Recommendations for a commuting bike, please!

[PinkCloudDweller]

My bike's been stolen from work - bastards. This was my first bike I had as an adult; it wasn't particularly good, but I learnt to love cycling on it and now I miss it :-(

Anyway, I need a new bike. Budget is £500. It must be light and suitable for a 7-mile round-trip commute on cycle lanes. I want ro start cycling longer distances, so I guess it needs to be quite decent but don't really know what I need to look for.

Thanks x.

I've just bought the ridgeback speed 2016 for £349. It has a rack and mudguards already fitted. Any of the ridgeback metro range seem good value.

Thanks Golly! Is it quite lightweight?

Do you have access to the bike to work scheme?

Also if you want start riding long distances I would consider something with drop handle bars ( I have cheater brakes on my commuter so I can ride in an upright position in traffic but on the drops if I want to go a bit faster). Planet x bikes are fantastic value. They are mainly internet based but they do have a shop in Rotherham

Thanks for the Planet X recommendation. Im not so far from Rotherham, so I might go have a look. I think I have accesss to the Cycle to Work scheme, will find out.

But aren't Brompton bikes the foldable type? I prefer a regular one.

Bromptons are great but maybe not for her long weekend ride! Go for something in a road bike style, with enough clearance for mud guards and ability to attach panniers. I would consider disc brakes ( might put the price up a bit, I want them on my next bike) planet x do one called the London road, but I think it might be a little bit over budget.

I have a gazelle which would be fine for the daily trip but perhaps not for longer weekend rides. Mine has an aluminium frame but you can get heavier ones.

Aren't aluminium frames better? I don't really want a heavy one. Oh, and I forgot to say, I can't get on with bikes with a high top tube. I had a look at the London road bike but I wouldnt go for it bevause of that. It does look and sound great, though.

Aluminum/ alloy frames are lighter than steel, carbon even lighter but expensive and lacking longevity. Titanium lasts for ever and looks amazing but is very, very expensive ( my dh justified buying a titanium bike saying it will last as long as him)

It is very difficult to find a really good light bike in a step through style. It really messes with the geometry of the bike. Most riders can get used to a high top tube fairly quickly. I was cycling with an 80 year old man who didn't have any problem getting his leg over (!) a few tips to help getting used to it make sure the bike isn't too big have at least an inch of clearance if you are standing over the bike with your feet flat on the floor. You can also tilt the bike slightly when getting on. Its worth it if you can get used it especially if you want to get into more serious riding.

Thanks! I've had a look but it has a high top tube, which I find awkward.

Hi Mud, I've just read your post. I didnt know that about high yop tibes - maybe I need to reconsider. Thanks for the advice.

It's 15kg. I have the men's version but to be honest the women's drop bars are not low enough to step through on most hybrids.

I got mine through the Edinburgh Cycle Co op but any good commuter bike shop will have a range for you to try.

I'd recommend a suspension. I have a sore backside this morning.

Golly, suspension is generally only useful for off road riding. A correctly fitted ladies saddle, good shorts and a well fitted bike will help with the bum. Suspension means the bike goes up and down and there fore energy is wasted that could be propelling you forward. It also makes a bike very heavy unless you buying a very top end mountain bike. ( really good light suspension forks cost more than the ops whole budget)

Wow, thanks for all this information! Will keep all this in mind when choosing my new bike.

Ah, that makes sense. My old bike was a MTB with suspension and I've noticed the bumps more on the new bike. I do live in town with shit roads though!