One way I'm looking at about 14 miles in Los Angeles / Santa Monica. I've done the distance before and understand the dangers / difficulty commuting somewhat long distance in LA. I'm mainly wondering if I should go for a traditional road bike, a hybrid, gravel bike, upright commuter? I'm not very well versed in the bicycle world, so any input and advice is welcomed.
In general, flat bar bikes are more comfortable to most than are drop bars. Various manufacturers have various names, but commuter or hybrid bikes are very comfortable for everyday clothing rides. Look for something with a tall head tube and stack that will put your saddle level to or just below the handlebar. As for brand, for what you are talking, even going to bikesdirect.com you'll get an overbuilt/heavy frame and good components for very cheap. Name brand, I would look to Trek or Giant, they have a much larger range for this style of bike.
Do you want to be able to ride it on the weekends as well? I so, I'd get a gravel bike with eyelets for a rack and fenders. If you just want a commuter bike, then any bike in your budget from this active category will do the trick. Low-end commuter suggestion: base Sirrus High-end commuter suggestion: Turbo Vado (e-bike) When we lived in Santa Monica I commuted to work most days on a road bike and a backpack. First to Playa Vista (~10 miles one way) and then to Torrance (~20 miles one way). It's doable and the weather is amazing. Where are you going from and to?
How you set it up is going to be more important, than what type of bike you buy. Santa Monica has both a Trek store, and an REI ... Many bikes can be 'all day comfortable' using different tire sizes and tire pressures. (ride quality vice efficiency). Find GOOD bike fitter, to get a GOOD basic setup. As your seat time total increases there will be some changes, to accommodate your strength gained, and personal preferences. For for those of you that enjoy a ride with "friends" ... BlindStokersClub.org is a PSO, AND a 501-3C
Bike fit is a good point. Most Trek stores have a bike fitter, googles says that Trek in Santa Monica does have a fitter they work with. So they could get the bike set up with changes right off the bat. It may not be as big a deal for commuting, but at the very least it will make the bike as comfortable as possible and give you the best balance of power transfer and comfort.
I used to commute on a cyclocross bike. It was fine on the pavement, but pedaling through a field, I hit a hole that I couldn't see and went over the bars.
Now that brings back almost 50 year old memories—I lived at 5th and Idaho in Santa Monica and commuted to law school at UCLA up Wilshire every day, and home in San Vicente and Montana, racing the cars and running the lights like the total idiot I was. Was racing motocross once or twice a week, so this was a great way to stay in shape and build leg muscle and endurance. Unfortunately I couldn’t help keeping my race face on for the commute. Luckily I survived this phase of life with only a very few near- collisions and just one trip over the bars. Natch, I’m assuming you’ll be a bit more prudent, right? Oh yeah, I was riding a drop bar bike and that’s what I mainly ride on the street now too. Better power, more efficient, faster. You have a shower at work, right?
As much as I want to hate on gravel bikes they would be my pick for a commuter/fun weekend bike as well.
I use a heavy hybrid, hardtail with fork suspensions because roads here are sometimes shit and I want to jump over curbs and shit. I do hate the mechanical disc brakes, wish I splurged a few more bucks for hydrolics.
Gravel bike is my preferred mode of cycling. wider, taller tires, are more forgiving and better ride on harsh pavement. Also way better puncture protection. Ski
Thx for the help guys. I’m riding from Korea town to Santa Monica (mornings) and back around 5-6pm. I might ride it on the weekends, but I’m mainly interested in using it commuting. Also, I’m 44, but in good shape. I’m not sure I want to commit to a no-suspension road bike because there’s definitely some crappy roads on the route. I’m leaning toward a hybrid or gravel bike I think. Solid rear w/ fork suspension. The more speeds the better. Something light-ish, but I’m on a budget for this, so no full carbon frame or anything. Also def open to a used bike as long as it’s well kept. Question: old school brakes vs mechanical disc brakes vs hydraulic disc brakes??? Will I feel or need anything for commuting like this? I’ve never had a bike with any kind of disc brakes.
I have 2 friends that ride that similar route daily and both say the same thing. I get the I'm-gonna-work-out-and-be-rad idea, but IMO 14 miles each way is a big commitment not to consider an e-bike. I don't mean just yank the throttle and rip at 45mph, either. Small pedal assist is a life saver for a bad day, bad attitude, worn out ride home. That route is FULL of enough car swallowing potholes, sidewalk sleeping pot heads, and oblivious cagers. Check out Luna here in El Segundo where they assemble them for pretty amazing local warehouse deals, or Ryde (formerly El Segundo Bike Shop) just to test ride a whole lot of different brands to see what fits. 100% yes on suspension or you'll need to buy stock in spokes/wheels, and tubes.
Definitely old school cantilever brakes over mechanical disc brakes. Look into used bikes and save a bunch.
I'd look at electric hybrid / roadbike honestly, unless your goal is a workout and not convenience. Otherwise a gravel bike. Get disc brakes.
Curious, has the weight of electric bikes lowered in the past 20 years? Is it worth the weight? Although it's relative and terrain dependent, it's "only" 14 miles.
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Might want to reconsider the more gears the better line of thinking. Maybe it doesn’t apply to a commuter style bike but I recently made a big upgrade in mountain bikes replacing a 20 year old bike. One of the chances was going from a 3x8 to a 1x12 drivetrain. I can’t believe the difference it has made for me, the “linear” change of gears has made me faster/easier going everywhere but especially coming off a downhill and transitioning to moderate uphill. Less weight and complication are just added advantages. I think rim/vee brakes would be adequate but discs definitely perform better especially in the wet. Given the mileage you plan on doing I would consider the lowest maintenance systems as a high priority.