First bike for commuting

[Carlos.M]

I have been looking for a bike for commuting (7 kms one way) but I don't have any experience or solid knowledge about brands or models. I visited 99 bikes and they recommended this bike

1 - https://www.99bikes.com.au/bike18-merid ... ellow-grey

I also visited Giant and they recommended this bike

2.- https://www.giant-bicycles.com/au/cross ... ipped-2019

I haven't been able to ride them but I would like to know if anybody of you have experience with this brands or what are your thoughts about them.

I am basically looking for a bike within that range of price, just for commuting. I am not able to see big differences between both bikes, weather Trek or shimano breaks which one is better.

Thank you all.

[StevOz]

Both are good, though the Giant seems a better deal as you get a rear rack and mudguards for the same price.

[10speedsemiracer]

Another option is the Reid Urban in X3 trim which has better spec than either the Giant or the Merida :





https://www.reidcycles.com.au/urban-x3.html

[adsjax]

Or this

https://www.bicyclesonline.com.au/2018- ... -city-bike

[Thoglette]

Another option is the Reid Urban in X3 trim which has better spec than either the Giant or the Merida :

Except for the lack of front eyelets -> hard to fit mudguards

[10speedsemiracer]

Another option is the Reid Urban in X3 trim which has better spec than either the Giant or the Merida :

Except for the lack of front eyelets -> hard to fit mudguards

No eyelet although there is a mounting point further up the fork (ideally for a rack)...I think Reid stock a Zefal mudguard set to suit..

Reasoning behind my suggestion of the Reid is that for the same $s the Reid has a complete Deore drivetrain versus a mix of Tourney/Altus/Sunrace (Merida) and Tourney/Acera on the Giant which has Tektro braking (not a fan). But the Giant does give you a set of guards/racks which OP would find of value if wet-weather commuting is planned.

[am50em]

I have Urban X3 from last year and there is an eyelet for front mudguard. Have they changed the fork design?

[10speedsemiracer]

I have Urban X3 from last year and there is an eyelet for front mudguard. Have they changed the fork design?

Had to check, but found it, you were right.

The Reid does in fact have an eyelet for guard mounting, sorry...

[Thoglette]

The Reid does in fact have an eyelet for guard mounting, sorry...

Ah, my mistake - I see it now. I apologise to all.

[Bendo]

Or if the OP doesn't want a bike that looks like a dementor and forces them to ride with elbows extended sideways, there's this:

https://www.tokyobike.com.au/buy-bikes/bisou-moss-green

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