Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tandemonium on February 3, 2015 at 3:14pm

Cdale BB9.

Stronger wheels, I wouldn't do the small spoke count on the Quick 4 for commuting or city riding (potholes). That and disc brakes are better than rim, not that rim can't do the job. BB9 over the Misceo due to curved frame. Can't mount stuff as well and will flex more, not that those are deal breakers.

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Permalink Reply by Jeremy on February 3, 2015 at 3:28pm

Thanks for the thoughtful replies! This is the exact type of feedback I was hoping to get. Would have never known about the spoke issue otherwise. Any other bikes in that $600-$700 range I am missing. How important is the difference between acera and alivio?

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Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on February 4, 2015 at 8:33am

Cannondale Quick 4 (b2) w/higher spoke count wheels & w/hi-vis trim. $620.50

Jeremy, hello and welcome to the Chainlink. Thank you for contributing to a discussion and being active here on the CL. Lurking is just no fun. As a fellow "lurker/newbie" myself, I've learned a few things here also.

I am a lifelong cyclist. All my life, every bike i've ever owned has been a "real" bike to me. From the Sears bike w/training wheels that my late father taught how to ride on, through the Huffys, Schwinns, Mongooses, Treks, etc. . . All of these bikes have been "real" bikes to me. Perhaps the term "upgraded" bike is more fitting.

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Permalink Reply by Haddon on February 4, 2015 at 8:41am

You didn't (nor did anyone else) mention: lights, helmets or locks.  This is correct as you do not need any of those items at all.

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Permalink Reply by Jeremy on February 4, 2015 at 8:56am

Point taken Tom. My bike from target is real. It's just real hard to ride too. Looks like I have votes for all 3 "upgraded" bikes. That is part of what makes the decision difficult! @Haddon I don't think anyone mentioned accessories because I was asking about the actual bikes. To be fair, if I was asking about a car's engine, responding with "Don't forget the floor mats!" may be missing the point of the discussion.

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Permalink Reply by Tandemonium on February 4, 2015 at 3:45pm

Jeremy - Given the difficulty picking a bike, might I recommend a used beater for the time being? It will be a cheap way to learn what you like, what you don't, and give you a chance to learn some bicycle mechanics prior to your long time purchase. And when you buy new, you will have a beater spare for winter, rain, and leaving on the street. It is unlikely that this bike, whichever you choose, will be your last.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/4865448307.html

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Permalink Reply by mark stetson on February 5, 2015 at 11:22am

Of the three I'd probably pick the Bad Boy.  I don't know anything about that model of brake, but discs are nice in that you avoid rim wear and brake rub if they go a bit out of true.  I would also avoid low spoke counts, especially on lower end wheels.  Components are pretty similar other than wheels, tires, and brakes. 28s on the BB should be lighter than the others, and should be fine for what you're planning.  The 38s on the Raleigh would probably be better for getting through road debris without punctures, but they weigh about 50% more than the WTBs on the BB.  It will be more fun to ride with lighter tires but flat protection is nice if you have to ride through a lot of junk.

I'd be patient and look for something used myself.  There's a virtually new Quick on craigslist for $400.  I think it's too big for you but if you're patient you can find what you want and let someone else eat 1/3 of the retail cost in initial depreciation.

 

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Permalink Reply by Frank Brichetto on February 5, 2015 at 12:35pm

For what it's worth - I'd eliminate the Quick due to the rim brakes and lower spoke count wheels.  Discs are better in all around weather, etc., and also more "future proof."  Between the Raleigh and The C'dale BB, personally I'd go with the the BB for the reasons Mark S gave, above.  Unless you'll be carrying heavy loads over severely rutted, pot-holed streets, the lighter wheels will hold up just fine as long as you keep the tires well inflated and make a decent effort to avoid the worst of the pot holes and broken pavement.  If you think you'll be an avid winter rider, check to see if the frame-brakes-rims set up will accept 32mm tires.

All three have more gear ratios than any Chicago commuter bike needs, but I'm guessing you'll be riding recreationally as well, and you never know what that will bring.   Which ever you pick, ride the wheels off it without regret.  Enjoy!

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Permalink Reply by Jeremy on February 5, 2015 at 1:01pm

@Mark @Frank Thanks for the feedback. Hugely helpful! Sounds like the Bad Boy is the way to go. With all of the talk about gearing. Other than fixed gear bikes, what is most appropriate for city biking. I won't be riding up and down the great mountain ranges of Illinois with this thing. 

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Permalink Reply by Frank Brichetto on February 5, 2015 at 1:20pm

 What's appropriate for you will be different than for me, I'd guess.  My bikes are all over the place, anywhere from 1 to 20.  Commuting I usually ride my Gitane with flip flop one-speed / fixie rear wheel, but mostly because it's simple and has lights and fenders.  When it gets really windy, you'll appreciate the wide range - not that you'll use all the in betweens - but the lower and higher gears are better than on any internal hub.  And when the weather is really nice, I ride a regular road bike, take the long way home, actively try to catch a hill or two, and enjoy running through every gear at least once.

In short, I wouldn't worry about it at all.  Experiment and find what works best for you, then continue to play around when things are more casual.

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Permalink Reply by Tominator on February 6, 2015 at 10:39am

Why buy new?

You're not commuting? What are you doing with the bike? Why a hybrid?

What I see happening a lot with newbs is they buy a new mountain or hybrid and really get into riding but then realize they want a road bike so they can do group rides and keep up.

You'd be better off buying an inexpensive used road or hybrid bike and getting into cycling and then figure out what you want.

Also, winter is a great time to buy used or new. I have two friends who scored $2k bikes new used for $500 and  $800. These are Dura Ace/Ultegra bikes. Great deals. Be patient grasshopper.

Do you have a knowledgeable friend who can help you shop used?

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Permalink Reply by Irvin Steinert on February 7, 2015 at 12:17pm

I love gears and use the heck out of all of them even on relatively flat ground. Gear haters are just "cork sniffers" more concerned with esthetics than performance. Will you NEVER engage a hill? Only ride one medium speed?

Personally I started out with a flat bar bike and quickly wanted (and moved to) a drop bar bike. For me, if I'm on the bike more than five minutes, I want to switch hand positions. You can always ride on the tops flat bar style but have so many other options. If you go with the flat bar you can add a set of nice grips to add another hand position I recommend these.

Fixed gears are only good for TRACK RACING and are not "good" for any thing but being "cool" when used in the city. One of the first technologies added to bicycles was the ability to coast. Do you see any one walking around in animal skins and claiming it's better than modern clothing?

Jeremy said:

@Mark @Frank Thanks for the feedback. Hugely helpful! Sounds like the Bad Boy is the way to go. With all of the talk about gearing. Other than fixed gear bikes, what is most appropriate for city biking. I won't be riding up and down the great mountain ranges of Illinois with this thing. 

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