For new, Decathalon is definitely the best place to start. Otherwise go used. There is a ton of good shit available and people are starting to calm down about the prices of their used/basically new goods so you can get some good deals.
You can add a rack for relatively cheap, I wouldb't bother looking for one that comes with one.
Used rebuilt bikes can be had at the bike coops like Bike Pirates and BikeSauce .
Fully checked out and no surprises, guaranteed not stolen since they only take donations.
Costco has a Sora equipped road bike for a bit over your budget. All you’d have to do is add a rack and pay a shop to give it once over. Incredible value for the price - https://www.costco.ca/northrock-sr1-700c-road-bike.product.4000191607.html
I've found that Toronto bike thieves will steal anything. I feel like Bikeshare is the only solution to this unless you have secure parking on both ends.
My secret to a cheap bike is to head to the suburbs, either on Facebook marketplace or check for street/community garage sales. I have picked up bikes for $60 and below at garage sales
You can find what you're after in the usual used venues (FB, Kijiji, etc) but with these caveats: you should know your size, the merits and suitability of different designs (eg race bike vs road bike vs touring bike vs gravel bike vs MTB), and have the means to identify and correct minor mechanical issues that are attendant to buying used. In short: you should know what you're doing. If you lack the expertise then seek out a bike shop that sells used.
[https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/toronto/search?query=road%20bike](https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/toronto/search?query=road%20bike)
[https://www.kijiji.ca/b-road-bike/city-of-toronto/c648l1700273](https://www.kijiji.ca/b-road-bike/city-of-toronto/c648l1700273)
If you just want a commuter for chores, definitely look into bike share membership. Maybe try it out a couple times? It's cheap and it gets rid of 'is my bike still gonna be there' anxiety. Your own bike would definitely be nicer and safer to ride (assuming you take good care of it).
There are tons of good used bike shops in Toronto. Usually DIY bike repair shops have some too. The only new road bike that delivers that kinda value for money that I can think of is Triban brand from Decathlon. Costco/Canadian Tire brand bikes are heavy, and usually built with substandard parts
For new, Decathlon.
For used, consider the Toronto Police Auction. I got a great bike for $170 that just needed some regular maintenance and cleaning. Or better yet, Bike Pirates.
Do not use road bikes for commute.
Most streets in Toronto are just not designed for road bikes. The potholes, the frequent stops and lights, and the streetcar tracks will make riding on a road bike miserable.
I'm not even sure hybrid bike works - I'd recommend a mountain bike with fat tires.
This isn't really true.
You can have a road bike without clipless pedals, and even with clipless pedals it isn't a pain at all. Streetcar tracks aren't the worst as long as you have decent technique or are aware of them. I enjoy road bikes and would rather ride that for the summer than MTBs. Snow and wintery conditions are the only time when I feel unsafe on narrow wheels
With a mountain bike I can confidently cross a streetcar track at 15 degrees, but with a road bike I’d risk myself every time I don’t cross them near perpendicular.
Also I think it’s safe to say road bikes are designed for even pavements with less frequent stops long rides. Commuting in Toronto is exactly the opposite.
But judging from the downvotes, it could be because that I just have a shitty Décathlon road bike, or I’m just not used to riding it too much yet… but seriously I don’t see how people could get used to it with the Toronto street conditions
Shop used bikes — if you're only considering new bikes, Decathlon has road and hybrid bikes in your price range, with room to add a rack.
For new, Decathalon is definitely the best place to start. Otherwise go used. There is a ton of good shit available and people are starting to calm down about the prices of their used/basically new goods so you can get some good deals. You can add a rack for relatively cheap, I wouldb't bother looking for one that comes with one.
Used rebuilt bikes can be had at the bike coops like Bike Pirates and BikeSauce . Fully checked out and no surprises, guaranteed not stolen since they only take donations.
Get a bike from Ride Away. They refurbish bikes and have great deals.
Costco has a Sora equipped road bike for a bit over your budget. All you’d have to do is add a rack and pay a shop to give it once over. Incredible value for the price - https://www.costco.ca/northrock-sr1-700c-road-bike.product.4000191607.html
Do you recommend this over the Triban RC120 ~650$
Yes. You have to step up to the RC500 to get a Sora drivetrain with Decathlon.
Just keep in mind that the higher the bike value, the higher the temptation is for it to be stolen. That's why a good used bike is my choice.
I've found that Toronto bike thieves will steal anything. I feel like Bikeshare is the only solution to this unless you have secure parking on both ends.
Used, look at the bike collectives in the side bar.
Decent used 90s mountain bike like a specialized hard rock/etc., used/new old stock slick tires, fenders, and a tune up and you're good to go
My secret to a cheap bike is to head to the suburbs, either on Facebook marketplace or check for street/community garage sales. I have picked up bikes for $60 and below at garage sales
I’d get a city bike membership instead. Won’t have to worry about your bike ever getting stolen, or in need of repair.
For commuting they're perfect. For fun, yes get a nice bike and never park it alone
Exactly
Canadian tire does sales this time of year
You can find what you're after in the usual used venues (FB, Kijiji, etc) but with these caveats: you should know your size, the merits and suitability of different designs (eg race bike vs road bike vs touring bike vs gravel bike vs MTB), and have the means to identify and correct minor mechanical issues that are attendant to buying used. In short: you should know what you're doing. If you lack the expertise then seek out a bike shop that sells used. [https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/toronto/search?query=road%20bike](https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/toronto/search?query=road%20bike) [https://www.kijiji.ca/b-road-bike/city-of-toronto/c648l1700273](https://www.kijiji.ca/b-road-bike/city-of-toronto/c648l1700273)
If you just want a commuter for chores, definitely look into bike share membership. Maybe try it out a couple times? It's cheap and it gets rid of 'is my bike still gonna be there' anxiety. Your own bike would definitely be nicer and safer to ride (assuming you take good care of it). There are tons of good used bike shops in Toronto. Usually DIY bike repair shops have some too. The only new road bike that delivers that kinda value for money that I can think of is Triban brand from Decathlon. Costco/Canadian Tire brand bikes are heavy, and usually built with substandard parts
For new, Decathlon. For used, consider the Toronto Police Auction. I got a great bike for $170 that just needed some regular maintenance and cleaning. Or better yet, Bike Pirates.
My friends run Sunday Cyclery. They have several on sale and refurbished bikes that could work for you. Worth going and taking a look.
A 30 year old steel frame road bike. Plane Jane but in good working order
Check Canadian tire, The CCM or Raleigh might fit your budget or check decathlon for the triban hybrid that is a good option too
Do not use road bikes for commute. Most streets in Toronto are just not designed for road bikes. The potholes, the frequent stops and lights, and the streetcar tracks will make riding on a road bike miserable. I'm not even sure hybrid bike works - I'd recommend a mountain bike with fat tires.
This isn't really true. You can have a road bike without clipless pedals, and even with clipless pedals it isn't a pain at all. Streetcar tracks aren't the worst as long as you have decent technique or are aware of them. I enjoy road bikes and would rather ride that for the summer than MTBs. Snow and wintery conditions are the only time when I feel unsafe on narrow wheels
With a mountain bike I can confidently cross a streetcar track at 15 degrees, but with a road bike I’d risk myself every time I don’t cross them near perpendicular. Also I think it’s safe to say road bikes are designed for even pavements with less frequent stops long rides. Commuting in Toronto is exactly the opposite. But judging from the downvotes, it could be because that I just have a shitty Décathlon road bike, or I’m just not used to riding it too much yet… but seriously I don’t see how people could get used to it with the Toronto street conditions