As kid I biked 24/7 (LBS Raleigh bikes), as a young adult I commuted to College. As a young parent I pulled a trailer(Cannondale. Quick CX).
Last year (37 years old) I sold my previous bikes and got a great deal on used Verve 2 low step. I decided to start commuting.
Started watching bike YouTube, decided to build an Ozark Trail Ridge and learned how to tear every part down and upgrade etc. Wanted to hit trails, also commuted with it.
Thought and ebike would be the way, so bought a used powerfly 4 and sold the Verve. Got a taste of ebike world. Still have it, ride it on those nasty windy days or when I really feel like driving.
Stumbled upon a Specialized Roll Elite for cheap to flip. Fell in love with 27.5" tires and the Cadillac ride. You cannot ride this bike and be sad. I ride it to work on those care free days. Also my family bike ride bike.
Now we're caught up with today. Made an offer on a used 2024 Trek DS 2 Gen 5 and to my surprise they accepted. I feel crazy, as this is bike number 5. But for $360 it is a cross between the Verve(which I adored), the Roll, and the Ozark.
It isn't my ultimate commuter bike, I think that would be a Sirrus X 4.0, or Trek FX5 Sport. But as I've read lots here, a used commuter bike is the best value and I agree. I can rack it up and ride it maybe even into the winter months.
Aside from the powerfly all the bikes were sub $450. I've had a ton of fun trying them out, you really don't know what you like until you have seat time. Definitely want to try a drop bar bike, but I like upright for my short commute.
As a bonus, Dad has a FX2 which I took to work a few times. Great bike, but didn't love jumping curbs and the real rough sections. I thought I would feel significantly faster on it, which doesn't seem to be the case.
Anyway, I enjoy seeing and reading about what people ride. There really is no answer to the best commuter bike as everyone has different needs, which makes it even more interesting to me. Maybe my journey will help someone else pick a bike.
by Geoff240ti