Opinions please on commuting options

John37

I am considering getting a 2nd bike for my commute. I have a road bike full carbon only purchased a few weeks ago and was thinking of using this on weekend training spisn and for fair weather. My commute is about 21km each way to work and was considering a a fast hybrid for this 5 days aweek. What sort of Hybrid would people suggest I look at i.e boardman, Giant, Felt Hybrids and can anyone receommend a model or should I just get another cheapish road bike for around 500-600 instead for this distance. I am hoping to do the commute in under an hour. I have been offereda 2nd hand 2011 KTM strada 1000 for 600 and am very much interested but in saying that I already have a road bike and travelling through build up roads would feel safer in a more upright position. Totally confused and need some help and advice please

RobFowl

Get lost, we don't want your sort around here !

Dermot Illogical

The Strada would be a nice 2nd bike imho. Upright position means the wind gets to piss you off constantly. It's overrated.

Lumen

Wouldn't worry about the position, loads of people commute perfectly happily and safely on "race" bikes.

John37

RobFowl wrote: »

Get lost, we don't want your sort around here !

Thanks for the advice.

I might just plump for the2nd road bike. Am also looking at this

Boardman Performance Hybrid Comp Bike in Halfords

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_777849_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

RobFowl

John37 wrote: »

Thanks for the advice.

Only joking !
See http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056755344

Personally I'd go for the second hand road bike (maybe add 25 or 28 mls tyres). Hybrids are a fair bit slower and if you raise the bars on a road bike you can get a fairly upright position.
That said if you were to go for the hybrid I personally like the Boardman.

Khannie

I've done a fair bit of commuting on a road bike. No troubles at all (except for punctures, which I fixed by changing from racing tyres).

Darkglasses

For a commute that distance, I'd go with something like a Giant Defy 5, or something nicer S-H. I commute on a hybrid 7 km each way, which I like, but for anything above 10 or 12 km I think a road bike is more appropriate.



BTW, RobFowl was completely joking, a reference to recent accusations that this forum is snobbish or elitist. It isn't, your sort, and indeed all sorts, are very welcome!

Undercover Elephant

Lumen wrote: »

Wouldn't worry about the position, loads of people commute perfectly happily and safely on "race" bikes.

This.

Also, 21km each way is definite road bike territory. It's perfectly possible to do it on a hybrid, but much less comfortable. (EDIT: typed before I saw Darkglasses' post, which says it better.)

Does the Strada have rack eyelets?

galwaycyclist

RobFowl wrote: »

Get lost, we don't want your sort around here !

Boo hiss :-)

petethedrummer

I would get a road bike with enough clearance for 28mm tyres and mudguards. And mounts for a rack and proper mudguards.

You could then use it to train at the weekends if the weather is crap. Or for going on a mini-tour.

billyhead

I would agree with the rest of the lads OP. My commute is a little further at 26km and I woudn't dare use a hybrid for it. The varied hand positions and aerodynamic positioning of a road bike are a must when both your hands are tired and theirs a crosswind. Get a second road bike if you must and keep the carbon bike for those special days out on the saddle:D