The usual answer to questions like this is…
To the north: Ramsbottom, Prestwich, Todmorden, Hebden.
To the south: Marple, New Mills, Hayfield, Whaley
To the east: Glossop, Saddleworth
To the west: Don’t bother.
If you’re working close to Victoria then the north/east options might be best commuting-wise. The trains from victoria serve Littleborough, Todmorden, Hebden, Saddleworth etc. Trains from the south-east go into Piccadilly which is a 15 minute walk to Victoria. There’s also the metro.
I live in Todmorden and think it’s brilliant. 40 mins on the train to Victoria, About an hour in the car to central Manc in rush hour, and hour and 20 mins on the bike. Some of the best road and mountain biking in the north, hills, and houses on the cheaper side than the south of Manchester. Same goes for Ramsbottom and nearby areas.
I live in west Manchester, Worsley to be specific. Its a great location for access to motorways. Wales, The Lakes, The Peaks all in quick easy reach. More local stuff gives you the like of Rivington and the Pennines, slightly further afield you have the likes of Gisburn.
You could save your time on reducing your daily commute by living closer to the city centre as opposed to the likes of Todmorden (Yorkshire) and use your time at weekends to get out and about rather than worrying about riding from your front door. Makes perfect sense to me.