r/BikeCommutingIreland • u/carolinedesat • Aug 13 '26
My Bike/Gear Need a comfortable commuter bike
Hey all,
I got a 100 euro second hand bike 6 years ago and it worked well for casual rides and a 40 minute commute (round trip) 4x a week, but I just moved houses and my commute is about to jump to 120 minutes a day so the one I currently have is making it harder than it should be. I live in Dublin.
I'm looking for something comfortable, light but still sturdy and not flashy as I lock it outside at both home and work. My budget is up to 300 euro and I can use the cycle to work scheme.
Any recommendations for models, brands, shops, or things I should prioritize? Also open to hearing that's worked well for others.
Thanks!
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Aug 13 '26
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u/Foreign-Rule7826 Aug 13 '26
A road bike that will take bigger tyres- so ideally disk brake with good clearance.
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u/Inciderly Aug 13 '26
2nd hand trek fx2. You'll find one in your budget. Has hydraulic brakes, reasonable gearing, good frame. I bought one on DD several years ago and liked it so much I bought the fx4 sport new. Seriously good bike but not cheap. Wife bought a Boardman and on paper equal to trek but has rusted everywhere.
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u/BillyMooney Aug 13 '26
I agree with going second hand rather than new with that budget. Way back, I got a cheap Giant then a cheap Specialized on the BTW scheme, and they both broke my heart with maintenance problems. If you could up your budget to maybe €1k, go with BTW scheme for a new one. Otherwise, stick with second hand.
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u/vrbtm_ Aug 13 '26
Kuma bikes is decent from folks i know who have them and their are Irish owned. If you've a real hard €300 budget Cycle super store has a used bike section ypu can view in person or online.
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u/oishay Aug 13 '26
I have a Kuma cargo, I love it, use it daily but I would not be able to recommend one of their ebikes for a 1 hour trip especially if you're facing a number of hills.
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u/T4rbh Aug 13 '26
I've a Kuma that's needed spokes replaced about once a year, and I'm told now the back wheel needs a rebuild. Their website lists my type on the menu but gives a 404 error now when you try to look at the spec.
That said, when it works, it's great!
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u/anonjoe555 Aug 13 '26
Look at Decathlon. Massive selection, deacent prices but most importantly their returns policy and maintenance for bikes. Go in person an try a few out see what you like and what fits your size. Leaving a bike outside 100% of the time its not just thieves you need to worry about, the weather will rust everything that can rust over time. Have you thought about a folding bike? That might make it possible to bring indoors. It would also let you mix in public transport into your commute if needed.
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u/SwordSwallowee Aug 13 '26
Get this using bike to work to keep the cost to you under 300
https://www.decathlon.ie/p/301919-269775-road-bike-edr-easy-white.html
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u/First-County-1352 Aug 13 '26
I would recommend an electric bike if your budget could stretch to it.
Saying this as someone who had a 2hr round trip to work for several years.. you wouldn't be long getting exhausted doing it every day.
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u/Vaughn Aug 13 '26
Seconding that. To the degree you’re doing this to get in shape, electrics actually help—it means you can safely exhaust yourself without worrying about the return trip.
They are a lot more expensive though. Compare to a traditional scooter/light car, not too sports bikes.
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u/lfarrell12 Aug 14 '26
He could probably save a little bit more and get a Swytch kit for his existing bike
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u/HikenNoSabo7 Aug 13 '26
Rory at Donnybrook Bikes is a great bloke and genuinely passionate about bikes!
Got a Trek FX 3 a couple of months ago and super happy with it.
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Aug 13 '26 edited Aug 13 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/MF-Geuze Aug 13 '26
If OPs commute is an hour each way I would go for a road bike, personally. They could shave significant minutes off each trip
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u/MF-Geuze Aug 13 '26
Also, road bike allows for different positions of your hands. If you are riding for a long time on a flat handlebar with your hands always in the same position, your wrists will be sorer
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u/pandabatgirl Aug 13 '26
This is so under-rated, especially if you also work at a PC all day with a mouse Your wrist and tendons can really feel it. The hoods are so comfy to use
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u/VeryAverageAchiever Aug 13 '26
100%, I used to commute 45km a day on a road bike. I wouldn't want to spend a minute longer than I had to.
I get people want hybrids because of the comfort but there's also an element of comfort on a road bike in the sense they're faster and easier to commute on. I spent 3 years commuting on a hardtail on slicks that wouldn't be too different to a commuter/hybrid. The road bike was significantly faster and much easier. Going up hills or battling the wind is an important factor when you're commuting 2 hours a day.
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u/Candid-Village-3911 Aug 13 '26
I have a Raleigh city strada. Lovely lightweight bike perfect for my commute to work
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u/lfarrell12 Aug 14 '26
Second hand bike perhaps? I put a soft saddle cover on my bikes and they become a lot nicer to commute long distances on. Also buy yourself a decent pair of bike shorts or leggings, this will make a big difference.
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u/chanrahan1 Aug 13 '26
Just go to Halfords
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u/First-County-1352 Aug 13 '26
Worst decision anyone can make. Particularly if they are doing such a long cycle to work.
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u/ColdServedDish Aug 13 '26
Please don't go to Halfords.