the_mac

My old commute was 7.5 miles (each way) and I would normally just use my roadie with racks and panniers, but I'm going to be on a consulting job out-of-town for a month and think I'll just treat myself to a new bike while I'm there and bring it home with me (instead of bringing along my roadie).

Since it's a shorter commute, how does this look:
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...1_20000__61000

I figure that it'll be laid back and nice for short trips around work or the hotel I'll be staying as well, and I'd prefer to buy a bike instead of rent a car. I'll be very chill about the lack of foot-retention on this one, and wouldn't be in a rush to put on clipless pedals. I'll be in Charlotte, NC and they have a performance bike there, and ~$400 - $500 is about what I would be comfortable spending.

Any suggestions for a performancebike-bike that would be good for a shorter commute in charlotte?

Also: still undecided on whether to bring my panniers or just a messenger bag, sway me?

X-LinkedRider

It's a 4 mile commute. You can buy a tricycle if you want.

Artkansas 

What are your long term plans for the bike?

If you just want to use a bike there, I'd favor just getting a used one at a thrift shop and leave it there.

mikeybikes

+1

the_mac

It's a one-month job that may turn into a permanent engagement, in which case I would keep the bike and move all my other bikes and such down to join it. Currently have a roadie and a full suspension mountain bike, so this would fill a gap as a relaxed short-distance cruiser. Something that I could ride at a leisurely pace with the ladies.

If it turns out that it's only for a month, I'll either have the bike shipped home if I really love it and can't bear to part, or I'll gift it to a friend in town.

Mostly, it's an excuse to get a cruiser-style bike. But are cruisers only really decent for a mile or two?

the_mac

It's a 4-mile commute, most people buy an SUV, but you could get away with just a decent pair of walking shoes. It's short enough that it's a legitimate walk.

mikeybikes

Its four miles. You'll be on the bike at most 30 minutes. Nothing wrong with riding a cruiser for that long or longer.

mondaycurse

GMC Yukon. Never know what you'll have to carry to work.

GeorgePaul

It depends on the bike, but I ride my 3 speed Electra Townie for hours at a time.

Mos6502

Why don't you do the earth a favor and buy an old bike for a fraction of the cost of that new one?

El Lobo

I was going to give you a hard time about buying a new bike for a 4 mile commute, but that Scattante is kind of cool looking. Go for it. I got an old bike but to each his own.

Ride on.

Lobo

mojopt

+10 on the Scattante

frpax

I think the Scattante is cool, and would be fine.

On the other hand, why not just ride one of your current bikes? Or, are you just itching to get something new?

agarose2000

I disagree with all the folks who think the bike totally doesn't matter for your commute. Most people assume that it doesn't, go and buy a Walmart or ill-fitting used bike without any research, and then quickly give up on commuting by bike when shifting doesn't work well, wheels go untrue, chains fall off, etc.

The Scattante you chose should avoid all those problems, and may even get you fired up about riding your bike beyond the limits of work commuting. If you can afford it, go for it.

(Ok, it's true that from a strictly utilitarian purpose, yes, even a bad bicycle would get the job done to get from point A to point B, but you shouldn't take this route unless you absolutely can't spare any money for a bike and already don't drive. If you drive, don't go this route - you'll just end up driving since you'll hate that bike so much.)

JPprivate

You gonna like those coaster brakes for a short commute like that!!

Grim

You planning into a local store and buy it on the spot? Better call ahead because they may not have your size in stock. They will however do free shipping to store if you buy on line I believe.

Neat looking bike. I have not heard anything good or bad about that SRAM 7speed

seenoweevil

Looks like a nice bike. I'm a little leary about those flat fenders in application, but I bet it would be a fun ride for your purposes. Enjoy!

Chris Pringle

The Scattante Roma Classico is a really nice bike. Did you know that they also have a mixte version of this bike?
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...551_1072893_-1___

The mixte is quite sweet with some beautiful curvy lines. The "women" label is just a marketing thing. Any man can ride it and look nice on it. Besides, it will be easy to get in and out if you're going to be commuting. Plus I think the mixte frame will retain its value over the years should you decide to keep it. Either way you go, I think you'll be happy.

I would not discard the option of a used bicycle, as others have mentioned. Perhaps you'll stumble upon a nice classic or vintage bike in N.C. that you may want to bring home. I recently renovated an 83 Nishiki and it's the best bike in my stable. Love it!

Good luck!

mtalinm

or a scooter, unless there are hills...

if you'll be a consultant maybe you want to spring for a folder so you can leave it in your car while you're out of town?

FR4NCH1SE

The bike the op posted was very nice. Since you have the money go for it, its a good frame and easy maintenance and I am assuming a decent weight for that type of bike and it has gears.

prxmid

Seems like it fits a hole in your stable, good choice for the situation and you can't beat the price. If nothing else other people will use it when they come to your house, and I bet you end up using it for day to day errands

rumrunn6

nice looking bike! classy