Had to stop at a park for some shade.

Hi,

I’m looking to get back into cycling after about a ten year break. I used to cycle everywhere but travel, injury and moving to the suburbs basically stopped me.

The main rides I’ll be doing:

36km (22mi) between my place and my girlfriends - little bit of road, mostly bike path, a little bit of gravel.  

8km (5mi) to JiuJitsu class - road/pavement/path.

With at least one loaded pannier, possibly two.

I’m 110kg (~242lb) with a fairly solid build, the steel frames are appealing.

I may do a little touring, I haven’t done it before but Australia has some great off road tour options. It might just be a nice idea that I never get around to. I like camping and being alone which is what appeals about touring.

Being in Australia, I’m pretty limited on what bikes are actually available.

I was recommended the Kona Sutra LTD ($4k) (by a sales guy) but I feel that the wide tires aren’t a great choice for the commuting and it’s a bit more than I was planning to spend. I don’t mind spending more on getting the right bike for me but I’m also pretty frugal so would prefer to spend less if I can find the right bike for less.

I’ve also been considering the Marin Nicasio plus ($1.3K), Nicasio 2 ($2.2k), Surly Preamble ($2.9k), Salsa Cutthroat ($4.9k) or maybe a Bombtrack Hook ($3.6K).

Plus about $1000 for fenders, racks and a big fat lock to lock it up.

Thanks for any input.

Because my bike works fine. And is more fun.

Anyone else hate when they feel "forced" to use the car?

Not your typical commuter really I don't think but happy with how this years new look is coming along.

For this year I have added carbon wheels along with new tyres, a new cassette and some new wraps for the bars. I have also added a new chain as I have been wanting to try out waxing my chain for a while so thought I'd start with a nice new, clean base to try it from.

I've been enjoying riding this new iteration of the bike, next on my list is to try changing out to a 2x drive chain. I got this 1x on purpose to help with simplifying looking after it etc but I just find myself too often in a gear that is just slightly off for what I want so I think going back to a 2x will be much better for me.

I'd be interested to see what other people ride as I realise this isn't what most people would choose to commute on xD

Anyone Europe side know of a good easily removable bike light set that recharges with USB-C?

I had knog blinders on my recently stolen bike which I liked but they were USB-A and it was starting to get annoying to recharge them

Why am I still faster than you?

E: Let's all talk about what bikes should or shoudn't cost