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What Sporty City Commuter MTB to buy?

Submitted by Volker on Mon, 20/10/2008 - 12:01.

Hi guys,

I need a suggestion for a bike a colleague wants. He is looking into commuting to work on a bike. Commute is about 20km every day, so the bike needs to allow good speed and efficiency. As he is absolutely not looking into taking the bike anywhere off the beaten track, off-road capabilities can be limited to the minimum.

Here is what I would be suggesting:
- for Sydney roads and tracks I would look into a MTB style bike
- stay with a hardtail, but look into buying a good suspension fork, 80mm probably being enough to provide comfort over crappy roads and potholes
- save the money for disk brakes, go for solid v-brakes and put the money into better components
- aim for a sturdy but light frame
- try to get a bike that has consistent components (like all Shimano Deore LX)
- stay away from SPD's for city commuting

Now I did not have a look at what is offered currently on the market, so I am looking for suggestions on brands and models that combine the above specifications. I would also grateful on a quick hint on where to buy any of the suggested models Eye-wink.

Cheers,
Volker


‹ New Suspension Platform Dabbling with Singlespeed ›

Why no SPD?

Submitted by Rob on Mon, 20/10/2008 - 12:27.

I'm with you all the way until that last part. Really think you should be clipped, much better for riding efficiency. Or is the guy new to all this, in which case SPDs in traffic will be a bit scary! Eye-wink

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Novice to SPD's

Submitted by Volker on Mon, 20/10/2008 - 14:47.

The later, the guy is not used to clipped pedals, dont want him to fall over while trying to get used to it in city traffic.

Any suggestions on Brands and Models?

Thanks, Volker

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Specialized Centrum

Submitted by unclebullbar on Mon, 20/10/2008 - 18:24.

It's basically the opposite of what you described: Rigid, ss, disc brakes, but it looks cool and I'd love to know what it's like to commute on.
BWOAR!

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YES!

Submitted by delicious on Mon, 20/10/2008 - 18:48.

A KHS Solo One. Swap the tyres for slicks and be hardcore for the outset. With eggbeaters. $700 just about anywhere.

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Giant XTC

Submitted by Carlgroover on Mon, 20/10/2008 - 21:07.

If I were buying a hardtail I'd seriously consider the XTC Giant range, it will do anything you want in the city over gutters etc and off road a very capable and proven bike also being a popular model it would be easy to sell.
John.

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Perfect city commuter

Submitted by pikey on Mon, 20/10/2008 - 22:51.

Mmmmmm thirsty but fun

http://nobmob.com/node/6639

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Salad is what food eats Smiling
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Specialized Centrum

Submitted by lorrie on Thu, 06/11/2008 - 12:04.

I need to get a commuter (Lane Cove to Alexandria) as its a bit excessive taking the MTB or the road bike in to work, just one that is simple ... no gears! and one can take a few hits!

I looked at a new commuter SS V-Brake Trek but it didn't look strong enough, it was certainly light enough!

Does anyone know where i can find one of the three speed ones in stock? Im looking to take it for a spin! I know they came in singlespeed but I am not keen for a singlespeed commuter just yet... http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=12259&catID=429

I had a look at cyclery northside and they didn't have this particular version.

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