Advice for new N11 Commuter

Crowman

Hi,
I'm considering getting a bike on the BTW scheme and cycling in to work.
I will be cycling from Bray to Clonskeigh via N11 (about 14k I think) and was wandering if a road bike would be more suitable for the job as as opposed a Hybrid?

The Local Bike Shop suggested a Trek 7.3 Hybrid, seems like a nice bike but I don't have a clue.

Also, any advice for me on the route? It looks like cycle lanes the whole way so I should be fine right?

Thanks.

mirrormatrix

Hey Crowman,

Good on you, once you start cycling in and out of work it's easy to get hooked!

Had a quick look at the 7.3 hybrid. Don't know what your budget is, but i'd stay away from this bike if I was you. I don't think it's particularly important whether you get a hybrid or a road bike (although personally I find a flat bar road bike much better for commuting as you have better vision and braking than on a road bike with drops). I would suggest something with carbon forks would help absorb vibrations and make your commute that bit more enjoyable.

You need to ask yourself what you are looking for, and how often you are likely to use the bike. 14 k each way is a reasonable distance, I would be inclined to invest the extra few quid and get something that you really enjoy cycling on. FWIW, I bought a Giant Rapid 3 a few years ago for commuting and absolutely love it.

godtabh

I travel along the N11 most days from Shankill to Ballsbridge. A road bike will be fine. Use the bus lanes as the cycle lanes are full of debris and you will get puncture after punture

Grandpa Hassan

I agree with mirrormatrix. A roadbike with flat bars is the way to go. I have a 15km each way commute. You need a roadbike for 30km a day, and I find the flat bars are far more comfortable, especially if regularly having to stop at traffic lights as you approach the city

And if you dont spend the money on something comfortable, the 14km ride will get tiresome very quickly

GlennaMaddy

If your route involves navigating tightly packed stopped (or very slow) traffic, then drop bars will make it easier to get through it. You can have the best of both worlds with bartop levers

Jabel

GlennaMaddy wrote: »

If your route involves navigating tightly packed stopped (or very slow) traffic, then drop bars will make it easier to get through it. You can have the best of both worlds with bartop levers

Agree with this, the narrower profile makes those 'will I / won't I fit' moments a lot more predictable.

Grandpa Hassan

When fitting flat bars on a road bike, the shop would fit narrower profile ones than you would get on a hybrid. At least in my experience. Mine are actually narrower than the drop bars on my other bike

Paddigol

I cycle the N11 from Greystones to city centre every day - 27km each way - and use a road bike with drop bars. Haven't had any issues that would make me think a flat bar road bike would be better. Then again it's a longer commute, and each to their own.

On the route itself, as said above, some of the cycle lanes are woeful and I avoid where possible. From Stillorgan to Fosters Avenue is a bit messy, and ideally I'd stick to the cycle lane. But in busy traffic that can sometimes be a bit hairy with buses and left turning traffic.

Crowman

Thanks for all the advice much appreciated.
I think a Road bike with flat bars sounds like a good idea.
Any advice on the road bike I should get? Any other modifications to the bike you'd recommend?

Chips Lovell

I've a 13km each way commute every day. I'd recommend a road bike. Far more comfortable with the range of hand positions available and probably a bit quicker too.

Grandpa Hassan

Paddigol wrote: »

I cycle the N11 from Greystones to city centre every day - 27km each way - and use a road bike with drop bars. Haven't had any issues that would make me think a flat bar road bike would be better. Then again it's a longer commute, and each to their own.

Its the constant stopping and starting at traffic lights in the last 2 miles of my 10 mile commute that get to me. More of a range of movement in my back from the riding to the sitting position with the drop bars compared to the flat ones. It just makes my back ache. But there again I dont have bartop levers.

With a longer and uninterrupted commute and I probably would fit drop bars on my commuting bike. I certainly would with a 54km round trip!

The OP doesnt sound like the most experienced cyclist (sorry if I'm wrong OP!!), so I would probably go with the flat bars

quozl

For that distance I don't think it makes much of a difference to be honest.
I prefer my Hybrid for my short 5 km commute but I think that I would slightly prefer a drop-bar road-bike for a 14km commute.

If it's much of a muchness then one big plus of a drop-bar bike is that it's more suitable if you want to extend your cycling and do it as a leisure activity.

Plenty of relaxed geometry drop-bar bikes which won't have you bent over too far and that will take decent mudguards and pannier racks - a must IMO for a commuter.

You can't go much wrong either way - worst but admittedly not that bad case scenario IMO is you decide that you also want a drop-bar road bike after you get addicted and regret buying a straight bar bike. So that's why I'd lean towards a drop-bar bike.

Don't worry about drop-bars. I learnt to ride a bike last May - ie from not even being able to balance on a bike - and started riding a drop-bar bike in August.

Grandpa Hassan

quozl wrote: »

that will take decent mudguards and pannier racks - a must IMO for a commuter.

THIS!!!! I hate with a passion those who commute to work, normally on really smart road bikes, that do not fit mudguards or clip on splash guards. Nothing like a face full of roadwater on a wet day when you're behind them, even by a good few metres....or even when just cycling through a puddle. Is so ignorant. Don't be one of those guys, OP

Chips Lovell

Grandpa Hassan wrote: »

THIS!!!! I hate with a passion those who commute to work, normally on really smart road bikes, that do not fit mudguards or clip on splash guards.

Do you know these people? Because if you don't, you're cycling way too close to them.

Limestone1

Grandpa Hassan wrote: »

THIS!!!! I hate with a passion those who commute to work, normally on really smart road bikes, that do not fit mudguards or clip on splash guards. Nothing like a face full of roadwater on a wet day when you're behind them, even by a good few metres....or even when just cycling through a puddle. Is so ignorant. Don't be one of those guys, OP

Be ahead then .....

Seaswimmer

Crowman wrote: »

Hi,
I'm considering getting a bike on the BTW scheme and cycling in to work.
I will be cycling from Bray to Clonskeigh via N11 (about 14k I think) and was wandering if a road bike would be more suitable for the job as as opposed a Hybrid?

The Local Bike Shop suggested a Trek 7.3 Hybrid, seems like a nice bike but I don't have a clue.

Also, any advice for me on the route? It looks like cycle lanes the whole way so I should be fine right?

Thanks.

Depending on whereabouts in Clonskeagh you are going I would turn off at Cornelscourt and use Rock Road thereby missing the worst of the N11. It may be slightly longer but in my opinion a much nicer cycle. Also you dont have the long drag up to Whites Cross. If you are going anywhere near the Beech Hill area of Clonskeagh I would give it a try.

Grandpa Hassan

Vladimir Kurtains wrote: »

Do you know these people? Because if you don't, you're cycling way too close to them.

10 metres behind and you still get water in your face if you are travelling any kind of speed

Crowman

Grandpa Hassan wrote: »

Its the constant stopping and starting at traffic lights in the last 2 miles of my 10 mile commute that get to me. More of a range of movement in my back from the riding to the sitting position with the drop bars compared to the flat ones. It just makes my back ache. But there again I dont have bartop levers.

With a longer and uninterrupted commute and I probably would fit drop bars on my commuting bike. I certainly would with a 54km round trip!

The OP doesnt sound like the most experienced cyclist (sorry if I'm wrong OP!!), so I would probably go with the flat bars

No apologies needed! You'd be right I'm not an experienced cyclist.
I just don't' want to waste my BTW scheme bike on something I end up regretting and go back to driving to work everyday, I'm determined to make a go of this!

Planet X

Grandpa Hassan wrote: »

10 metres behind and you still get water in your face if you are travelling any kind of speed

Just drop out of the slipstream to either side by a foot or so and you'll arrive with a clean face.
Sounds like serious Commuter Racing carry on here.....

Chips Lovell

Ten metres? Seriously?

Budawanny

Vladimir Kurtains wrote: »

Ten metres? Seriously?

they overtake you. pull in 2 feet in front of your wheel. spray you with crap. and bugger off.

Grandpa Hassan

Planet X wrote: »

Just drop out of the slipstream to either side by a foot or so and you'll arrive with a clean face.
Sounds like serious Commuter Racing carry on here.....

Or people could just buy clip on splash guards.

But thats probably not cool

Vladimir, yes, 10 metres in wet conditions at speed, like it has been all week. Cycling down the embankment in London at speed, with many fast cyclists in a line, clearly club cyclists, with cars outside you, so no room to cycle a yard further out. I just think it is ignorant.

Chips Lovell

In all my years cycling I've yet to encounter spray that goes as far back as 10 metres.

You're only going to get spray if you draft another rider.

Do you think it's "ignorant" that cars aren't fitted with splash guards?

Budawanny

splash guards have been standard on cars since 1966.
the fact that they dont work very well is another story.

Planet X

Y'all talkin' fenders here?

Budawanny

them yokes that are always falling off my car!

Budawanny

mud flaps maybe

Pinch Flat

Road bikes with drop bars is the way - flat bars limit your positions as others have pointed out. Also, if you take up cycling at weekends, it will lend itself to a more versatile bike.

TBH, I rarely use the drops, unless the gauntlet has been thrown down for a commuter race (which you'll get to know and love :pac:)

rollingscone

Most entry level road bikes will sport a fairly relaxed geometry anyway and contrary to what the people who call their hybtods 'flat bar road bikes' seem to believe, riding upright on flat bars or on the hoods (the soft silicon bits over the brake levers) on drops are pretty much the same. I have a weekly 40km commute city centre to Bray and I see zero benefit to using flat bars on the N11.

There are some superb bikes out there for longish commutes that will also allow you to spread your wings on the open road.

Nowadays I only want flatbars on my city centre beater bike...you just can't beat being able to get under the wind on a rough day or the extra sense of control and security you get descending hills/going fast tucked into the drops.

eeeee

I cycle the n11 every day, when I am not laid up as I am at the moment!

Drops are much comfier, I haven't the sportiest bike, but it is lovely to get in under wind and have room to fit between cars.

I avoid a lot/most of the cycle lanes and cycle in the bus, they are full of shíte, and don't make a lot of sense at all. Some are downright dangerous (see 'new improved' cycle lane by the Radisson/Fosters Avenue. Ant it's no the only one!). Prepare to be beeped by buses. Otherwise it's ok. Good luck. (Bring tubes. There is so much glass on the n11 it's unreal :eek:)

mirrormatrix

rollingscone wrote: »

contrary to what the people who call their hybtods 'flat bar road bikes' seem to believe, riding upright on flat bars or on the hoods (the soft silicon bits over the brake levers) on drops are pretty much the same.

I couldn't disagree more. You are more upright on a flat bar bike, even with a relaxed geometry road bike. This isn't the major advantage however. Major advantage in my opinion is braking, which is never as good or as quick from the hoods of a road bike as on a flat bar. A second set of brake levers on your road bike would solve this problem, but then you have to factor in the extra expense.

An out and out road bike is obviously far more suitable to long spins at the weekend, but for these sort of spins you're also going to want SPDs, which don't lend themselves to commuting in an urban environment.

rollingscone

mirrormatrix wrote: »

I couldn't disagree more. You are more upright on a flat bar bike, even with a relaxed geometry road bike. This isn't the major advantage however. Major advantage in my opinion is braking, which is never as good or as quick from the hoods of a road bike as on a flat bar. A second set of brake levers on your road bike would solve this problem, but then you have to factor in the extra expense.

An out and out road bike is obviously far more suitable to long spins at the weekend, but for these sort of spins you're also going to want SPDs, which don't lend themselves to commuting in an urban environment.

I wear spds (mountain bike ones so it is a cheat) everywhere in town without problems, clipping out is so reflexive and easy that the advantages far outweigh the minor inconvenience of having to clip/unclip.

kenmc

mirrormatrix wrote: »

I couldn't disagree more. You are more upright on a flat bar bike, even with a relaxed geometry road bike. This isn't the major advantage however. Major advantage in my opinion is braking, which is never as good or as quick from the hoods of a road bike as on a flat bar. A second set of brake levers on your road bike would solve this problem, but then you have to factor in the extra expense.

An out and out road bike is obviously far more suitable to long spins at the weekend, but for these sort of spins you're also going to want SPDs, which don't lend themselves to commuting in an urban environment.

Disagree. Properly set up brakes on a road bike are just as good as flat bars - usually the calipers are the same on both flavours of the same bike. Braking from the hoods is no slower than when using flat bars.
Unless you're talking about a disc-braked flat bar'd road bike, then yes the braking is probably a bit snappier, certainly more consistent than calipers.

SPDs don't lend themselves to commuting? oh please.

So much misinformation in this thread it's unreal.

OP: Get a road bike, preferably one which takes carrier and mudguards. Get SPDs if you like them, once you do you'll never go back...

quozl

My flat bar v-brakes (tektro cheapies that came with trek 7.5) are significantly more powerful than my Tiagra road-brakes from the hoods. Both have koolstop salmon. The Tiagra brakes are at least as good as the v-brakes when used from the drops. The problem is that you can't produce as much force from the hoods as you don't have the same leverage. Braking is OK from the hoods but I think calling someone's claim that braking from the hoods isn't as strong as from flat bar misinformation is mistaken. I'd actually agree with them.

I do agree with you about SPDs, I use them to commute and they're great.

rollingscone

quozl wrote: »

My flat bar v-brakes (tektro cheapies that came with trek 7.5) are significantly more powerful than my Tiagra road-brakes from the hoods. Both have koolstop salmon. The Tiagra brakes are at least as good as the v-brakes when used from the drops. The problem is that you can't produce as much force from the hoods as you don't have the same leverage. Braking is OK from the hoods but I think calling someone's claim that braking from the hoods isn't as strong as from flat bar misinformation is mistaken. I'd actually agree with them.

I do agree with you about SPDs, I use them to commute and they're great.

Quozl I used to think the same thing but it's the difference between the calipers not the levers: I run drops with vbrake specific levers on my old escape and the braking is just as powerful. Vbrakes are less modulated so you feel that sudden deceleration, because road calipers are designed ffor the more nuanced art of braking at speed and not necessarily just for stopping they feel weaker but really you just have to use them differently.

mirrormatrix

What I found personally with the SPDs was that I had one or two occasions where some idiot pulls out in front of you, or some pedestrian appears from between two cars where you have to jam on and don't have time to unclip. I pulled the SPDs off the commuter a short time later. Perhaps this was just inexperience with the system on my part, I don't know as i've never stuck them on that bike again, but i've never been comfortable commuting with them.

I still think that my point stands regarding the braking, but it would be interesting to see some data on brake force produced by flat bar vs hoods.

By the way, i'm not trying to be contrary here. Just expressing my own personal opinion based on my experiences cycling

Johnny Jukebox

I started commuting on my road bike (40km round trip) and quickly switched to my mountain bike. Its not much slower and gives me disk brakes, a much more comfortable ride and most importantly lets me concentrate fully on the traffic and not worry about bumps, lumps. holes and so on. And the road bike on a Saturday fills like I'm riding on air.

As for mudguards, drop me or back off :-)

Lumen

mirrormatrix wrote: »

What I found personally with the SPDs was that I had one or two occasions where some idiot pulls out in front of you, or some pedestrian appears from between two cars where you have to jam on and don't have time to unclip. I pulled the SPDs off the commuter a short time later. Perhaps this was just inexperience with the system on my part, I don't know as i've never stuck them on that bike again, but i've never been comfortable commuting with them.

With experience, it's both easy and unnecessary to unclip in a hurry. Slam on brakes, come to a halt clipped in, unclip and calmly put a foot down.

Even with the bike losing grip on a dodgy wet corner it's easy to unclip and waggle one leg around to help balance if it really comes to that (feel like Rossi but look like Kermit).

Whilst SPDs initially feel less safe than flats, the sorts of falling-over-sideways-at-traffic-lights accidents you might be at risk of are not really very dangerous (except to your ego) and the chances of those rapidly diminish to zero with experience, whereas the relative hazards of flat pedals never go away.

rollingscone

Johnny Jukebox wrote: »

I started commuting on my road bike (40km round trip) and quickly switched to my mountain bike. Its not much slower

You're doing it wrong. I have yet to encounter an mtb breaking 40kph on the N11

Johnny Jukebox

rollingscone wrote: »

You're doing it wrong. I have yet to encounter an mtb breaking 40kph on the N11

Well... I'm running slicks on a pair of Mavic SLRs on a carbon hardtail. So overall weight is not much over 10 kgs. Granted, I won't be hitting 40 kph but door-to-door is only a couple of minutes slower.

Grandpa Hassan

rollingscone wrote: »

I wear spds (mountain bike ones so it is a cheat) everywhere in town without problems, clipping out is so reflexive and easy that the advantages far outweigh the minor inconvenience of having to clip/unclip.

An awful lot of people I come across in London are clipped in and really shouldn't be. In my view, if you can't clip in quickly enough to get off immediately and smoothly from a standing start at traffic lights, you shouldn't be using them. Lost count of the number of times, you are expecting to ride off, only to find the person in front of you wobbling around and nearly stopping as they try to clip in before they ride off. It's easy to ride into the back of them, and they hold up all the cyclists behind. Another example IMO of inconsiderate cycle commuters (let alone putting their own lives in danger if they are that inept at clipping in and out)

Crowman

Again thanks for all the advice, any thoughts on the below offer?

http://www.wheelworx.ie/b2wpackages?product_id=4482

I should be able to fit mudguards and I don't really need the computer, so might ask to swap that out for a lock.

Any thoughts?

rollingscone

Crowman wrote: »

Again thanks for all the advice, any thoughts on the below offer?

http://www.wheelworx.ie/b2wpackages?product_id=4482

I should be able to fit mudguards and I don't really need the computer, so might ask to swap that out for a lock.

Any thoughts?

There's no €30 lock worth having. I'd keep the computer since knowing how fast you're going and how far you've gone are very useful.

mirrormatrix

Never heard of claris before now but it seems to be mid-way between 2300 and sora. Seems ok, but you'd probably get a better deal.

Remember to haggle! Just because you're on BTW doesn't mean you shouldn't get a reduction

GlennaMaddy

Lots of threads on here asking if they can convert flat bar to drops, never seen anybody asking to convert to flat bar.

GlennaMaddy

Crowman wrote: »

Again thanks for all the advice, any thoughts on the below offer?

http://www.wheelworx.ie/b2wpackages?product_id=4482

I should be able to fit mudguards and I don't really need the computer, so might ask to swap that out for a lock.

Any thoughts?

Looks like those pedals are SPD-SL, smaller SPD's are better for commuting as the cleat can be recessed under the sole of your shoe.

Also, are they saying you'll save 20 euro on the 'package'? if so, wow :rolleyes:

xebec

Crowman wrote: »

Again thanks for all the advice, any thoughts on the below offer?

http://www.wheelworx.ie/b2wpackages?product_id=4482

I should be able to fit mudguards and I don't really need the computer, so might ask to swap that out for a lock.

Any thoughts?

That's just a sample, if you go to Wheelworx they can add/remove items as you see fit and you should be able to look at other bikes they have too.

mirrormatrix

It's still a rubbish deal though. Wheelworx typically have good sales on their bikes, though for some reason they seem to refuse to offer these prices to BTW buyers.

cdaly_

mirrormatrix wrote: »

for some reason they seem to refuse to offer these prices to BTW buyers.

That's because most BTW buyers are being shunted through the 'broker' scams where 10% is taken off the price as 'commission' for doing almost nothing...