Seven Cheap and Cheerful Commuter Bikes
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto 
on 11.17.08
More and more people are commuting on their bikes. But what is the best bike for commuting? Our bike expert Warren says a good commuter bike has three main attributes:
1. they come equipped with a heap of accessories, such as fenders (mud guards), lights, cargo rack and strap, safety locks, kickstands, bells, and chain/wheel splash guards;
2. the cyclist sits tall, rather than crouched forward in a racing position;
3. they are simple, single speed models, or multi-speed enclosed, low maintenance, rear hubs.
Another website defines it as a bike that has the following components from the factory:
1. a chain guard
2. fenders
3. rear luggage rack
4. lights
A harder question to answer is: What is cheap? That depends, but we give it a shot in our photo gallery of commuter bikes.
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I like the 2nd list better than the first. I think the rider position is more up to the rider, though I can see why he might think seated high is a commuter position. Some commuters will want to ride aggressively, though, and that calls for a crouch. Especially if you're weaving traffic.
But giving people a heads up that they should really look for a complete fender set (I wish I had any) is a good show and recommending racks is also great guidance.
But a kickstand? That's never okay.
Also another really nice commuter bike is the Diamondback Transporter. I bought this bike last April and I am very pleased with it. It's not as pricey as the other bikes in the gallery ($479) and even with that price tag it's a very well built bike.
Why did you title this post "Cheap" when you didn't even put the prices on half of these?
Not a strong list, I wouldn't ride one of those if I got 'em free. Most of 'em are pretty, quality-built, but not really ridable day-to-day if you're doing more than a trip to your local eco cafe.
I'm in love with the Masi (or the good ol' light yet stylish and durable Milano) which I just added to my review list: http://www.elephantjournal.com/2008/08/commuter-bike-1-jorg-olif/
I just purchased a KRS Green about 6 weeks ago & I LOVE it! It's loaded with all the goodies you could imagine - front & back fenders, a sturdy luggage rack, chain guard, three gears totally enclosed, bell, rear wheel saftey lock, hand and coaster brake, nice comfy seat, ergonomically friendsly handlebars, and the best part is that it retails at around $300. Absolutley a perfect commuter bike!
ironically unsustainable imaging:
it's a shame the photograph used in this bike article has been chosen so irresponsibly. It depicts
-carrying heavy shopping on handlebars
-seemingly advertising cut flowers. A highly unsustainable practise, esp. regarding the usual air-transportation!
disappointed.
LA: You are absolutely correct. I picked it off the Gary Fisher site and did not think twice about the content. My apologies.
Just bought a Schwinn 3 wheeler with big back basket for about $250 dollars on WalMart.com.
Don't listen to the bike snobs. Any bike will do. Even used ones. The heavier the better for practical use.
The main thing is to get tires with low rolling resistance, unless you are riding on gravel or off road. Also, realize that cars will kill or maim you, and some people hate bike riders. Also do not ride in busy traffic.
Um, Brady, how do you intend to stand a bike up without a kickstand?