Hey, Boston folks, where should I buy a bike?

[rhu]

Since my new job's just three miles from my house
I plan to buy a bike for the commute.
I'm thus soliciting your thoughts, my friends:
What kind of bike? Where would you go to shop?

Comments

[autotruezone.livejournal.com]

I'm a frequent bike commuter. I've had good results at Harris Cyclery, in West Newton, and at Belmont Wheelworks (which is owned by the same people as Ace Wheelworks mentioned above).

Hybrids are good. There are a lot of good commuter bikes coming out these days as well. I recently got one of these, and like having a chain guard which means I no longer need to tie up my pants leg to keep it clean. You'll almost certainly want a rear rack and panniers (bags that attach to the rack), since backpacks tend to make your back sweaty. I recommend fenders as well, since they can help keep your clothes clean and dry if the road is at all wet or muddy.

I would also suggest you read John Allen's Bicycling Street Smarts, available free online. MassBike also offers cycling skills courses.