I live 18 miles from my place of work. It is pretty safe most of the way for bikes, halfway is a rural road but with lots of visibility and a decent shoulder, and the other half has a dedicated bike path separated from the road by a canal. I have a cheapo mountain bike right now, something I picked up from a coworker for $50. I have been riding it every day in preparation for the bike commuting, I don’t want to go from 0-100 in one day.
I have all my gear picked out, the one thing remaining thing is the bike. I am eyeballing the [Diverge Elite E5](https://www.specialized.com/us/en/diverge-elite-e5/p/199974?color=322136-199974), and that is pretty much the top of my budget. I never thought I would be paying more than I did on my first vehicle on a bike, but that seems to be a decent mid range bike.
I just wanted to make sure I am not making a mistake by going with that model if there is another one at a better price that is comparable, or the same price but better. I don’t care about it being all carbon fiber. I would prefer a lighter color, white, orange, or yellow to not soak up as much heat and be a little more visible. I don’t know much about bike brands, before this all of my bikes were hand me downs or walmart specials.
Any advice or opinions? I would be biking 4 or 5 days a week, so will be putting a lot of miles on it. I want something that can take the abuse with minimal maintenance (other than chain lubrication, tires)
by silveroranges
1 Comment
Which model cheapo mountain bike, photo?
The Diverge is a gravel bike with drop bars that can ride on both paved roads and gravel or dirt roads and possibly some light trails too.
In between a mountian bike and a gravel or road bike would be a commuter / urban or hybrid / fitness bike with flat bars.