u/cheeseballgag

Because I've worked through all the rat men recs from r/romancebooks and would like to see more 😭

Hi, everyone! I've been considering purchasing a bike to commute to work a few days a week. I've been trying to do my research but I'm honestly kinda overwhelmed by the options and I'm hoping asking people directly might help me narrow things down.

So, I would be commuting maybe 3 days a week both to and from. The commute is 8 miles one way (so 16 total). These roads are all paved, in decent condition, and only has some mild inclines in certain places. It's mostly flat road, but very winding. I'm 5'6" and about 150lbs, fairly active but I'm more used to walking/jogging than cycling. I think my biggest concern with biking is maintaining balance more than endurance. I've walked this route before and it's not anything impossible, I'm just more worried about falling off the bike as it's been a while since I regularly cycled and I was never a regular rider when I did.

My budget is $1000 at the absolute most but obviously I would like to spend less than that and am more interested in budget options. I've looked into electric bikes but I'm really iffy on those because the added electrical components seem like they'd be more of a hassle to get service for when needed -- not discounting them, but probably won't go there. I'm also not super educated on add ons and accessories. I know I'll need at least some storage because I occasionally have to bring a laptop to work or take some groceries home but nothing crazier than that, and lighting so I can see and be visible when I work early mornings. ​

Any recommendations, advice or anything would be really appreciated!

Absolute dogwater teaching in clown town.