15 mile commuting bike

[ash_dac]

Any recommendations for a 15 mile commuting bike ? (UK)

I've been looking at the Specialized Sirrus (recommended in the shop) but I think the geometry might be a little too aggressive.

Would it be better to get a single speed bike for commuting ?

[lousymusician]

We need more info - what's your terrain? Are you riding rain or shine? What's your budget?

Me, for a dedicated commuter I'd go for something rather 'touristy', that would accept racks and fenders and pretty much any width tires. Like one of these..

Bill

[I_Forgot]

Get a recumbent, or better yet, make one!

I did. Here it is now:

http://mark.rehorst.com/CF_Bike/Nov_2006_right_side.jpg

I_F

[rdf]

Oh, you're one of those guys. Just kidding, mighty impressive work right down to the homemade biopace. The thought of riding one in the city traffic I once frequented scares the willies out me.

[vinylkid58]

Originally posted by ash_dac
Any recommendations for a 15 mile commuting bike ? (UK)

I've been looking at the Specialized Sirrus (recommended in the shop) but I think the geometry might be a little too aggressive.

Would it be better to get a single speed bike for commuting ?

Looks like the Sirrus would be a good choice, the write-ups emphasize that's what this line was designed for. They come with fender and rack braze-ons and 28C tires.
All you need are fenders and a good light, and maybe some decent clipless pedals.

A single speed bike would be fine for a FLAT commute.

Jeff

[maxro]

Check that the Sirrus has clearance for fenders (mudguards to you) I've serviced a few from previous years that had major interference issues at the front derailleur due to short chainstays.

Personally, I would opt for (and do myself ride) an internally geared bike with a Shimano Nexus 7 or 8 speed or the new Alfine 8 speed drivetrain. Low maintenance, shift while stopped or underway, plenty of gears for commuting. Like the good old Raleigh Sports, but modernised.

Originally posted by rdf
Oh, you're one of those guys. Just kidding, mighty impressive work right down to the homemade biopace. The thought of riding one in the city traffic I once frequented scares the willies out me.

I don't see any Biopace in the pic.

[rdf]

'Biopace' would have been more accurate. First pic:

http://mark.rehorst.com/CF_Bike/index.htm

[ash_dac]

Originally posted by lousymusician
We need more info - what's your terrain? Are you riding rain or shine? What's your budget?

Me, for a dedicated commuter I'd go for something rather 'touristy', that would accept racks and fenders and pretty much any width tires. Like one of these..

Bill

Terrain - pretty flat. Maybe one hill not sure of the incline.
Distance - about 15 miles
Roads- decent tarmac
Traffic- Heavy town traffic part of the way
Weather- probably rain or shine.
Fitness- ?

At the moment I walk to the train station and get a bus to work (about two miles) the other side when I get off the train . My biggest annoyance is that the train companies in the UK have changed their cycle policy to only allowing folding bikes at peak times. I struggling to locate second hand 'hack' bikes for the shuttle runs. Anything decent locked up for a day would be risky!

[maxro]

Originally posted by ash_dac
My biggest annoyance is that the train companies in the UK have changed their cycle policy to only allowing folding bikes at peak times.

Get thyself one of these.

[Nanook]

ah..the fun of it all.

Maxro and vinylkid make good points. The sealed gearing (internal types) are excellent in rainy "pacific southwest" of "our home an native land".

however....there could be others too. Recumbents are more energy efficient, partially due the reduced frontal area. I guess it depends on your budget. Kid's bikes can be converted to a 'bent pretty easily. Add a fairing.

Do a search for IHPVA. many links

if folding bikes are permitted, as per Maxro's suggestion.