Bicycle-makers Shift Gears
by Randy PolicarA radical idea is sweeping the world of American bicycle manufacturing: Building bikes that people will use for actual transportation.
After decades of promoting models designed for recreation, from full-suspension mountain bikes to ever-faster road bikes, industry heavyweights are now moving into commuters – rugged specimens made for riding to work.
It’s great to hear that more people are commuting by bike to work that bicycle manufacturers would change their marketing target from recreational to actual practical use. Read more about it HERE.
Interbike’s best feature was that most of the bike companies out there were catering to the commuter with bikes and accessories.
I think that companies like Kona and KHS paved the way with their commuter specific bikes that were AFFORDABLE. Yeah, most manufactures have ‘commuter’ bikes, but they are not as inexpensive. Sure, there are people that can afford the $600-$900 bikes, but as for me, if my $300 bike gets stolen or wrecked, it won’t hurt AS much. RL can answer this question:
Were the bikes at interbike designed with commuters in mind or were they designed as just a marketing fad?
I’m not crazy about the term “commuter bike”… to me, that suggests that there’s something about the design of these bikes that is specific only to getting between home and work. I like the term “utility bike.” It sounds more all-purpose, like you’re allowed to use it for errands and on weekends.
Moe,
The commuter bikes at Interbike ranged from fixies, SS, hybrids, road and mtn bikes. To answer your question, Yes! The commuter bikes were all priced within reasonable range. But I have to tell you, the SS,Fixies and Kona Smoke style bikes were the most popular as the types of bikes the mfg’s were offering.