I have been looking at some new bikes, it is very pleasant when the combination of the weather, lack of infrastructure, a horrible cold and not much time have meant not much riding.
I am going to re-iterate that I firmly believe that we need to see a huge change in the way we encourage and support cycling for transport in the UK. That means a very significant switch in funding and space to dedicated, separate, high quality cycle routes, masses of cycle parking and a full opening up of public transport to bikes. See what I last wrote on this in 42: Winter is when infrastructure really matters. Also see the blog Crap Cycling & Walking in Waltham Forest for loads of examples of really poor infrastructure as well as accounts of appalling driving.
But while we do need a much better infrastructure (and changes in the law) to get sensible amounts of people cycling (we really should be aiming for 50% of ALL journeys which is already achieved by some places in The Netherlands) we can still make it better to cycle now for those of us with the brains to choose a mode of transport that is cheap, fast, healthy, good for the environment and good for the local economy.
So here are two absolutely excellent examples of City Bikes.
1. WorkCycles Fr8 City with Universal Frame.
I have ridden one of these courtesy of BikeFix in London. Lovely ride, very stable, great view, easy to get moving and a wonderful feeling of security and presence in traffic. Not built for speed but built to be dependable transport with incredibly low maintenance. Leave it outside and ride it everyday without wearing special clothes, without carrying tools, without cleaning it, oiling it or adjusting it (at least only once or twice a year). Not only all that but options to carry loads of stuff - up to 3 kids [youngish] and still space for luggage.
If you need a city bike and live in a city or town that is reasonably flattish this really should be on your list.
You can read loads about it on the manufacturers website. I think there are 2 UK suppliers: Bikefix - the bike shop on your desktop and really useful bikes. There are a huge range of options but prices start at around £1,000 which should give you totally hassle free transport for under £100 a year.
2. Cargo bike BULLITT, a fast cargo bike designed by Larry vs Harry, Copenhagen, Denmark.
If you feel that you just can't carry enough on a FR8, or maybe you want a bit more speed and style.Then the Bullitt may be for you. There was an excellent cargo bike review in Velovision magazine issue 36. These are the 21st century version of the traditional Long John cargo bike. The load sits low in front of the rider which makes it easy to load and easy to keep an eye on. However, the Bullitt combines this with light weight, rigidity and high performance components. Although many models are available the Clockwork stands out for me as providing a great balance of performance and low maintenance (hub gears and disc brakes).
Again lots of options available including a box you can carry kids in and a lockable cargo box (I just wish they included a full chain guard to protect the chain from the weather and allow riding in normal clothes without cycle clips). According to the Larry vs Harry website the manufacturer) they have two dealers in the UK: cargobikeboutique.com or Bardsley Cycles, 482 Manchester Road, Heaton Chapel - Stockport 09716-76164 or email hamrag@uwclub.net
They are going to be a bit more expensive than the FR8 but hugely flexible and again should last years and years without problems.
Summary
Notice what these two bikes have in common that is so rare among the bikes sold in the UK.
- Hub gears: Essential for low maintenance and reliability (yes you can go single speed or fixed gear if you are an enthusiast but for most people gears are a better solution).
- Great load carrying options. if you are going to use a bike for everyday transport then you need to be able to carry a friend, a week's shopping, rubbish to the tip, ...
- Mudguards. Not only do they keep you dry and clean but they also protect the bike so it lasts much longer and does not need cleaning.
- Solid Stands: Makes a huge difference when loading a bike with shopping or kids.
- Designed and built for a long working life.
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