. The gearing is 48/38/28 and 11-32. My commute is 17 miles
each way (but I don't do it every day) I also use it in the local forest
park.
It comes with the rack and mudguards, and can take front panniers for longer
tours.
Another very similar bike is the Revolition (Ed-Bike Co-op) Country.

Jim J
 
newsgroup wrote:
> OK. Now that I've dipped my toe into the pool thought I'd try another.
>
> For health reasons I have to increase my level of exercise. I already
> cycle at weekends off road at a local forest centre (about 20 miles) and
> use a gym semi regular. I want to incorporate exercise as a part of my day.
>
> I currently drive 31 miles each way to work. It is my aim to start
> cycling part then all of that as my fitness increases.

62 miles of commute should certainly do something for your fitness :)

> The roads are mainly country A roads with some hilly sections. I'm no
> youngster so a more "relaxed" riding position would be ideal.
>
> Have seen touring bikes such as the Dawes Galaxy in the past, is this a
> suitable beast?

That would work, though I'd be tempted to also look at Audax "fast
touring" bikes. These tend to be more relaxed than a racing bike, but
lighter and faster than a bike capable of touring with a full load.
Audax bikes should have fittings for a pannier rack and clearance for
mudgards, both of which will be very useful for comfort on a long commute.

You should also consider what you want in terms of lighting for the
winter months - as you'll likely be spending at least a couple of hours
in the dark every evening have a look at a dynohub setup for hassle-free
lighting. The latest generation of LED dynamo lights are very, very good.

Matt
 
newsgroup wrote:
> OK. Now that I've dipped my toe into the pool thought I'd try another.
>
> For health reasons I have to increase my level of exercise. I already
> cycle at weekends off road at a local forest centre (about 20 miles)
> and use a gym semi regular. I want to incorporate exercise as a part
> of my day.
> I currently drive 31 miles each way to work. It is my aim to start
> cycling part then all of that as my fitness increases.
>
> My question? Well what bike would fit the bill for such a commute?
> Dont think my mountain bike will do the trick!
>
> The roads are mainly country A roads with some hilly sections. I'm no
> youngster so a more "relaxed" riding position would be ideal.
>
> Have seen touring bikes such as the Dawes Galaxy in the past, is this
> a suitable beast?
>
> Your views will be most welcome.

I suggest a Tifosi CK7 or any audax style bike like that.

Remember that you can make the riding position more upright with any bike by
replacing the handlebar stem for a shorter one with a steeper rise angle,
for example.

~PB
 
newsgroup wrote:
> OK. Now that I've dipped my toe into the pool thought I'd try another.
>
> For health reasons I have to increase my level of exercise. I already
> cycle at weekends off road at a local forest centre (about 20 miles) and
> use a gym semi regular. I want to incorporate exercise as a part of my day.
>
> I currently drive 31 miles each way to work. It is my aim to start
> cycling part then all of that as my fitness increases.
>
> My question? Well what bike would fit the bill for such a commute? Dont
> think my mountain bike will do the trick!
>
> The roads are mainly country A roads with some hilly sections. I'm no
> youngster so a more "relaxed" riding position would be ideal.
>
> Have seen touring bikes such as the Dawes Galaxy in the past, is this a
> suitable beast?
>
> Your views will be most welcome.

Not direct, except I have a Super Galaxy and while nice, I consider it
overpriced[1], however, those who know me are aware I like hub gears, so
back to point, a mate bought one of these...

http://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m11b0s18p1577

For a 15-20ish mile round trip and has been extremely happy with it.



[1] Actually it was a Galaxy that I put some Tiagras onto, but I would
have liked a hub dynamo, a front rack as standard, I don't like the
canti brakes. Apart from that it's ok[2]. Before you ask, insewerants job.

[2] Actually its more than ok, but the one that got nicked was a buildup
job that was *right* for me, and 500 quid was going to get me far on the
road to replacing it, so the offered Galaxy it was.
 
On 2 Dec, 22:42, "newsgroup" <[email protected]> wrote:
> I'm no youngster so a more "relaxed" riding position would be ideal.
>
Ever tried a recumbent? The trigger was the word 'relaxed' :)
IMHO if you are contemplating spending serious dosh, and want a
comfortable mile eater, then you should at least try a few.
 
newsgroup wrote:
> OK. Now that I've dipped my toe into the pool thought I'd try another.
>
> For health reasons I have to increase my level of exercise. I already
> cycle at weekends off road at a local forest centre (about 20 miles)
> and use a gym semi regular. I want to incorporate exercise as a part
> of my day.
> I currently drive 31 miles each way to work. It is my aim to start
> cycling part then all of that as my fitness increases.
>
> My question? Well what bike would fit the bill for such a commute?
> Dont think my mountain bike will do the trick!


In addition to the other comments.

1) Distance. 31 miles each way = 62 miles. The total would take me 4.5 to
5.5 hours, then I need a decent rest and a lot of food at the end. Do you
really have enough time to do this journey regularly ?

2) If doing part of the journey (good idea!), how will you store/transport
your bike for the part journey.
You may find that a collapsable/folding bike is the answer; there are such
bikes which collapse for storage fairly quickly, yet ride like ordinary
bikes, such as Airnimal, some Moulton (and Pashley-Moulton) models, or an
ordinary bike built with S&S couplings to allow the frame to break down into
parts. These may be easier to put into a car than a non-colapsing frame. A
non-splitting Moulton is a bit smaller for putting into a car than a bike
with normal large wheels.
There are other types of folding bikes, designed for short commutes which
have to compromise riding quality and ride speed because they need quick and
compact folding (architype being Brompton).




- Nigel


--
Nigel Cliffe,
Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/
 
On Dec 2, 4:42 pm, "newsgroup" <[email protected]> wrote:
> OK. Now that I've dipped my toe into the pool thought I'd try another.
>
> For health reasons I have to increase my level of exercise. I already cycle
> at weekends off road at a local forest centre (about 20 miles) and use a gym
> semi regular. I want to incorporate exercise as a part of my day.
>
> I currently drive 31 miles each way to work. It is my aim to start cycling
> part then all of that as my fitness increases.
>
> My question? Well what bike would fit the bill for such a commute? Dont
> think my mountain bike will do the trick!
>
> The roads are mainly country A roads with some hilly sections. I'm no
> youngster so a more "relaxed" riding position would be ideal.
>
> Have seen touring bikes such as the Dawes Galaxy in the past, is this a
> suitable beast?
>
> Your views will be most welcome.


That's quite a huge step from about 20 miles off road at the weekends
to 62 miles everyday, even if you do just start riding part of it
first. When was the last time you rode over 60 miles in one day? Have
you done a test ride yet, between home and work, just to see if you
can do it and work out the best route. You can do the test ride on
your mountain bike, just slap some slick tyres on first.

Does your work have showers?
Do you own a good set of lights?
Do you own any lycra, 'cos I wouldn't want to ride that sort of
distance in 'work' clothes?
How good are you bike repair skills, because doing that sort of
mileage you can expect problems on route, number one, punctures.
How much stuff do you need to carry to work, laptop, lunch, change of
clothes?
Is there somewhere at work you can store and dry stinky cycling gear?

How much do you enjoy your weekend mountain biking, 'cos doing 300
miles a week is going to leave you pretty beat by Friday.

I did a similar commute a few year back, but I only rode it 3 days a
week, Tues, Wed and Thurs. Monday I would drive in, taking with me 3
days worth of work clothes and everything else I needed for the week.
Taking everything home Friday when I would drive in again, plus the
rest on Friday would mean I could ride at the weekend.

As for which bike, a Cannondale T2000 is a sweet little tourer or a
Specialize Globe City is a ready to go commuter.
 
Rob Morley wrote:
> In article <[email protected]>, Nigel Cliffe
> [email protected] says...
>> These may be easier to put into a car than a non-colapsing frame.
>
> What's wrong with roof racks?

The crunching sound when I go under a 6 foot 6 "no campers" barrier?

A lot of the car parks round here have them. I've got a "stack at the
back" bike rack which works well, and the bike *just* fits under the
barriers.

--
Mike Lay
email: newstrap @ Rees<secondpartname>.+.com (replace obvious symbols;-)
 
"Nigel Cliffe" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> newsgroup wrote:
>> OK. Now that I've dipped my toe into the pool thought I'd try another.
>>
>> For health reasons I have to increase my level of exercise. I already
>> cycle at weekends off road at a local forest centre (about 20 miles)
>> and use a gym semi regular. I want to incorporate exercise as a part
>> of my day.
>> I currently drive 31 miles each way to work. It is my aim to start
>> cycling part then all of that as my fitness increases.
>>
>> My question? Well what bike would fit the bill for such a commute?
>> Dont think my mountain bike will do the trick!
>
>
> In addition to the other comments.
>
> 1) Distance. 31 miles each way = 62 miles. The total would take me 4.5 to
> 5.5 hours, then I need a decent rest and a lot of food at the end. Do you
> really have enough time to do this journey regularly ?
>
> 2) If doing part of the journey (good idea!), how will you store/transport
> your bike for the part journey.
> You may find that a collapsable/folding bike is the answer; there are such
> bikes which collapse for storage fairly quickly, yet ride like ordinary
> bikes, such as Airnimal, some Moulton (and Pashley-Moulton) models, or an
> ordinary bike built with S&S couplings to allow the frame to break down
> into parts. These may be easier to put into a car than a non-colapsing
> frame. A non-splitting Moulton is a bit smaller for putting into a car
> than a bike with normal large wheels.
> There are other types of folding bikes, designed for short commutes which
> have to compromise riding quality and ride speed because they need quick
> and compact folding (architype being Brompton).
>
>
>
>
> - Nigel
>
>
> --
> Nigel Cliffe,
> Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/
>

Phew. Some great comments and loads of experience to draw on.

To answer some

Yes such a commute is a huge increase in distance. I know I will not be able
to do it straight away. I'm still planning but I hope to drive part way and
cycle the rest. There is also an option to drive in and cycle home, catch
train next day.

I cannot see me ever being able to do it 5 days a week, but as I said I do
need to increase my level of exercise and I like cycling, so if I can
incorporate it into a routine so much the better.

Yes work does have showeres and changing rooms and secure storage for the
bike.

Thanks everyone for replying, you've raised some useful points I'd not
considered like good lighting and how I'm gonna carry clothing etc. I
particularly like the idea of driving Monday and Friday, dont know about
cycling that distance for the three other days tho!!

Cheers, I'm new to this NG but will be lurking about.
 

>
> Thanks everyone for replying, you've raised some useful points I'd not
> considered like good lighting and how I'm gonna carry clothing etc. I
> particularly like the idea of driving Monday and Friday, dont know about
> cycling that distance for the three other days tho!!
>

Good for you. All of the hurdles to overcome have solutions so don't
worry. I got back in the saddle last year (after taking a five year
rest) and now commute 47M per day 5 days per week (more often than
not). Some of the things I found most useful were:

A fixed wheel bike for simplicity, lack of maintainance, etc. but also
for fitness - gets the heart rate going up the hills.
A rack and water-proof panniers to keep the load off your back.
Full length mud guards with mudflaps.
Puncture proof tyres like Dutch Perfects or Marathon Plus esp in the
Winter months.
A good front light-set, and then an identical spare that you carry
with you.
The right clothes to keep warm and dry (and visible) - study www.icebike.com
that's a really good resource.
Have some whey based carbo/protein drink first thing when you get to
work and when you get home.
Carry enough tools to fix a puncture and maybe even a broken chain,
spare batts, head-torch, etc.
Make sure your happy fixing a puncture with your rim and tyre combo at
home before trying it in the cold and dark.
Studded tyres like the Nokian W106 on a spare wheel-set if you plan on
riding in the snow and or heavy ice.
Portable Radio and headphones with the right ear-piece cut off.

I found it took almost as long to drive half way, park up and sort the
kit out as it did to cycle - so opted to start riding just once a week
for a bit, then 2-3days, etc.

After a year you'll probably think nothing more of riding than you
would getting into your car...

ps To begin with driving Monday and Friday many not be the best idea
because your legs will have no time to recover Tues-Weds-Thurs - try
alternating riding days or something.

Best of luck,

Duncan
 
"Duncan Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:c0a736b6-9311-4de8-9ea9-faa4121c7821@a39g2000pre.googlegroups.com...
>
>>
>> Thanks everyone for replying, you've raised some useful points I'd not
>> considered like good lighting and how I'm gonna carry clothing etc. I
>> particularly like the idea of driving Monday and Friday, dont know about
>> cycling that distance for the three other days tho!!
>>
>
> Good for you. All of the hurdles to overcome have solutions so don't
> worry. I got back in the saddle last year (after taking a five year
> rest) and now commute 47M per day 5 days per week (more often than
> not). Some of the things I found most useful were:
>
> A fixed wheel bike for simplicity, lack of maintainance, etc. but also
> for fitness - gets the heart rate going up the hills.
> A rack and water-proof panniers to keep the load off your back.
> Full length mud guards with mudflaps.
> Puncture proof tyres like Dutch Perfects or Marathon Plus esp in the
> Winter months.
> A good front light-set, and then an identical spare that you carry
> with you.
> The right clothes to keep warm and dry (and visible) - study
> www.icebike.com
> that's a really good resource.
> Have some whey based carbo/protein drink first thing when you get to
> work and when you get home.
> Carry enough tools to fix a puncture and maybe even a broken chain,
> spare batts, head-torch, etc.
> Make sure your happy fixing a puncture with your rim and tyre combo at
> home before trying it in the cold and dark.
> Studded tyres like the Nokian W106 on a spare wheel-set if you plan on
> riding in the snow and or heavy ice.
> Portable Radio and headphones with the right ear-piece cut off.
>
> I found it took almost as long to drive half way, park up and sort the
> kit out as it did to cycle - so opted to start riding just once a week
> for a bit, then 2-3days, etc.
>
> After a year you'll probably think nothing more of riding than you
> would getting into your car...
>
> ps To begin with driving Monday and Friday many not be the best idea
> because your legs will have no time to recover Tues-Weds-Thurs - try
> alternating riding days or something.
>
> Best of luck,
>
> Duncan

Thanks for the encouraging comments Duncan. I take on board what you say.

I've changed my name by the way from the default "newsgroup". Not as
inventive as some names here but sums me up nicely!
 
Have you considered a pedal assist bike? That sounds like a long
commute and it would be made less taxing and daunting with a little
electric help. I got into electric bikes because I lived at the top of
a hill with only the grotty, overcrowded Northern Line or a bus as my
options to get to work. As someone who hadn't cycled for a decade or
more at the time, I felt the need for a little help, not least in
getting a head start in traffic and to build fitness.

You can do things on an electric bike - maintain a high average speed,
tackle hills and headwinds, arrive without being a sweaty, jelly-
legged wreck - that are not possible for most people on a regular
pedal cycle.

Have a look at my site www.50cycles.com for some ideas. We have one
new German model that can do between 30 and 50 miles on a charge,
depending on the level of assistance.

Cheers,
Tim
 
Quoting Tim 50cycles <[email protected]>:
>Have you considered a pedal assist bike?

He says, "helpfully" leaving the mention that he sells them until later.

>options to get to work. As someone who hadn't cycled for a decade or
>more at the time, I felt the need for a little help, not least in
>getting a head start in traffic and to build fitness.

Build fitness by having a motor cycle for you - that makes perfect sense!

>Have a look at my site www.example.com for some ideas. We have one
>new German model that can do between 30 and 50 miles on a charge,
>depending on the level of assistance.

Ever so useful for someone contemplating a 62 mile round trip.
--
David Damerell <[email protected]> Kill the tomato!
Today is Stilday, November - a weekend.
 
In article <TZh*[email protected]>, David Damerell wrote:
>Quoting Tim 50cycles <[email protected]>:
>>Have you considered a pedal assist bike?
>
>He says, "helpfully" leaving the mention that he sells them until later.
>
>>options to get to work. As someone who hadn't cycled for a decade or
>>more at the time, I felt the need for a little help, not least in
>>getting a head start in traffic and to build fitness.
>
>Build fitness by having a motor cycle for you - that makes perfect sense!
>
>>Have a look at my site www.example.com for some ideas. We have one
>>new German model that can do between 30 and 50 miles on a charge,
>>depending on the level of assistance.
>
>Ever so useful for someone contemplating a 62 mile round trip.

The original poster's plan was "to start cycling part then all of that
as my fitness increases". An electric assist bike with a 50 mile range
is a plausible way of doing that, especially if he has somewhere to
recharge it during the day. (So would sticking a normal bike on or in
a car and driving part way, but maybe there aren't suitable car parks,
or he'd prefer not to use a car.)

Tim would obviously get a better reaction if he showed signs of having
read the group before posting and joined in discussion on a variety
of subjects as well as about the electric bikes he sells, but it's not
a totally unreasonable response here.

Of course those who object to the purity of their bikes being sullied
by any kind of motor will object, but it's over a hundred years too
late for that.
 
On 4 Dec, 14:30, David Damerell <[email protected]>
wrote:

>
> Build fitness by having a motor cycle for you - that makes perfect sense!

Well, for many people it does make perfect sense.

>
> >Have a look at my sitewww.example.comfor some ideas. We have one
> >new German model that can do between 30 and 50 miles on a charge,
> >depending on the level of assistance.
>
> Ever so useful for someone contemplating a 62 mile round trip.

Believe it or not the bike uses a rechargeable battery, and one that
charges in somewhat less than the length of the average working day.

Tim
 
Quoting Alan Braggins <[email protected]>:
>David Damerell wrote:
>>Ever so useful for someone contemplating a 62 mile round trip.
>The original poster's plan was "to start cycling part then all of that
>as my fitness increases". An electric assist bike with a 50 mile range
>is a plausible way of doing that,

No, it's not. It _sounds_ plausible, but have you ever seen anyone of the
level of fitness that would make a 62 mile round trip commute even a
plausible goal on one of those silly electric bikes? Didn't think so.

>Of course those who object to the purity of their bikes being sullied
>by any kind of motor will object, but it's over a hundred years too
>late for that.

Er - no, it isn't - none of _my_ bikes is sullied by any kind of motor.
--
David Damerell <[email protected]> Kill the tomato!
Today is Stilday, November - a weekend.
 
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