Very new, help appreciated :)

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Hi All, well I've decided to begin commuting on bike to work, have just moved into a new place in Randwick, and can get to the city pretty easily I think with pedal power. So I'm looking for a good commuter bike. I do a fair bit of cardio/hill climb/interval training on the bikes at the gym, so I think I've got ok fitness.

Just wondering if people could throw out some recommendations on good commuter bikes for me? My budget's up to about $1k. I need to buy a helmet too. I've had a look at the Trek S300, which has the internal shimano rear hub gears. It looks like a good no nonsense bike which would cruise pretty well. Any comments on this one?

Also, I do have the spinning thing happening with my gym work, so I'm wondering if getting cleated pedals and bike shoes will be alot better for maintaining speed? Or should I just use pedals to start with and see how I go?

Anyway, sorry to post a question for my first post, hello to everyone.

thanks,
J.

I take it by Randwick you mean Sydney. I am in Townsville. The best advice I can give you is to make sure that you get a properly fitting bike. Try a number of bike shops and talk to them. Ask them what size will fit you. They should measure you. Unfortunately you don't get a great deal for $1000. However new models will be out soon and you might get some deals. If you can squeeze a few more dollars out of the budget, say about another 300 you might see some good quality Giants, Felts, Avanti's for this price. If you buy a new bike they should be prepared to give you a discount on some gear as well. Besides a helmet I would also recommend that you get knicks and a jersey made of good quality material. They are worth the money. Whatever you do make sure you do a test ride on them - you will be surprised how much difference there are between brands and how some bikes are more comfortable. Cleats and shoes are a bit more as well so I would suggest go with pedals at first and see if you get into it.

Giant 2008 CRX3 is excellent value for commuting, 9 speed! :cool: And well under $1K.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-AU/bikes/road/1127/28936/

If you are a "spinner" do not go for internal hubs, too much energy wasted. They are fine for the Suits who just want to commute from the office to court.

Ah ok, cheers. I didn't realise that the internal hub wasted more energy than the traditional type of gears.

So can anyone recommend a good bike shop in Sydney? I work near Clarence St Cyclery, are they a goodun?