"New" bike for commuting - advice? :)

[hamster]

I'd add to the good choices above, but to commuterise it:
1 Consider singlespeed for reliability - it also stops you riding too fast in traffic.
2 Schwalbe Marathon Greenguards are surprisingly fast tyres and bulletproof
3 Fit mudguards - your feet will stay warm and dry, likewise you won't get muck up your back.

 

[pigman]

Re:

my advice

decent frame - will feel good to ride
crap paint job - make it unattractive to thieves. You may have a bike store at work, but what if you need to stop off at a shop/pub?
26" wheels with 36 spokes - the strongest, most durable
slick tyres, maybe town & countries if you go over fields
single speed or at least single chainring with no more than 6 cogs - more speeds means close cogs, means easier to go out of adjustment when gunked up
mudguards
rat trap double sided pedals so you can ride in civvy shoes
bolt on everything - no QR wheels, seat clamp
easy-to-remove lights
bell - polite way of warning folk

 

[Ugo51]

Excellent advice, I agree with everything.
Not sure about the single speed, as I said, but definitely the single chainring is a good idea!

 

[DavidBranson]

Hi, guys!
As for me, there some very important options, that every bike must have, for example:
- custom formed tubes;
- at least 20-inked wheel;
- solid frame.
Theese all features are inherent to Diamondblack Bicycles Overdrive 29er Hardtail Mountain Bike.
You can find more information here: https://www.amazon.com/Diamondback-Bicy ... B01LYI5NCM
And it is also the first in rating of best Mountain Bikes:
http://bestadviser.net/reviews/mountain ... ng-review/

 

[WandsworthRouleur]

Excellent advice, I agree with everything.
Not sure about the single speed, as I said, but definitely the single chainring is a good idea!

Unless you're going up and over somewhere like Crystal Palace, SS is fine for London.

When I lived there I commuted on a Gates belt drive bike. Belt drive is awesome for silent and maintenance free running -- nothing to oil, and nothing to rust. And no dodgy oil stains on your trousers!

Only snag with a belt drive (other than they cost a bit more than chain systems initially) is that you need a break in the frame (as you can't split the belt like you can a chain). But, with an old steel frame, I reckon it would be worth having a go at the work yourself. Would make for a nice unique and practical commuter.

Oh, and everything pigman said!