Bike Purchase: Which one would you purchase for a new bike commuter?

mikaISOTOV

Hello everyone, so I've decided to ditch the automobile (for financial reasons mostly) and I want to purchase a bike. Its up to these two bikes which I will get but can't decide which one is worth my hard earn money. One is the Diamondback Edgewood LX Hybrid which is $300 and the Giant Escape City 2011 bike which is $540. I'm new to bikes so I don't know all that much about bikes so any help is very much appreciated. I'm only biking 6 miles roundtrip on city streets. My main question is whether there is a justification to pay that extra $240 for the Giant bike or are both bikes equally durable and good performance wise to go ahead and get the $300 Diamondback bike?

Answer
The Giant is a much more capable platform. The overall components are generally a step above the Diamondback. Also if you are going to use the bike as a commuter you need fender and a bike rack which would run you another $50 to buy and install so the actual difference is more like $190 dollars.

So go with the Giant, buy some lights, a tire patch kit and minipump, water bottle holder, and a helmet for a total of about $600 dollars. Seems like a lot but consider that is costs about $.50 a mile to own and operate a car so your bike will pay you back after about 100 trips to work (about 1/2 a year)

Is it just me or are bicycle helmets worthless....?

Nazgul

I'm not an avid bike rider so my point might be moot but in my opinion they seem very ineffective, sit far too high and don't offer any face protection, I can understand they are made for low (bike) speed impacts but it seem auto accidents are far more likely to injure or kill you thus making the bike helmet worthless in a real world scenario. Also, my biggest complaint is the false sense of security they offer in my opinion and make non wearers seem reckless and dangerous. How often does one land in a way the a high riding foam and plastic skull cap can protect you from...I would be far more concerned about my face structure, fill me in please. Thanks!

Answer
If your helmet is sitting "far too high", you're wearing it wrong. The front should cover the forehead & be the first thing to touch the ground.
https://www.google.com/#q=how+to+wear+bicycle+helmet
http://www.evolutionofdad.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/bike_helmet.jpg

Next...if you think most bicycle accidents or "wrecks" or crashes involve a motor vehicle - you are WRONG! A full 45% do NOT involve anyone or anything else. 45% are SOLO FALLS.
http://thinkbicyclingblog.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/kaplan_bike_crash_causes.jpg

Are the streets & roads in your area lined with marshmallows in case of a fall? No...I didn't think so. Most bicycle crashes occur at slower speeds, not involving a car. Helmets can & do save lives.

As far as reckless & dangerous cyclists...don't ya think they would be that way with or without a helmet? Sometimes...you just can't fix stupid. Prime example or illustration demonstrated on this link... https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZo2DGC5RrlNrAdnwXhNsMew1K_bKF-6LKFXWsvioj6nwSov1OWoeFOL9VrTCqTSemy73-6zhvvaym2IdHsqZ8iRZ1zEy3DbgbE-5HWOaeda8kB2u8P6ZXgnKxxO6epbksZtAs_rG6FHVP/s400/You+Can't+Fix+Stupid.jpg

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Title Post: Bike Purchase: Which one would you purchase for a new bike commuter?
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