Comments on: Bikes for the rest of us http://www.commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/ Tips, Hints, Reviews and Safety for Bike Commuters Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:00:59 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Paul Barrow http://www.commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/comment-page-1/#comment-117747 Paul Barrow Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:43:36 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/#comment-117747 Hi guy's, Greetings from the UK. I've got a decent hybrid, an Optima Richmond, made by the Falcon Company. It's got 18 gears (twist grip Shimano) and comes with mudguards (fenders) and rear luggage rack. All I bought were lights. I paid.£140 last summer and the shop owner even threw in a lock. I cycle to work and back in Canterbury, about seven miles each way plus other trips with no complaints or problems. Hi guy’s,

Greetings from the UK. I’ve got a decent hybrid, an Optima Richmond, made by the Falcon Company. It’s got 18 gears (twist grip Shimano) and comes with mudguards (fenders) and rear luggage rack. All I bought were lights. I paid.£140 last summer and the shop owner even threw in a lock. I cycle to work and back in Canterbury, about seven miles each way plus other trips with no complaints or problems.

]]> By: Chris L. http://www.commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/comment-page-1/#comment-113470 Chris L. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:23:45 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/#comment-113470 I ride a Specialized Hard Rock ($300?) with an upgraded Shimano chain. ($30?) Part of my commute is light off road (i.e. grass median for 1/2 mile) due to an area being under construction. I used to ride this bike on single track off-road trails (over 300 miles worth). Truly it really isn't quite up to the task of being a true off-road bike but it will do that if you force it to. It makes a perfect urban cruiser though. Overall I've put around 1000 miles on the bike. I'm thinking about getting new shifter cables. I ride a Specialized Hard Rock ($300?) with an upgraded Shimano chain. ($30?) Part of my commute is light off road (i.e. grass median for 1/2 mile) due to an area being under construction. I used to ride this bike on single track off-road trails (over 300 miles worth). Truly it really isn’t quite up to the task of being a true off-road bike but it will do that if you force it to. It makes a perfect urban cruiser though. Overall I’ve put around 1000 miles on the bike. I’m thinking about getting new shifter cables.

]]> By: lady clay http://www.commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/comment-page-1/#comment-112383 lady clay Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:46:20 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/#comment-112383 My husband has been riding a KHS Urban X for the last couple of years, and it's been rock solid - chain guard, fenders, rack, and it all comes to $439 at current prices. http://www.khsbicycles.com/06_urban_x_09.htm My husband has been riding a KHS Urban X for the last couple of years, and it’s been rock solid – chain guard, fenders, rack, and it all comes to $439 at current prices.

http://www.khsbicycles.com/06_urban_x_09.htm

]]> By: Jeannie Ceciliani http://www.commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/comment-page-1/#comment-91245 Jeannie Ceciliani Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:21:08 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/#comment-91245 I got the Giant Suede DX-W (road-gray color). I got the Giant Suede DX-W (road-gray color).

]]> By: Coffee Joe http://www.commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/comment-page-1/#comment-91167 Coffee Joe Mon, 08 Sep 2008 04:21:43 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/#comment-91167 I'm sorry, I meant 700c tires, not 21". Did you get the Suede or the Tran Send: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/women/589/29359/ I’m sorry, I meant 700c tires, not 21″. Did you get the Suede or the Tran Send:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/women/589/29359/

]]> By: Jeannie Ceciliani http://www.commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/comment-page-1/#comment-91120 Jeannie Ceciliani Sun, 07 Sep 2008 19:15:54 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/#comment-91120 Thanks Coffee Joe; What do you mean by 21" wheels? both have 26" tires (sorry, I'm just getting back into all this) Here's the DX-W specs http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/women/1271/29320/ ----------------------- Here's the Electra http://www.electrabike.com/townie/ It's the Townie Cummuter 21 - the red ladies one, for specs you must click on 'specs' - they're near the rear rack on the picture of it. Thanks, Jeannie from Oregon Thanks Coffee Joe; What do you mean by 21″ wheels? both have 26″ tires (sorry, I’m just getting back into all this)

Here’s the DX-W specs

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/women/1271/29320/

———————–

Here’s the Electra

http://www.electrabike.com/townie/

It’s the Townie Cummuter 21 – the red ladies one, for specs you must click on ‘specs’ – they’re near the rear rack on the picture of it.

Thanks,
Jeannie from Oregon

]]> By: Coffee Joe http://www.commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/comment-page-1/#comment-91105 Coffee Joe Sun, 07 Sep 2008 17:10:57 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/#comment-91105 I think you did fine, the Giant is a better bike. The Giant has 21" wheels that roll better, and does not have that fork that adds weight and not very useful on this kind of bike - you put very little body weight on the bars. You can always add a rack and fenders and LED lights with rechargable batteries and still be ahead. Both shifters work equally well, and that generator in the front hub is not only heavy, it is adding drag whether the lights are on or off. I think you did fine, the Giant is a better bike. The Giant has 21″ wheels that roll better, and does not have that fork that adds weight and not very useful on this kind of bike – you put very little body weight on the bars. You can always add a rack and fenders and LED lights with rechargable batteries and still be ahead. Both shifters work equally well, and that generator in the front hub is not only heavy, it is adding drag whether the lights are on or off.

]]> By: Jeannie Ceciliani http://www.commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/comment-page-1/#comment-91098 Jeannie Ceciliani Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:23:01 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/#comment-91098 I just bought a GIANT TranSend DX-W; and I'm "going crazy" wondering if THIS is better than the Townie Commuter 21 or not. The shifter on the DW-W are SRAM 3.0 comp twisters and the Electra has the Sh.Revo twisters. Townie comes with fenders, rack, lights and the front hub somehow makes the front light stay lit. $599 Electra $390 GIANT - I now have to add fenders, lights, rack, basket, etc. Any/all feedback is appreciated. From what I read, the GIANT may have slightly better components?? Thanks for all replies. I just bought a GIANT TranSend DX-W; and I’m “going crazy” wondering if THIS is better than the Townie Commuter 21 or not. The shifter on the DW-W are SRAM 3.0 comp twisters and the Electra has the Sh.Revo twisters. Townie comes with fenders, rack, lights and the front hub somehow makes the front light stay lit.

$599 Electra
$390 GIANT – I now have to add fenders, lights, rack, basket, etc.

Any/all feedback is appreciated. From what I read, the GIANT may have slightly better components??
Thanks for all replies.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/comment-page-1/#comment-87282 Anonymous Wed, 06 Aug 2008 02:19:27 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/#comment-87282 I currently ride 10-15 miles a day in Manhattan. My beloved Bianchi Milano was stolen last week. It is a great commuter, and I especially liked being able to click down a gear while stopped at a light. After 2 hellish days on a beater, I was shopping around again, but this time I wanted to find something low-budget. As always, I wanted something that looks like a classic women's bike, step-thru and upright, but able to perform with good nip and pickup for urban riding, and can also haul groceries. The Schwinn Coffee and KHS Green both have a cool yet populist feel (and price) that helps to promote cycling in general, but ultimately a 3-speed just doesn't cut it for me because NYC is stop-and-start, and I end up starting up in high gear, which is hard on my knee. If a 3-speed is all you need, KHS Green deserves a test ride, it is a bike that is making a strong statement at $299 or less, but fenders, bell and kickstand are all extra, making it the same as the Coffee. Long story short, I bit the bullet and got a Giant Tran Send DX W for $450. No chainguard on the DX, but extras such as the compass and birchwood panel and strap on the rear rack, plus bell, fenders, reflectors etc, and a gorgeous and lightweight design, make a girl like me have an instant crush on a new model bike. So good-looking it screams "steal me" tho, a fear I wouldn't have with KHS Green. Compared to the Milano, the TranSend frame feels almost too light and compact, but a little more cobblestones and curb-jumping action and I'm sure I'll be convinced of it's sturdiness. And in regards to the Milano, well, my LBS no longer carries Bianchi because the brand has unfortunately been reduced to made-in-asia, plastic-component pieces of crap supposedly, but my 2005 was a total dream ride (sniff). Besides, there are cheaper options. Hopefully KHS will come out with an 8-speed Green. meanwhile, check out the Giant Tran Send and tell me it's not worth a little extra. I currently ride 10-15 miles a day in Manhattan. My beloved Bianchi Milano was stolen last week. It is a great commuter, and I especially liked being able to click down a gear while stopped at a light. After 2 hellish days on a beater, I was shopping around again, but this time I wanted to find something low-budget. As always, I wanted something that looks like a classic women’s bike, step-thru and upright, but able to perform with good nip and pickup for urban riding, and can also haul groceries. The Schwinn Coffee and KHS Green both have a cool yet populist feel (and price) that helps to promote cycling in general, but ultimately a 3-speed just doesn’t cut it for me because NYC is stop-and-start, and I end up starting up in high gear, which is hard on my knee.

If a 3-speed is all you need, KHS Green deserves a test ride, it is a bike that is making a strong statement at $299 or less, but fenders, bell and kickstand are all extra, making it the same as the Coffee.

Long story short, I bit the bullet and got a Giant Tran Send DX W for $450. No chainguard on the DX, but extras such as the compass and birchwood panel and strap on the rear rack, plus bell, fenders, reflectors etc, and a gorgeous and lightweight design, make a girl like me have an instant crush on a new model bike. So good-looking it screams “steal me” tho, a fear I wouldn’t have with KHS Green. Compared to the Milano, the TranSend frame feels almost too light and compact, but a little more cobblestones and curb-jumping action and I’m sure I’ll be convinced of it’s sturdiness. And in regards to the Milano, well, my LBS no longer carries Bianchi because the brand has unfortunately been reduced to made-in-asia, plastic-component pieces of crap supposedly, but my 2005 was a total dream ride (sniff). Besides, there are cheaper options. Hopefully KHS will come out with an 8-speed Green. meanwhile, check out the Giant Tran Send and tell me it’s not worth a little extra.

]]> By: jj http://www.commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/comment-page-1/#comment-78089 jj Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:35:38 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2008/02/01/bikes-for-the-rest-of-us/#comment-78089 Coffee Joe says "" "I haven't ridden one, but they remind me of cruiser or chopper motorcycles, and have some of the same drawbacks." If you haven't ridden or owned a bike you opinions aren't valid in my opinion, but I'll add my experiance. "It looks like they may be initially comfortable, but they don't allow you to shift your weight." I find that shifting my weight on the seat does alot to keep me comfortable on long rides. There are many places to sit on the seat without even adjusting it. There are angle adjustments so you can vary the seating position on centurys. Also there is the option to add padding under the sit bones for those ultra-sensitive riders like myself. I've ridden every style of bike available to me locally and nothing comes close to the long distance comfort found on the RANS. There is no need for bike shorts, so they make the ultimate comfort commuter. "If you're climbing a hill, you can't stand up and put body weight on the pedals." This statement isn't true, but I'll pretend that it is. When you sit with your feet in front you can pull off the bars, thus mirroring the act of standing up. Most people who own crankforward bikes notice an increase in climbing performance versus their former steeds. "Also, when you're going really slow like when stopping or taking off, you're foot is farther away from the ground, making it hard to dab." This statement isn't anywhere close to accurate. Dabbing is way easier to do on a crankforward because your butt is closer to the ground. No more ackward stretching to reach the ground, and you can stop flat-footed while your butt stays on the seat. Stopping and slow speeds are far easier on the CF's I own. "Last thing is, when you see a big bump, you can't stand up and avoid the big jolt - you won't be riding off any curbs." I find the opposite is true. I go out looking for things to jump on my Dynamik. The extra supportive seat adds suspension, while eliminating the saddle to the scrotum syndrome that plagues many cyclists. Coffee Joe says “”

“I haven’t ridden one, but they remind me of cruiser or chopper motorcycles, and have some of the same drawbacks.”
If you haven’t ridden or owned a bike you opinions aren’t valid in my opinion, but I’ll add my experiance.

“It looks like they may be initially comfortable, but they don’t allow you to shift your weight.”

I find that shifting my weight on the seat does alot to keep me comfortable on long rides. There are many places to sit on the seat without even adjusting it. There are angle adjustments so you can vary the seating position on centurys. Also there is the option to add padding under the sit bones for those ultra-sensitive riders like myself. I’ve ridden every style of bike available to me locally and nothing comes close to the long distance comfort found on the RANS. There is no need for bike shorts, so they make the ultimate comfort commuter.

“If you’re climbing a hill, you can’t stand up and put body weight on the pedals.”

This statement isn’t true, but I’ll pretend that it is. When you sit with your feet in front you can pull off the bars, thus mirroring the act of standing up. Most people who own crankforward bikes notice an increase in climbing performance versus their former steeds.

“Also, when you’re going really slow like when stopping or taking off, you’re foot is farther away from the ground, making it hard to dab.”

This statement isn’t anywhere close to accurate. Dabbing is way easier to do on a crankforward because your butt is closer to the ground. No more ackward stretching to reach the ground, and you can stop flat-footed while your butt stays on the seat. Stopping and slow speeds are far easier on the CF’s I own.

“Last thing is, when you see a big bump, you can’t stand up and avoid the big jolt – you won’t be riding off any curbs.” I find the opposite is true. I go out looking for things to jump on my Dynamik. The extra supportive seat adds suspension, while eliminating the saddle to the scrotum syndrome that plagues many cyclists.

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