Any Commuter Bikers? Need Advice

[boulder_bum]

I'm thinking of getting a bike to ride around locally (when running to lunch, going into town for the afternoon or getting out for the day).

I have two kids and am also thinking about getting a trailer for them.

I've heard I should get something with fenders, and I figure if I were going to use it to get around and run errands, I'd need a rack, and lights/bells would be nice.

For the bike, I was looking at this:
Novara Fusion Bike from REI.com

...which seems full-featured and has good breaks, which is a concern since I live on the side of a sort of hill going up a bluff.

For the trailer, I was looking at this:
http://www.rei.com/product/766989

...which seemed well designed and had a sling attachment for my 2-month old.

Both are going on a pretty big sale at REI pretty soon, so I have to make a decision not too long from now.

My biggest questions revolve around how viable the solution is, especially considering that where I live is fairly hilly.

This gives a pretty good picture of where I live. Ignore the foreground, and notice how there's a bit of a slope going from the right of the screen to the left:



To the right is sort of the main road through town, and to the left (uphill) is the main road to my house.

Here is a link to a Google Maps street view that shows the type of hill I'm talking about. It's not steep enough to require switchbacks, but it's a steady uphill that's fairly steep for a straight road:
Click Here


So picture the uphill on the left side of that photo for about 3/10 of a mile while towing two infants (about 40 extra pounds, plus the drag of the trailer).

Do you think I'd be able to bike that okay? Does anyone do something similar? Will an 8 speed bike like the one I'm looking at work okay?

[Godiva]

Here's a post discussing bicycle with trailer versus tricycle.

Several good suggestions and links.

I'm looking at an Electra Townie 3 (Aluminum frame) or the Electra Coaster or possibly a Canondale comfort 4. (You can always add fenders)

I also like THIS one a lot. It has the crank forward, fenders, and comfy seat and handlebars. The Torker Bermuda RS. But I do not like that it is all steel. I looked at a Raleigh Gruv but it is all aluminum. I want an aluminum frame and steel fork.



I'm also considering an extended long frame in the back to accommodate a longer pannier.

I like THIS trailer because you can unhitch it and it converts to a shopping cart. When you're done shopping, you just attach it to your bicycle again. I would get the optional swivel wheel and cover.

[hyo silver]

Most bikes built for touring or commuting will have attachment points for racks and fenders, so those can always be added later. The internal dynamo hub on the bike you linked to sounds interesting, though eight gear ratios may not be enough for serious hill climbing. It would help to know the gear range, particularly the low end. I'd also be concerned about heat build up in those internal brakes - discs would be much better in that regard.

[qbee42]

I've never had too many gears on a bicycle. I've had too few, but never too many. I need to live somewhere flatter, and with less wind.

Tom

[eagle33199]

The viability of the solution really depends on how physically fit you are I know many people here at work that bike in every day, but it does tend to be a little flatter up here. Some even bring their kids in in trailers (we have a daycare center too). I know for them the biggest worry with the trailers was safety - strong frames, a roll cage, etc. But i haven't heard of any problems from any of them, so things seem to be working alright.

I bike in myself, but it's only 1.6 miles over relatively flat terrain.

[dogfriend]

I need one of these, but its too much moola.

If I were towing a trailer, I would want extra low gears (triple chainwheel) for pulling up hills. Unless you have thighs that look like a speed skater.

[Unlimited_MPG]

Hi Boulder,
You might want to also consider a Trek Portland or a Trek 1200. Both are great commuter bikes that you'll be able to use during the Fall / Winter also. Having a carbon front fork will also help with dampening of the road. For the rear cassettes consider getting 12-27 in the rear and either a triple chainring in the front or a compact chainring (Shimano is a good brand). Most important though...make sure you get a good fit (right size for you). Most bike shops will be happy to take the time to get you fitted correctly.

[Godiva]

Originally Posted by dogfriend

I need one of these, but its too much moola.

If I were towing a trailer, I would want extra low gears (triple chainwheel) for pulling up hills. Unless you have thighs that look like a speed skater.

I would never consider towing a trailer up a hill with a bike because I am old and do not have the thighs of a speed skater. I live on a plateau that is relatively flat. I'd only be using my bike/trailer combo for local shopping.

I like those wike trailers. They have a configuration for everything and are so adjustable. If you have kids, you can turn the trailer into a stroller or jogger.

I love my dog, but no way I'm carrying him around in a trailer. He can just stay home.

Did you see they had a kit for a build your own? Only $75.00.

[Avanhall]

HI, I live in South Denver, and have ridden countless miles in Castle Rock area. I agree with the other posts...can never have too many gears, specially if you are going to be towing the baby. I would also caution you to be weary of heavy bicycles. Don't need to go nuts and worry about grams, but that bike sure looks HEAVY! I had a trailer back when, and towed both my children. Having a cover in the front that is transparent but protects them from the rain (not that we get that much of it here) is great, but having one that lets the breeze through while giving the some protection from the sun is very important, specially with the heat and sun that we do get. Also keep in mind the weight of the bike if you are going to put a hitch type carrier. I have head roof top racks, and can't tell you how many times I came close to fortetting the bike was up there and enter a parking garage or my own! A heavy bike on the hitch could be a problem, and getting it up on the roof, could also be a problem depending on your hight and physical ability. The trailer needs to be easily collapsible if you want to take it places and fit it in the back of your Pri.
I would look closely at the Denver Craigslit. Many listings for bikes and trailers! Take your time and test them out! Hybrids are great, or a mountain bike with tires who's knobs are not as aggressive will also work great. You will have all the low gears to climb Wolfsenberger road, and be able to use the bike for other activities.
Good luck!

[dogfriend]

Originally Posted by Godiva

I love my dog, but no way I'm carrying him around in a trailer. He can just stay home.

Did you see they had a kit for a build your own? Only $75.00.

I bought a Springer (attaches dog to the bike so they can run along) when I first got Dingo, but she didn't seem to really like it and then she later got hurt (long story) so I haven't used it since.

Two reasons for wanting a dog trailer:

1. GF would like to go riding more often, but I feel guilty about leaving the dogs.

2. We took our bikes along with us when we traveled in the motorhome, but didn't use them because we can't/don't want to leave the dogs behind. A bike trailer would be great for this situation.

I will look into the kit. $75 is reasonable.