07-24-2018, 09:29 AM
(This post was last modified: 07-24-2018, 09:36 AM by danbrotherston.)
(07-24-2018, 09:03 AM)robdrimmie Wrote: It may be worth allocating $200 of that budget to upgraded tires. Last summer and the one previous I went through regular periods where I'd be patching or going through tubes two or three times a week. After upgrading last year I haven't touched either wheel since, except to check the air.
I agree with the Black Arrow recommendation, and Surly has a couple of models that fit your list (though probably not all of it for $1500) but will note as well that King St. Cycles carries Brodie Bikes, which are a Canadian company that makes good hybrid and road style commuters in your price range.
It is a good point about tires (although in my experience 200 bucks would be a lot for tires, even my winter tires only cost me 160 for the pair, and summers I've never spent more than 110 on a pair), but puncture protection is absolutely key. I never knew how important it was until I put on a slick tire with no protection, and had flats probably once every 2 weeks for a year. Eventually I replaced it with a puncture protected tire and haven't had a flat since--only after did I realize why it was such a problem. Although I'd see what your bike comes with, I just went back to the original tire that came with my bike, and couldn't be happier.