commuting bike

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by chriswilcox
Hi
What is the best type of commuting bike

I need to get a new one as Ive had mone for 10 years

Chris

A cheap one? I've always had used bikes I bought from collage kids and yard sales-- both MT and road. It's so much an issue of personal choice. My advice is to buy used becuase used bikes aint worth [censored] unless the're high end and even then they are tough to sell. I think lots of guys get their friends into cycling becuase they want to sell them their $1200 bike for $800 and buy a new $2400 one.

As long as you don't spend a ton of cash on a bike, you can always sell or give it away if you want a new one.

Best commuting bike? Without question, a Gazelle. They have a full line of internally geared, fendered, chain-cased, racked, upright commuting bikes that have design and build quality comparable to the best racing bikes (but, of course, designed and built for commuting). Check out www.gazelle.nl

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by msrw
Best commuting bike? Without question, a Gazelle. They have a full line of internally geared, fendered, chain-cased, racked, upright commuting bikes that have design and build quality comparable to the best racing bikes (but, of course, designed and built for commuting). Check out www.gazelle.nl

I'd agree on the Gazelle (or a number of other hand built commuter bikes made in Europe) These bikes are pricey but are very good.

Some of the trouble here in the USA is that bikes are geared almost totally towards sport. Don't get me wrong, I like racing and exstreme cycling in all its forms, but there's a heck of a lot more to cycling that that.

Rich guys in Europe buy these big high-style commuting bikes with fenders, racks, dyno-hubs, everything-but the kitchen sink built in. Kind of like an $60,000 SUV type of bike.

Rich guys here in the USA buy racing bikes-- even though they are 35 and over and fat! (like me) Guys come on this board weighing 220lbs +++ and worry about buying a light weight wheel set. Dude, you have an extra bike hanging from each cheek of your ass! Cutting 500 grams off the wheels of you bike it's a solution. A spendy light weight bike isn't going to change that and it makes you look like a dork.

A bike like the Gazelle is perfect for any gentlemen or lady of wealth and taste.

Just to add to the above post...

A high end Gazelle utility bike, something like a Davos or a Touche (with fenders, dynamo, chaincase, internal gears, hub brakes, aluminum frame etc), a bike that will last forever, require extremely little maintenance, and perform as a commuter as well as a Colnago performs as a racing bike sells for about US$800. In other words, not much.

I'm not sure how the myth of the pricey European utility bicycle got started in the States, but it certainly isn't based on reality. Even the most basic, garden variety mountain bike sells for more than $800.

Along with the previous poster, I am equally mystified that the American bicycle market supplies only mountain bikes and road racing bikes--even recreational road bikes and the so-called commuter/comfort bikes are basically performance road bikes or mountain bikes. Which totally misses the needs of most of the market.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by msrw
Just to add to the above post...

A high end Gazelle utility bike, something like a Davos or a Touche (with fenders, dynamo, chaincase, internal gears, hub brakes, aluminum frame etc), a bike that will last forever, require extremely little maintenance, and perform as a commuter as well as a Colnago performs as a racing bike sells for about US$800. In other words, not much.

I'm not sure how the myth of the pricey European utility bicycle got started in the States, but it certainly isn't based on reality. Even the most basic, garden variety mountain bike sells for more than $800.

Along with the previous poster, I am equally mystified that the American bicycle market supplies only mountain bikes and road racing bikes--even recreational road bikes and the so-called commuter/comfort bikes are basically performance road bikes or mountain bikes. Which totally misses the needs of most of the market.

Some of the trouble is that Americans have a really narrow view of what you could use a bike for, unlike places like India and China, were bikes are used for everything or even Europe, were cycling is an intergrated part of the overall transportation grid.

Of course the suburban US isn't really built for bike riding either-- too many big feeder roads with too many cars all trying to merge on the freeway.

And even at a thousand bucks, a bike is still dirt cheap transportation compared to a car-- driving costs 30 cents per mile plus (according to the IRS). So almost any bike pays for itself rather quicky if it replaces driving.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by chriswilcox
Hi
What is the best type of commuting bike

I need to get a new one as Ive had mone for 10 years

Chris

Also, don't forget Breezer's line of town bikes. They have features similar to the Gazelle bikes. Check them out:

www.breezerbikes.com

Breezers are not in the same league as Gazelles, although they do aim at the same to serve the same needs.

The Breezer people are aware that their bikes don't make use of some of the more useful design features of European utility bikes, for example, hub brakes, chain cases, and if memory serves, internal gearing.

When last I spoke to Breezer they told me that although they know that these things would enhance the utility of their bikes, U.S. dealers were largely against gearing, braking systems and other features that were significantly different from other bikes in their inventory. If this is true, it represents a breathtaking misreading of the latent and unfulfilled needs of their market.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by msrw
Breezers are not in the same league as Gazelles, although they do aim at the same to serve the same needs.

The Breezer people are aware that their bikes don't make use of some of the more useful design features of European utility bikes, for example, hub brakes, chain cases, and if memory serves, internal gearing.

When last I spoke to Breezer they told me that although they know that these things would enhance the utility of their bikes, U.S. dealers were largely against gearing, braking systems and other features that were significantly different from other bikes in their inventory. If this is true, it represents a breathtaking misreading of the latent and unfulfilled needs of their market.

I don't know msrw, Breezers do have most of everything a good city bike should have, like built in lighting, chain guard, internal hub gearing, great racks, fenders.... overall they are a pretty sweet bike.

You're right about bike re-sellers, however, most ofthe good ones are rather small and don't like to take risks with new product lines. Also bike shops are filled with guys who have way to much testosterone to every be caught dead riding a bike with a bell on it, or even a bike over 30 lbs....

[QUOTE][i] Also bike shops are filled with guys who have way to much testosterone to every be caught dead riding a bike with a bell on it, or even a bike over 30 lbs.... [/B][/QUOTE]

Disagree on that figure. Usually it's something like 25 lbs :p.

Checked out the Gazelle website, and was duly impressed. They have thought of everything (even the skirt guards). Wish US urban planners had thought about the design of communities.

We'd have alot less pollution, congestion, road rage, big f*#@ing single-occupancy sport utes, and [censored] that drive jacked-up pick ups with their requisite US flag sticker that shows how great they think America is and that they support our troops, even though they use the greatest amount of natural resources, and perpetuate US dependence on oil from the Middle East because our auto manufacturers can't seem to get it through their stupid heads that bigger is not better, so we send those US troops to war to sustain an unsustainable American standard of living. Oh, but we're liberating Iraq. Yes, it's Operation Iraqi Liberation (OIL).

Sorry for the rant. Belongs in "my bloody soapbox," but we're all commuters here, aren't we?

But anyway, where can I get a Gazelle in the US, and how much am I going to pay for one? Breezer dealers can be found in nearly every state and prices for their town bikes start at $400. Sure you may be able to order one, but who's going to fix it. Better to buy from a local bike shop and help the local economy.

Gazelles aren't distributed in the States. I've discussed this with their export manager--Gazelle is concerned about the overly aggressive litigatory environment in the U.S.

I bought two of them from Cycle Heaven in York, England. It was relatively easy. The owner of Cycle Heaven is Andy Shrimpton--very nice guy. If you're interested, his web site is www.cycle-heaven.co.uk.

If you're used to standard high end, high maintenance bikes, it may seem like a significant issue that these bikes aren't sold in the States. However, in the two years I've had these things (both bikes have been ridden daily), I haven't had any major problem, and have not had to perform anything other than the most minimal maintenance. The coat guard on one of the bike broke--Cycle Heaven sent me a new one. Small parts that aren't available in the U.S. (like drum brake shoes) can be ordered from the UK with no great difficulty.

Breezers are good bikes, but the difference between a Breezer and the better Gazelle utility bikes is the difference between the best execution of the utility bike design, and an average execution thereof. I've ridden both--the Gazelle is worth the relatively modest extra cost.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by msrw
Gazelles aren't distributed in the States. I've discussed this with their export manager--Gazelle is concerned about the overly aggressive litigatory environment in the U.S.

I bought two of them from Cycle Heaven in York, England. It was relatively easy. The owner of Cycle Heaven is Andy Shrimpton--very nice guy. If you're interested, his web site is www.cycle-heaven.co.uk.

If you're used to standard high end, high maintenance bikes, it may seem like a significant issue that these bikes aren't sold in the States. However, in the two years I've had these things (both bikes have been ridden daily), I haven't had any major problem, and have not had to perform anything other than the most minimal maintenance. The coat guard on one of the bike broke--Cycle Heaven sent me a new one. Small parts that aren't available in the U.S. (like drum brake shoes) can be ordered from the UK with no great difficulty.

Breezers are good bikes, but the difference between a Breezer and the better Gazelle utility bikes is the difference between the best execution of the utility bike design, and an average execution thereof. I've ridden both--the Gazelle is worth the relatively modest extra cost.

You may be right to go with the Gazelle-- The Breezer Villager is around $650 US wich isn't cheap. I've always thought that when I person is spending big money on a bike they should try yo get exactly what they want, becuase you can get some old bike a a garage sale for cheap if you wish to settle for less.

I'm quite sure you can get hub brake shoes here in the US-- it's Shimano parts, right? I've also heard that Shimano is working a the next generation of Nexis hub-- with 21 speeds!?! This will mean that the derailer is toast in my book.

Re drum brake shoes in the States.....

One of the Gazelles has a Sram internal hub with Sram drum brake--easier to find parts for that in the UK.

The other Gazelle has Shimano roller brakes, which are now being sold in the States. Great brakes, by the way. Have the stopping power of disks with MUCH less maintenance.

The newest Nexis internal hub I've heard of has 8 gears. I'd be curious to see what a hub with 21 gears would cost. The Rohloff with 14 gears (which, by the way, is an exceptional piece of equipment) sells for about US$ 800.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by tacomee
Some of the trouble is that Americans have a really narrow view of what you could use a bike for, unlike places like India and China, were bikes are used for everything or even Europe, were cycling is an intergrated part of the overall transportation grid.

I hear yah tacomee. To most people in the U.S., the bicycle is a children's toy (every child learns, right?), or used for weekend jaunts around the neighborhood park. I try to do my part to spread the "good word" of the many uses of the bicycle by, what else, cycling everywhere.

Interesting discussion here. There are a lot of us who want a multi-purpose, functional bike. Mine's a cheapo dreamboat, less than 200 bucks, new. Use it for commuting and errands, and consequently, for excercise and fun.

Neighbor has an old Gazelle. Have tried it. It's handsome and a well made bike, but very heavy (hills are a b@tch) and not very manoevrable. That said, it's one of those bikes that you love as an object and become attached to. I'd think twice about buying one in the States as my everyday bike, unless I really knew how to do basic maintenance myself (which I for one do not).

In Europe there do seem to be a lot more bikes for average folks who have no ambition to race or look excessively cool. Just bikes for everyday use.

Trying to attach a picture of mine, from the Go SPort catalogue. I've purchased soft saddle bags, a childseat (that I can remove, but it's also very practical for hauling things like 6 packs of 1 liter water bottles, big bag of groceries, etc.). Basket on the front is standard. You can add all kinds of stuff, like skirt guards, if you want, although I would no more wear a skirt to bike than I would to ride a motorcycle.

So here she is, the one on the top. The one on the bottom looks nice too. And for under 200$, if it gets stolen (happens a lot) I'll be sad, but not ruined.

Pedal, pedal, pedal, pedal....

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.

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.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by tacomee
if it will petal, someone will ride it.

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

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by msrw
Just to add to the above post...

I'm not sure how the myth of the pricey European utility bicycle got started in the States, but it certainly isn't based on reality. Even the most basic, garden variety mountain bike sells for more than $800.

Along with the previous poster, I am equally mystified that the American bicycle market supplies only mountain bikes and road racing bikes--even recreational road bikes and the so-called commuter/comfort bikes are basically performance road bikes or mountain bikes. Which totally misses the needs of most of the market.

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

"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.