Hello! This would be my first post. As the title says, I’m looking at getting my first commuter bike – I live in DC.
Commute is small, about 2 miles, through flat pedestrian areas of DC, more often than not with ample bike infrastructure. I also intend to use it for errands, regular casual joyriding, etc – Long distance trips, off-road, etc are highly unlikely for now. With this in mind, fenders and racks or the ability to reasonably attach those is definitely a factor.
I’m largely torn between these following my cursory research:
Breezer Downtown EX – https://www.breezerbikes.com/products/downtown-ex-21
Electra Loft 7D (or 7i) – https://www.rei.com/product/100808/electra-loft-7d-step-over-bike?sku=1008080002&store=&CAWELAID=120217890002266746&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=&CATCI=&cm_mmc=PLA_Google_PMax&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlKeb19-vgwMVvk1HAR1C4QO5EAQYAyABEgLbk_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Cannondale Treadwell 2 –
https://www.contebikes.com/product/cannondale-treadwell-2-360603-1.htm
Other contenders I’ve seen (that are largely available near me) are the Kona Dew, Marin Muirwoods, Trek FX or Verve, Cannondale Quick, Specialized Sirrus or Roll, and so on.
Again, commute is short, and this initial purchase will likely never leave the small city that is DC. As I said, a major point is having the ability to connect utility items if they aren’t there already, ie. fenders and racks.
Generally, I have the ability to try all of these out for fit, which I will be doing shortly. Based off of the above though, I wanted some input on said bikes with my situation in mind, and also open to new suggestions.
For this initial foray into biking, I believe a sub-$1000 price tag is ideal.
by oglittlecaesars