commuting bike

tacomee

Cool bike less'go. I'd buy that bike for my wife if I could get it here in a minute! Your right, Europe is much more bike friendly than the US overall. Although there are tons of great bikes around, I'm always amazed with all the crappy bikes I see in Europe-- if it will petal, someone will ride it.

Many local bike shops in the US seem to really frown on riding cheaper or older bikes. I'm going to go tune up a Raleigh road bike tomarrow that's not ten years old that a bike shop told the owner that it was junk becuase it had a steel frame and a leather seat! (he tied to get it professionally serviced) We're talking about a bike that retailed for over $600 in '95, with alloy 700 wheels, lugged steel frame, 16 speed Shimano drivetrain (I think-- maybe 7 cogs in back?) alloy cranks, stem, seatpost, newer clipless petals. It's still a darn nice bike.

Here in America, that bike sits in the basement.

In Holland, a bike like that has been ridden thousands of kms, had 4 plus owners, been stolen twice, badly crashed at least once and some university student is still riding it everyday, smoking cigarettes with a huge backpack full of books on his back.

msrw

Hi less,go,

That old Gazelle belonging to your neighbor sounds like one of the Dutch Roadster models. Gazelle has a slightly more sporting line of ultility bikes that have tighter angles and livier handling--and which are more amenable to American tastes.

less'go

Absolutely. I see people of all shapes and sizes on bikes of the same description around here. There are of course plenty of "racer" lookin' dudes on super lightweight jobs with all the matching gear, and more power to them...

The there's the rank and file who use whatever they can get their hands on to go where they want to go. You should see some of the beaters around local campuses. But I think an old beater can have lots of character.

I love the description of the ductch bike, 4 owners, stolen twice (only twice?) and badly crashed atleast once. Except now maybe the rider you described has traded in the cigs for a cell phone, and the books for a portable Mac... or not).

Bikes are also not like cars in that they can be infinitely rebuilt, reassembled, etc. It's a pity that an LBS would turn down servicing an "old" bike from 1995. It's against the spirit of cycling, to me. But I'm just not into the newer, cooler, faster, lighter thing (see cycling dork column, I have no shame).

And Msrw, you're quite right about my neighbor's Gazelle, it's probably nearly as old as I am, and I'm sure they've improved a bit since then. I'm not that familiar with them, but maybe I'll take a closer look!

Sara

__________________
The six-pack will be mine...

sean000

I totally agree... it's a shame that there are so few options in the American bicycle market. Most people think of cycling only as recreation or sport in this country, and most practical bikes are not suitable for fast singletrack riding or road-racing. The problem is that a racing bike or a mountain bike isn't the most practical bike for commuting, running errands, or casual cruising.

My Rivendell Atlantis is an exceptionally practical bike, but an expensive one that I spec'd out myself for 700x37 wheels, fenders, and racks. Gazelle, Scheppschult (sp?) and other European bicycle companies offer great moderately priced bikes...fully loaded for commuting. It's just a shame you have to special order them in the states. Japan is another great producer of sensible bicycles. I'm sure many other countries are as well.

Sean

msrw

"It's just a shame you have to special order them in the states. Japan is another great producer of sensible bicycles. I'm sure many other countries are as well."



Well, the big advantage of high end utility/commuting bikes not being available in the States is that everyone in the States, when seeing one of the things, thinks it's an old three speed "English Racer," and doesn't give a thought to stealing it.

Although, in my experience, there was one exception to this. When I was commuting in Miami, I'd often cross paths with old black guys, who rode bicycles because they didn't have the money for a car. These were the only bicyclists in the entire city who immediately recognized the extraordinary utility of the Gazelle Touche they'd see me riding.

tacomee

msrw

Most utility bikes are desendents of the old British 3 speeds-- great old bikes. But now you can get a lighter frame, more gears, more built in features. I think this whole type bike has been out of favor here in the USA for quite some time.

Of course a few poor people still find those old 3 speeds at the Goodwill or the country dump and ride them. This kind of *beer biker* would know the value of a 7 speed hub right away.


sean000,

Yeah, Fuji makes a whole line of city bikes that I've ever seen in the USA-- it;s too darn bad-- I'd love to buy a Kobe!

james Haury

I would suggest a Dahon piccolo(3 speed internal hub) or possibly a speed P8(8 speed deraileur) . How far are you going? The reason for my reccomendation is thus, if the wether gets too crappy you can fold up these bicycles put them in a bike bag and take the bus or train if available. A speed P8 is better for longer distances or fun rides.Much however is dependent on how the Bike fits you. One more advantage of a good folder is you may be able to take it into the building with you for added security or check it till you leave at various establishments.