Comments on: The Best Commuter Bikes Of 2009

By: C. G. Hicks

C. G. Hicks — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:52:10 +0000

I love riding a bike to work the 36 mile round trip really relaxes me and helps to clear my mind. But I don’t do it to save the planet or save gas. I have a car that does not get 30 miles to the gallon and I don’t feel the least bit crazy, disrespectful, rude or foolish. I think spending time on a bike is a great way to buy insurance for my heart and a long life. I paid cash for my car 12 years ago and now have more money to buy used bikes and trips around the world to ride them. This idea that everyone should go into debt to drive a car to save the world from CO2 is a joke. Most will not believe this but ALL Cars in the USA are GREEN cars do to the fact that they have a catalytic converter.

Don’t believe the hype ……. but do get out of your cage and ride a bike….. and if you can’t ride a bike at least drive safe and watch for the people who are riding out there on the road. Peace out.

By: thomas

thomas — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 02:18:24 +0000

Wow $800 for one of these is pretty steep for my budget but I’m not gonna lie, those are some really sexy looking bikes. Style rides.

By: robot

robot — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:05:35 +0000

performance and nashbar currently have some decent looking single speeds for around 200, theyd still need a few add ons like fenders but may be worth looking into… i havent test ridden anything yet myself though

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:27:40 +0000

I think there is misplaced criticism with the bike industry by do-it-yourselfers. Both sides are right on target for their desired outcome. But we need to stop criticizing commercial commuter bikes that are finally being designed for their highest purpose of function vs. mountain bikes for recreation, for example. Yes, compare them to a brand new $500 car… you can’t, because that car does not exist. Compare them to a $500 dollar clunker car if you must, and your argument over the cost of these new bikes is incredibly weakened by your short memory of how much an unreliable old car “really” will cost you. I support the bike industries shift and my only hope is that this is not a fad… it’s just too damn necessary now. Build your own or buy one – two sides of the same coin.

Scott

By: Chicago

Chicago — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 12:57:15 +0000

I bought an old Schwinn Collegiate at a garage sale, took it to my local bike shop and had the old rubber components replaced and added a double rear basket set. All for under $200 bucks. Runs great and this sucker is heavy duty enough to last me the rest of my life and beyond. Now, all I have to do is figure out how to keep it from being stolen!

By: Ed

Ed — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:15:31 +0000

Funny I haven’t had a low cost department store bike ever break down on me. I currently ride a cheap ($109.99) Chinese folding bike that I bought nearly two years ago, and replaced the shifter sometime during Summer of last year was because I pushed down on it hard while downshifting, and broke it. In other words, it was my fault.

Sure a costlier bike is nicer, and has better parts, so if you have the $500-$1,000 to invest in one, then please “knock yourself out”.

By: FauxPorteur

FauxPorteur — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:23:52 +0000

Fully kitting an old French bike like a Motobecane can be a nightmare (non-standard stem quill and clamp diameters specifically). Expect to pay a couple hundred for a new bar, brake levers, shifters, saddle, fenders, etc and the labor to install/adjust them. Then fresh puncture resistant tires would be another $30-$50 each. It adds up, but it might add up to a really perfect bike for you. I’m not too familiar with the Trek Allant, but I am really familiar with the KHS Urban Xpress (standard one, not the elite/comp, etc..), add a luggage-carrier, mudguards, and you have an excellent multi-purpose city/country/touring/etc bike.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 16:04:20 +0000

Ive been looking at the Trek Allant,…seems like a nice bike,…and around $530, anyone here own this bike ?

I have an Ol’ 1981 Motobecane Super Mirage, that I bought new ,.dont know how cost effective it would be to make it more comfy,…bars, saddle, fenders,….with new bars, id need all new break levers,..and prob shifters too,…….

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:48:53 +0000

I think if your not able to tune a bike yourself then go for the expensive one from a bike shop, they will take care of all maintenance. But if your like me and don’t want to spend a small fortune on a bike go to a sporting goods store or department store for a deal. After all if your able to work on your own bike you should know what your looking for and also what your looking at.

By: Elisa

Elisa — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:05:30 +0000

If you want a really good commuter – check out the Electra Townie Models. I just bought the Townie 7D and I love it. You can check out a full review on my blog. The main difference between the Townie and any other bike is that the Townie bike design has a different angle between the foot pedals and seat making for a more upright sitting position, which is more comfortable and easier on your back.