Best products from r/whichbike
We found 32 comments on r/whichbike discussing the most recommended products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 193 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. GMC Denali Road Bike
- Alloy calipers and alloy brake levers with hi profile alloy Vitesse racing rims
- Shimano 21 speed derailleur
- 700 mm hi performance tires
- Shimano Revo shifters
- Alloy water bottle cage
Features:
2. Kent 700C Men's, Thruster Fixie Bike, Black/Red
Steel frame Steel forkAlloy brakes front and rear700C alloy rims Steel rise stemFull-protection chain guardBlack/red Fixie bike
3. Dahon Vybe D7 Folding Bike Obsidian with Fenders
7 Speed ShimanoFolded Size: 67 x 34 x 83cm (26.4" x 13.4" x 32.7")Suggested Rider Height 142 - 193 cm (4'8" - 6'4") Max. Rider Weight 105 kg (230 lbs)
5. Wald W582BL 582 Rear Folding Bicycle Basket (12.75 x 7.25 x 8.5, Black)
- Rear bicycle basket with lots of space
- Mounts unobtrusively on the side of rear bicycle rack
- Folds up compactly (1 inch thick) for easy storage when not in use
- Available in silver, black, or white
- Offers a load size of 12.75x7.25x8"
Features:
6. Diamondback Insight 2 Flat Bar Road Bike - 2016 Performance Exclusive
- 100 % Brand New OEM Replacement Part
- LG G3 D850 D851 D855 VS985 LS990 Charging Port
- LG G3 D850 D851 D855 VS985 LS990 Dock Connector
- This posting is created by JM International Inc.
- Shipping From Chicago
Features:
7. Gravity Ave FXD Flat Bar Road Bike Shimano 21 Speed Disc Brake Semi Compact Aluminum
- Comfortable Semi Compact Frame Geometry
- Flat Bar Comfort
- Aluminum Alloy Wheels
- Dsic Brakes
- 21 Speed Shimano drivetrain
Features:
8. SunRingle Sun Rhyno Lite 26" 36 Holes Silver Rim, Presta valve drilled
Brake Compatibility: Rim Brake<br/>ERD: 548mm<br/>Holes: 36spokes<br/>ISO Diameter: 559<br/>Material: Alloy<br/>Rim Center Offset: 0mm<br/>Rim Depth: 16mm<br/>Rim Detail Color: Silver<br/>Rim Diameter: 26"<br/>Rim Holes: 36 Holes<br/>Rim Width: 27.5mm<br/>Valve: Presta<br/>Weight: 545g
9. Explorer Rack Without Spring, Black
- 625 g / 1.38 lbs (w/o spring)
- Braze-On Type
- 6061 Hollow Aluminum
- MTX Series Bag Compatibility
- Solid Fender Top, RedLite Mount, Tail Light Mount
Features:
10. Origin8 Drop Ends
- 6061-T6 ergo bent alloy
- Bead blast finish
- Turns a flat bar into an ergonomic drop bar
- 22.2mm clamp size
- 250g pair
Features:
11. Axiom Monsoon Aero DLX 35 Pannier Set, Grey/Black
Ultrasonically welded 600D polyesterRixen & Kaul adjustable hooks with Flip-LockAerodynamic Streamliner shape; shoulder strap/extra hardware included
12. Thule Yepp Maxi Child Bike Seat-Blue
- Smart and functional rear-mounted child bike seat designed for everyday rides
- Easily mount the child bike seat to the frame of your bike
- Soft and shock-absorbing seat for child comfort
- Adjustable 5-point harness ensures child safety and the perfect fit
- Childproof safety buckle to quickly and easily secure child
- Built-in reflector and safety light attachment point for added visibility
- Adjustable foot rests and straps grow with your child
- Water-repellent material is easy to clean
- Weight capacity: 40 lbs (Designed and tested for children 9 months - 6 years old)
- Consult with a pediatrician for children under 1 year old
Features:
13. Diamondback Bicycles Insight 1 Complete Performance Hybrid Bike
6061-T6 aluminum alloy frame is durable and comfortably compliantIntegrated high tensile steel straight blade fork for solid steeringShimano 21-speed drivetrain provides gears for any terrainDB Equation 700c road wheelsFrame and fork eyelets make it easy to mount rack and fenders
14. Finish Line Shop Quality Bicycle Chain Cleaner Kit with Lube and Degreaser
- Heavy-duty bicycle chain cleaner with EcoTech Cleaner & Degreaser Concentrate and chain lube
- Cleaner clips directly to the chain--no need to remove the chain from the bicycle
- Three-brush rotating design and scrubber pads clean the chain quickly--usually in less than a minute
- 30-degree exit angle eliminates mess; magnet at bottom collects metal filings and various contaminants
- Clean your chain without removing it--in just one minute
Features:
15. Diamondback Haanjo Metro 24 Alternative Road Bike - 2016
- Disc brakes for stopping power in all kinds of weather
- Geometry and flat bar for a comfortable, heads up riding position
- Shimano 8-speed drivetrain gives youngsters all the shifting options they need for trails and neighborhood adventures
- Shimano derailleur and shifter are responsive, smooth, and reliable
Features:
16. Origin8 Pro Fit Alloy Ergo Stem, 1" or 1-1/8" x 31.8-25.4/28.6-25.4 x 35d x 110mm, Black
6061-T6 alloy 3D forged2 piece faceplate designRoad or Mountain(L110mm) 135gEN MTN safety certified
17. Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike, Shimano Claris R2000, 24 Speeds, Black, White, Burnt Orange
- YOU DON’T NEED TO SPEND MORE THAN $600: Because Tommaso is a direct to the consumer brand you can now get a bike with 100% Shimano gears, super lightweight aluminum frame, and lightweight wheels for under $600. Tommaso gives you value like no other brand. We provide a lifetime frame warranty and great service through our U.S. based customer service team.
- THE IMOLA IS AFFORDABLE PERFORMANCE, NOT ENTRY LEVEL: If you are just getting into cycling or returning after a long hiatus, this is your bike. New and returning cyclists don’t need “beginner bikes”, that won’t meet your needs or last. You deserve affordable performance! The Imola embodies the idea of affordable performance with a full Shimano groupset you hope is on bikes costing $100’s more. Compare the Imola’s specs with any bike, and you will see the difference between us and the competition
- STEP UP TO THE BRAND NEW SHIMANO CLARIS R2000: The Shifters, Derailleurs, Crank, and Brakes are all new 2018 Claris. R2000 Claris STI shifters now mimic 105 and Tiagra components up the line. Cables are routed under the bar for a clean look that shifts perfectly. Only bikes with integrated shifters and brake levers will perform at optimal levels. Don’t be fooled by imitators using off-brand cranks or shifters, they aren’t optimized for Shimano gearing and can’t deliver precision shifting.
- YOU DESERVE A COMFORTABLE RIDE: Our compact frame geometry offers a more relaxed position for all riding styles, with a shallow handlebar drop so that you can still be comfortable when riding in the lower handlebar position. We even added extra control on turns by equipping the Imola with wider 25mm, 700c road bike tires. Every part of the Imola is designed for maximum comfort and efficiency, so that you can get the most out of every ride
- BUILT TO LAST: All too often things are made cheaply and break before their time. We believe that bikes should be reliable and built to last. This is why we use the highest quality aluminum in our bikes, and back it with our industry leading lifetime warranty. We also use only Shimano components, which are backed up with Shimano’s two year warranty and are designed function better and last longer than anything else on the market. Ride with confidence, knowing your new bike was built to last!
Features:
19. ONGUARD PitBull Mini DT U-Lock, 3.55 x 5.52-Inch OPEN BOX
ONGUARD PitBull Mini DT U-Lock, 3.55 x 5.52-Inch OPEN BOX
20. OnGuard 8019L Mastiff 6' x 3/8" Quad Chain Lock
X4 Quattro Bolt Locking MechanismTitanium Enforced, Hexagonal Steel Chain Links Provide Maximum Cut ResistanceUnique Onguard Cylinder Offers Optimum Resistance Against Physical Attack And PickingReinforced Sleeve Over Crossbar And Cylinder For Additional Security
I'm going to point you towards bike and seat combo options that allow for carrying some cargo since you seem to want to go car-light(er) around town. If cargo isn't something you care much about you can basically pick any non-carbon fiber bike that has decent rear braze-ons for mounting a quality rack as most bike seats mount this way. So moving on to recommendations...
SomaYuba Boda Boda - This is a compact cargo bike with an integrated rear rack. It is shorter than traditional long cargo bikes like the Surly Big Dummy so it's easier to manage both on the street and in storage, putting it on the bus, etc. You can mount a child seat directly to the rack for your toddler but as he/she gets older and more mature they can just sit directly on the rear deck (there are accessory handlebars you can add so they can hold on). This is my dream bike right now. Can carry up to 2 kids on the back as well as cargo. Under $1,000, but you'll have to buy a seat and maybe a couple other accessories.If you know that cycling is something that will always be important to you and you are serious about reducing your car usage I'd strongly encourage you to find a way to up your budget to around $1,700 including accessories and buy one of the touring bikes I listed above. It could possibly be the last bike you ever buy, and reduced driving will help recoup that extra cost over time. Here's an example price list of what I would buy if I were you:
A child's seat is going to cost you around $200 (+/- $100) no matter what so that's a sunk cost. Front rack and pannier are such a small price for the value that you get; tubus is one of the best racks so you can save money in this area or omit completely if you don't want to carry cargo. Note however that it will be tough to fit rear panniers AND a rear child seat because of clearance issues which is why having a front rack helps a ton on this type of setup.
The biggest place to save money is the bike itself. you should be able to find a used but well-sorted newish touring bike for $900 or less depending on your market. But if you buy new from a reputable LBS they will do a proper fit for you and get you on the right size frame with a comfortable setup that will let you ride all day without issue - you can't get this buying used and it's definitely worth the money if you don't already have a very good idea what size frame you best fit (i.e. seat tube length, effective top tube length, reach, handlebar height, etc.).
Good luck!
Do you have a bike at the minute?
I'm sure you're aware that buying a bike from Amazon maybe isn't ideal for a few reasons, but if you're confident enough to assemble it and keep it maintained yourself then there are a few "not terrible" options. This is probably one of the better deals:
http://www.amazon.com/Diamondback-Insight-Flat-Road-Bike/dp/B017TEZORS/
Diamondback are a reasonably big name manufacturer, and they do make some good bikes. Disc brakes could come in useful, and the cr-mo fork should be good for comfort.
Or there's this, which is similar but with hi ten forks (generally a bit less comfortable) and V brakes:
http://www.amazon.com/Diamondback-Bicycles-Complete-Performance-Metallic/dp/B0132I8YQS/
Bit of a wildcard, I don't tend to like suggesting single speeds but a full cr-mo frame should be solid and comfortable, and the drop bars can help with comfort on longer rides:
http://www.amazon.com/Nashbar-Single-Speed-Cyclocross-Bike-49/dp/B00F52JWPC/
Whatever you get, I'd probably consider putting some wider tyres on it to start out with. Might need to see it first to check the tyre clearances, but most hybrids are pretty generous and can generally take somewhere around max 38-45c tyres. A wider tyre will have more air in it to support a heavier rider, helping to protect the rest of the bike, make it more comfortable and give it better performance off road.
First of all, know your bike size. I like Surly's rough guide, and they suggest you'd need about a 52 to 56 cm/medium sized bike as measured horizontally from the head tube (where the front wheel forks rotate) to the seat tube. Mountain bikes often measure the seat tube instead, so you'd be looking at a 17 to 19 inch mountain bike. This pretty much rules out the Fuji, which is too big, and the Trek, Giant OCR, and the Jamis, which are too small.
Since you're going to school, have you considered how you're going to carry your books or laptop? If you feel comfortable with a backpack, then great! but if not, a rack like the Trek has might be a good investment.
You'll also need to maintain this bike well, so get a nice chain cleaner and some dry lubricant. You don't want to one day find the chain falling off when your all the gear teeth are ground off!
Also, get a bike lock and learn how to lock up your bike! I'm not sure what is worse: losing your bike, or losing the wheels because you didn't lock it up right.
The front suspension on the Raleigh is cool, but a good "fitness hybrid" like the Jamis would be just as comfortable on the street and more fun to ride, too.
Do you ever plan on longer rides? In that case, the better aerodynamics of the Giant's drop bars would come in handy.
If you think you can handle the hills without changing gear, then a fixie like the Fuji would be the easiest to maintain and the lightest. No derailleurs or shifters to worry about!
You could certainly get the Giant Escape, but you can certainly find a better used bike. It's "Tourney" derailleurs are Shimano's light-duty components. For comparison, the Giant OCR has better "Sora" components for less money because it's used.
TL;DR: Keep looking. If you absolutely had to take one of these bikes, take the bike that would most likely fit, the Raleigh, and use the money saved to get a rack for your books, a cleaning kit, and a good bike lock.
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/bik/5889945534.html
I think I found your bike!! Frame size looks very small. It has flat (not drop) handlebars. The tires are slim enough for fast & smooth commuting on roads. The only drawback is not having disc brakes, but well-tuning that rear v-brake should stop you really well.
http://www.performancebike.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10052_10551_1185527_-1___
You've got the road tires, flat bars, disc brakes.... This might be a good choice. The 24" wheels should make you feel very comfortable getting off and on the bike at 5'0" tall. Note that 24 X 1 3/8" tire is meant to be a youth (or small adult) road bike tire. http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html
This describes the sizing: (Maximum Height 60", inseam 26")
https://www.amazon.com/Diamondback-Haanjo-Metro-Alternative-Road/dp/B017TCNZW6
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/bik/5849311792.html
The pluses on this one would be that it's your size. It's ultra light, so it would be a very fast commuter. You could replace the drop bars with riser bars (but you'd also need new brake levers and shifters . . . which is easy for someone who's a bike nerd who goes to swap meets, but if you bought bars, levers, grips and shifters, off the shelf, it could be like $140--although you'd still be well under $1000 budget). Also, does not have disc brakes (and they can't be added).
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/bik/5887483084.html
Could be a good choice. You'll also have the issue of switching the drop handlebars, levers, and shifters as mentioned above.
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/bik/5907302512.html
This style of bike is sort of the typical casual comfort hybrid. Squishy seat, step-through frame. High rise stem for upright position. Rack.
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/bik/5922450595.html
The thing about vintage bikes is they are heavy. For relatively flat cities, it doesn't matter, but if you have lots of climbs, it's noticeable. Also, the gear shifting can need help, and sometimes getting a good tuning on the shifting is easy, but other times, the derailleur is just tweaked and has to be trashed. A lot of people convert vintage geared bikes to singlespeed commuters for simplicity.
https://altoona.craigslist.org/bik/5919415370.html
This new-vintage style of bike is going to be heavier than a more sporty bike. But, it'll also be a smooth/solid ride.
Good luck!
It shouldn't be hard to find a sub $400 bike to commute that distance on. My preference is for steel-frame bikes because they give a great comfy ride. There are many styles of bike that will serve your purpose.
In fact I did the same distance commute on a low-end mountain bike and had a great time even though it was hardly the ideal bike for commuting. When I bought that bike, my budget was also $400. Looking back, I wish I'd spent more and gotten a better bike because the commute made me fall in love with bikes again and I went out and spent twice that a little later. My commute was on a bike trail and there were few stops and starts. I'm guessing you'll have a lot of stop and start. You might need something geared lower than a road bike for that.
In traffic, I prefer a flatbar because my hand is right there by the brakes if needed and I like the greater stabiility. But I'm sure there are plenty of drop bar riders who have no trouble in the meanest traffic.
What kind of bike did you ride as a kid? You may be more comfortable on a style that you're familiar with, all other things being equal. What accessories/gear/clothing will you need (rack, water bottle cages, repair kit, visibility, etc.)? Do you plan on maintaining the bike or taking it to a shop? do you like to ride as fast as you can or do you prefer a more leisurely pace?
Just to get you started, here are some different bikes that might fit your needs. (I was impressed with the number of good bikes on craigslist in your area):
City Bikes
https://www.retrospecbicycles.com/products/kinney-flat?variant=9374985797
https://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/d/60cm-giant-rincon/6306319698.html
https://www.linusbike.com/products/rambler-7
http://breezerbikes.com/bikes/details/liberty-r-1-3-plus (way over $400)
Single Speed
https://www.brooklynbicycleco.com/collections/commuter-bikes/products/bedford-single (My fav bike to ride in city traffic is my single speed).
https://www.raleighusa.com/rush-hour-4973
Road Bikes
https://newyork.craigslist.org/stn/bik/d/new-like-miyata-classic-road/6306866055.html The narrow tires don't provide the stability offered by other bikes in this list.
https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/d/specialized-sequoia-touring/6287946883.html
MTB/Flatbar
http://civiacycles.com/bikes/venue
https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/d/giant-escape-3-bicycle/6302209792.html
https://newyork.craigslist.org/que/bik/d/specialized-sirrus-road-bike/6291789047.html
Folding
https://www.amazon.com/Dahon-Vybe-Folding-Obsidian-Fenders/dp/B00DYX1XOW. These are popular with people who have small apartments or have to carry the bike up a lot of stairs.
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(the list got out of hand, sorry. you would need to make sure any used bike is in sound working condition and fits you and it doesn't hurt to look at a few reviews on any bike you consider.)
Giant TCR is a pretty nice bike, and although the geometry is not endurance fit, it's not a TT or Tri bike. I'd keep it. If you want to bring up the handlebar or closer, you can change the stem. I don't think it's outright wrong. But, if you want more relaxed geometry, there are other options for sure.
I have the Origin8's ergo stems on two of bikes. Because the angle 35d rather than standard 7d, I can ride more upright.
Unless you strongy dislike the TCR's handling, that's what I'd do.
Between the Impulso and Synapse, I'd prob. take Synapse. (I had 2010 Synapse). To be honest, I don't know Impulso, but I do know Synapse is said to be the best alu. frame bike.
I don't know your budget, but I'd take a look at Trek Domane, Spec' Roubaix, Fuji Gran Fondo, Raleigh Clubman Disc or Record Ace, Giant Defy, Scott Contessa Speedster. One odd ball like Lapierre Sensium is also an endurance bike. (I happen to have Sensium 400, and love it.) If you can find Jamis Endura, Bosanova, try them too. Pretty every bike company has an endrance oriented bike and it's up to your budget and LBS's availability. For the money, Giant, Fuji, Scott are better values, IMHO.
I'd prob. pick a steel frame bike with Tiagra, like Raleigh Clubman Disc. A little more comfy than alu. frame, and Clubman is really made for group ride. 105 is nice but Tiagra, esp. current crop is very nice and fits your needs better.
one more thing- tbh, while i wait for my custom, i bought a really cheap mail order bike. it's got shimano claris components (basically the super bargain level of shimano stuff for road bikes) but the bike fits me pretty well and while I'm not breaking any speed or endurance records, it's worked out pretty well. (I'm 5'9" but have a 29" inseam which is short, so I got a size SMALL which is 53cm according to the frame). It's light enough, it's got a good feel from my novice perspective, and I slammed 50 miles on it with no issues at all the other day. Even the saddle, which I expected to SUCK, was actually decent.
It's a fair bit more than $330cad, but it might be something to think about for ya as an entry level road-ripper if that's what you're looking for. https://www.amazon.com/Tommaso-Endurance-Aluminum-Shimano-Claris/dp/B00LRSVPVM
But as many others will likely suggest, you could probably get a really sweet used bike for a decent price, too. Just remember that a lot of bike tools are /r/specializedtools/ so you'll likely need to bring any used bike you buy into your local bike shop to check every single component for performance and safety and that usually starts at $60 USD/ $79 CAD so there will always be an additional expense if you don't have the proper tools. To be fair, my mail order Tommaso I recommended didn't require anything other than some allen/hex keys, white lithium grease (for pedals) and an adjustable wrench to dial in and get road ready, so it's all up to what you feel comfortable with/what you want to do. Happy trails, brother!
That $1000 range is pretty ripe with options, lucky for you. Roads and paved trails definitely leaves you open to a road bike, not just a cyclocross bike. If the roads are really rough, you can move up to a 25mm or 28mm tire if need be, but you have the Bullit for any fun on dirt you could ever want to have.
Your desire for a rack, however, in some ways limits both road and cyclocross options, as it is likely you would like to have eyelets in the frame to mount racks (there are racks that don't require them, e.g. Axiom's Streamliner DLX). Both dedicated road and cyclocross bikes are usually designed for racing, so they often won't have the eyelets. The exceptions I know of are Trek's 1-series bikes, which may be your best road choice, and Specialized's Secteur, which has a more upright "endurance" geometry. I know of no dedicated cyclocross bikes with eyelets. There is a sort of "crossover genre" of... what would you call them... "sports cross" bikes? These are bikes like Specialized's Tricross and Trek's Crossrip. These bikes won't be as aggressive geometry or otherwise as either road or cyclocross bikes but may be suited to what you want.
As for sizing, I have a long ~35" inseam and ride a 58cm. Best thing I can recommend is going to a shop and trying out some bikes.
If you aren't going to bike in the winter, then an old road bike is definitely the better - not to mention much cooler looking - option. Simply because they are designed specifically for riding on pavement.
If you want to try riding in the winter, then you need a bike that can accommodate bigger, knobby tires, which very few road bikes can do. So I would definitely go for a mountain bike in that case. A mountain bike is fine for riding on the road for simple commuting purposes, even better if you get some more pavement appropriate tires like I mentioned.
As far as locks go I use this to lock my frame and front wheel to the bike rack/railing/whatever and I use this to secure my back wheel to the seat tube of my frame. Good bike locks are expensive, but it's worth the investment. I know the locks I suggested are going to add up to be almost as expensive as your bike, so feel free to look at similar options that might be a little easier on your wallet. College campuses tend to be VERY high bike theft areas so that's something to consider. I'm super paranoid about locking my bike up while I'm in class and always bring my bikes into my apartment when I'm home for the night simply because a determined thief with an angle grinder can get through any bike lock in a matter of seconds or minutes. It's really all about deterrence, making your bike a less attractive target than the bikes parked next to it. Once it's dark out and there's nobody around, the deterrence factor goes way down no matter how many high grade locks you use.
And no problem man, I'm always happy to help anybody get on a bike and start riding. Happy, safe riding man. Feel free to keep asking question if you have any.
For all-around utility and versatility, a hybrid/comfort bike is a good starter choice, as could be a used mountain bike (either of these types can handle light gravel and gentle off-road use). Try to avoid department store bikes—rather, companies like Giant/Liv, Raleigh, Specialized, Trek and others offer good quality. Riding around town, you don't need suspension (it reduces efficiency), so look for a rigid frame.
Around this time of year, many bike shops will be clearing out this year's models to make room for next year; see if you can snag something good there, as well as checking Craigslist.
With your height, you'll be looking for a Small frame (around 16 inches/40 centimeters—the height of the frame's seat tube).
I'd look for a good-quality basic bike—for example, here is Giant's entry-level $330 Sedona W—and kit it up with fenders and a rack at the very least. Fenders will run around $40, and a rack will cost $25-50 depending on the type. I'd also recommend getting a pair of folding baskets on either side of the rack, which will help you carry at least a full paper grocery bag on either side.
You'll also want lights; Serfas makes a good commuter light set that's about $40 for headlight and taillight.
I go to Davis too! :D
I would highly suggest a road bike if you're comfortable with that. When I switched from a mountain bike to a road bike during freshman year, it made a huge difference. My first road bike was this cheap one for $160 that a lot of people have:
http://amazon.com/GMC-Denali-Medium-Frame-Yellow/dp/B002GNWPK2
It was a great first bike and it really got me into cycling. It's only available in two sizes though so you'd probably need to be 5' 7" or taller depending on your leg size.
What price range are you looking for?
Thanks for the recommendations. I have looked a little bit at craigslist for my area but most of the things in my price range are basically walmart bikes people want to get rid of. Why are you so against the walmart bikes? I also found the same bike listed on amazon if that makes any difference. https://www.amazon.com/Kent-Thruster-700C-Fixie-Black/dp/B071JYHJ79/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=fixed+gear+bike&qid=1554153742&s=gateway&sr=8-6
I also asked my local bike shop if they had anything, and they are fantastic so hopefully they have something.
...do you have a 34" inseam? Also, that makes the bike insanely huge. If it fits you well, you will like it more than your small hybrid, if it's too large, you will not like it as much.
This would probably be a better option in your area: http://gainesville.craigslist.org/bik/2633832789.html
This cheap bike is well reviewed, and about the same price point: http://www.amazon.com/GMC-Denali-Medium-Frame-Yellow/dp/B002GNWPK2/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1318016080&amp;sr=1-1
If you want something to use for a year or so and then trash it one of those would be fine. I'd probably recommend something like this one on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AX4QDDU
Not from a cursory search. You'll likely have to get them built. Or if you have a co-op in your area, they can probably teach you how to do it yourself.
Parts list (good):
Parts list (better):
You may also want to swap solid axles for the hollow ones that come stock.
You can substitute disc hubs in order to make the wheels transferable to a newer frame.
On my large size Giant Escape 3, I have a Topeak Explorer MTX: http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-63107030-Explorer-Bike-Rack/dp/B000FIE3WI
I didn't shop around much, though, that's just what the LBS had in stock.
I did the install myself and it was pretty straightforward. The only tricky part was that you have to bend the front rails of the rack down to meet up with the seatstay mounting bolts, and make sure the rails give clearance for the "noodle" part of the rear brake.
Honestly, I wasn't expecting to find any bike that I would be willing to recommend. But I did find one. And one only. If you don't want to buy this bike, do not buy any other $400 bike from Amazon in order to do this trip. If you do buy this bike, do not buy any size other than the xl.
As this bike is going to come somewhat disassembled, keep in mind that you, or someone is going to have to finish assembling the bike.
http://www.amazon.com/Diamondback-Insight-Flat-Road-Bike/dp/B017TEZORS/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoor-recreation&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1462684459&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=bicycle&amp;refinements=p_36%3A-40000
I am recommending this with all due caution. Between it being a low end bike, and coming partially assembled, and the fact that it is a flat bar bike, which are not generally considered ideal for distance riding, it is difficult to enthusiastically recommend getting this bike. Some people have difficulty riding 10 miles on them without hand fatigue. There was a guy who posted recently who rode across the country on a flat bar bike. But you don't know if you will be able to do 60 mile days on a flat bar bike.
My suggestion would be to rent, or to buy a more expensive bike, and sell it afterwards, getting most or all your money back rather than buy a bike without getting a chance to even test ride it.
You could try these out before buying a new bike:https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-33617-Drop-Ends/dp/B0013G6PB8/
There is nothing wrong with buying a road specific bike, It will make quite a big different in geometry and weight. However, for commuting, thinner tires are a lot less comfortable, I switched from 25mm to 32mm to now 52mm. Never going back for commuting.
Most/any rack will likely be fine. I have a Topeak explorer tubular rack, it wasn't very costly and has held up well for the last four years or so I've been using it on my daily commutes.