Bike for Commute

[ManiKay]

I am a relative newbie to cycling. I own a cheap Giant bike which I have used in the past for leisure. Due to a change of jobs, I am thinking of buying a bike for the commute of around 30 minutes one way, around 8km.

Asking people at work has been frustrating as seasoned bike commuters recommend $2-3K bikes which I can neither afford nor my interests match long cycling.

I want a relative entry-level bike which I can commute with, part on medium traffic 60KPH roads and part on 50KPH quiet back roads. My max budget would be $1k, though I would love to know how cost works for bike quality. On the odd occasion, I may use the bike for some riding around Hornsby area.

Please help me with your recommendation.

[Thoglette]

Use the search, Luke.

There's been half a dozen similar threads recently and worth going through.
Commuter specific
Commuter bike suggestions
Help me choose a commuter bike for $250-350
Looking for a commuter upgrade for the missus - advice
Closely related : the all-rounder/light-tourer hunt
Recommend an all rounder
General mid-distance bike
Help for Inexpensive Light Touring Bike Option.
Thoughts on modern mass produced 650B randonneurs

Plus
Help purchasing first bike.
Suggestions on which bicycle to buy

[fergy1987]

Why not commute on the old giant and see if you even want to do it? Turn it into a real commuting machine

[bychosis]

What is your old giant? Some new tyres and a thorough service might make it suitable to ride. A fast bike won’t make a lot of diffference over 8km, a couple of minutes possibly. I’ve commuted 6-7km on all sorts of bikes and it’s not a lot of difference.

[Mububban]

I am a relative newbie to cycling. I own a cheap Giant bike which I have used in the past for leisure. Due to a change of jobs, I am thinking of buying a bike for the commute of around 30 minutes one way, around 8km.

Asking people at work has been frustrating as seasoned bike commuters recommend $2-3K bikes which I can neither afford nor my interests match long cycling.

I want a relative entry-level bike which I can commute with, part on medium traffic 60KPH roads and part on 50KPH quiet back roads. My max budget would be $1k, though I would love to know how cost works for bike quality. On the odd occasion, I may use the bike for some riding around Hornsby area.

Please help me with your recommendation.

Yep, I'm curious to see what model your Giant is. Perhaps that $1000 could go on some really nice strong wheels that'll make the bike feel like a whole new machine?

Otherwise for $1000 or under, if you don't feel confident buying second hand, explore the relevant priced model of the following models. All are flat bar, not drop bar, and should have the ability to install mudguards and/or a rear rack for carrying clothes and lunch etc when commuting:
- Giant Cross City
- Trek FX
- Malvern Star Sprint
- Apollo Exceed

None of these bikes have suspension forks as they're not required for commuting and just add weight.
Look under the "urban/city/commuter" heading on bike store and brand websites.

[Zippy7]

Same as what others have already said.
If you want to try commuting, then just get on your existing bike and do it.
The money can be spent on a nice backpack, or pannier racks & bags, and wheels/tyres, lights, etc.
If you get stuck into it, you'll get fitter and then maybe want something nicer for the weekend (if you choose to go that way).

[opik_bidin]

Search in gumtree, here are some that I think are good(know your size and measurement first):

Kuota triathlon bike
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/queens- ... 1160662869

Cervelo road bike
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/mona-va ... 1188700656

Giant Defy 3 XS
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/concord ... 1169112260

Malvern Star Oppy A4 2011
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/sydney- ... 1187312832

QR racing bike
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/hornsby ... 1134742068

Merida Juliet 94 Ride Lite (2013) - XXS (44cm)
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/eastwoo ... 1188075033

BMC SLT 01 SIZE 51
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/surry-h ... 1187430350

Giant AnyRoad bicycle - perfect for commuting & off-road!
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/bondi-b ... 1183519439

Giant OCT Bike
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/colyton ... 1187276773

APOLLO CONCORD 14 SPEED. Late 1980’s-90’s BIKE.
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/forest- ... 1187298974

[Meto500]

I absolutely love my Jamis ventura comp.
some stores still have older stock for 899. 50% of retail price. good entry bike.
I am new to cycling but I believe Jamis are a respected brand