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| *Vultures Knob>>>Cycling |
Is a commuter bike worth the cost? |
As opposed to a cheap K-mart bike...for a two mile commute in business clothes...is it faster/easier to ride w/out getting sweaty? Thank you! Remember this department stores aren't in the business to sell bikes. They may have them in stock, but the quality isn't there. The price is attractive but the fun ends when you leave the store. Spend more and get a reliable bike from a bike shop. It's safe to say that you will get a reliable bike if you shop at a bike shop because bicycles are their business. A bike shops reputation is what keeps them in business. If you do have any issues, they will be more than willing to get your bike back on the road ASAP. You won't get that kind of service with a department store bike. Also many bike shops will throw in some cool stuff for free at purchase if you ask them. if you buy a k-mart bike you will regret it. Department store bikes are low quality and won't last very long. as for getting sweaty don't ride really hard and you shouldn't get too sweaty as for going faster it depends on the bikesf weight and you legs. i would go for a commuter bike that was from a bike shop. It's really up to you. I own very high quality bikes. But that's me. I ride a lot and love it. If you are strictly going to commute 2 miles slow so you don't sweat, buy whatever you want. A slow 2 miles is the same on most any bike. (when comparing, like types) I do suggest not getting < $100 bikes they do tend to just not work well. A cross bike would be fine. Stay away from "thumb" shifters and side pull brakes found on the cheapest of the cheap. Grip shifters or trigger shifters do a better job as do v-brakes. Hope that helps. Check out the Electra Townies. They have some really cool lookjng, retro style bikes that are great for commuting. Best of all they have a chain gaurd, so you won't get your pants or other clothing stuck in the chain. The also offer flat foot technology, basically you can put your feet flat on the ground at stop and still have proper leg extension while your riding. They start at $390. don't buy the k-mart pos. commuter bikes are definitely worth it. actually, if you get a used commuter bike off craigslist, itll be less than the brand new bike. Kona have nice commuter for really good price for your need . Do not buy bike from K-mart . For little more money you will ride nice and better quality bicycle and no junk from K-mart . go down to a bike shop and have a look at a Trek or just say a Commuter Bike. Look for something with Fenders (beleive me, if its moist the muck coming off the ground is worse than the rain or snow falling from the sky), and get cheap lights. I ride with a basket and a rack and a little seat bag. I found setting the bike up with heavy duty innertubes (that also contain green slime) and Tuffy tire liners works great and have not had a flat in well, forever. I ride 4.5miles in traffic, and beat my time to work as compared to driving my truck. |
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