My commuter bike broke last week. In fact it more than broke, the frame snapped whilst doing 40mph down a hill. All very exciting...
Anyway, in order to not get fat and stay fit to climb hills and enjoy mtbing, I need to a new commuter bike. The round trip is 30 miles, with 300 metres of climbing on the way home.
Firstly - should I be dumb and get a singlespeed (I was considering a Charge Plug if I opt for this masochist route). And if I do, will I die?
With gears - Specialized Sirrus Expert, Marin Fairfax, Cannondale Bad Boy 700.
Its being done through a ride to work scheme at Edinburgh bike coop in Manchester, so that limits my options.
Bring on the recommendations!
I'd get the Specialized.
charge plug is well heavy
How about a Spesh Tricross Triple? Bit of an oddball choice, but fun!
Otherwise, drops of flats would be the key question.
A singlespeed Spesh. If it kills you then you're a softie 😉
I'd opt for flat bar given a choice with stubby bar ends. Its what my old bike used to have, and I rather liked it.
if you do go for a SS there are better options than the plug; as RD says it's a bit of a tank.
giant bowery
specialized tricross single
langster
ridgeback solo
ridgeback would proably be my choice if i were spending your money!!
You might consider Pompino quitely (not sure you're allowed to like On-One once Brant has left 😉 ).