Hi,
I’m looking to get back into cycling after about a ten year break. I used to cycle everywhere but travel, injury and moving to the suburbs basically stopped me.
The main rides I’ll be doing:
36km (22mi) between my place and my girlfriends - little bit of road, mostly bike path, a little bit of gravel.
8km (5mi) to JiuJitsu class - road/pavement/path.
With at least one loaded pannier, possibly two.
I’m 110kg (~242lb) with a fairly solid build, the steel frames are appealing.
I may do a little touring, I haven’t done it before but Australia has some great off road tour options. It might just be a nice idea that I never get around to. I like camping and being alone which is what appeals about touring.
Being in Australia, I’m pretty limited on what bikes are actually available.
I was recommended the Kona Sutra LTD ($4k) (by a sales guy) but I feel that the wide tires aren’t a great choice for the commuting and it’s a bit more than I was planning to spend. I don’t mind spending more on getting the right bike for me but I’m also pretty frugal so would prefer to spend less if I can find the right bike for less.
I’ve also been considering the Marin Nicasio plus ($1.3K), Nicasio 2 ($2.2k), Surly Preamble ($2.9k), Salsa Cutthroat ($4.9k) or maybe a Bombtrack Hook ($3.6K).
Plus about $1000 for fenders, racks and a big fat lock to lock it up.
Thanks for any input.
Man, these prices are insane.
I commute on a $10 bike I got at a garage sale, and I love it.
Go check your used market, way better deals there.
They're Australian$ prices so they'll be higher, but your $10 point still stands.
I've got a $10 bike, I don't ride it because I don't like it. It weighs a ton and is a bit sketchy. I've been watching the second hand market for a while and not much has popped up. I've also been riding sketchy bikes for years and want something more reliable. I'm older and have responsibilities, something I hadn't considered as a younger man with a sketchy bike.