Hi all,
Trying to choose a bike mostly for my daily commute, but I might ride here or there with friends. I've been riding my dad's newer Giant Escape for a few weeks and enjoy it, but really don't have enough data to compare. He says it works for him and can't recommend it enough, but he uses it exclusively for weekly exercise rides. We visited the store he went to today and despite my different use case I was basically recommended the same bike by the salesman, but I get that it's his job lol.
In the commuting sub, I see a lot of people with road bikes so I've been looking mostly at those recently. I live in a city with above average biking infrastructure, and my commute is about 2 miles/4 round trip on flat ground. I live on the second floor of my apt, and so would need to bring a bike up stairs each day; road bikes seems to be lighter, so that's also a point in their favor.
I found this trek nearby for what I think is a decent price ($300) and am considering it. It's the right frame size for my height, and looks to be in good condition. My dad and the salesman voiced some concern about road bikes for commuting (thinner tires, so more road feedback and higher chance of flats/ riding position learning curve), but I'm not totally unconvinced yet.
TL;DR – does it make sense to get a road bike for commuting? I want something lightweight and suited for pavement/street riding, but haven't really ridden one before and don't have a ton of experience picking a bike.
by _Bzar_