Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Commuter bikes

A radical idea is sweeping the world of American bicycle manufacturing: building bikes that people will use for actual transportation.
The New Business Cycle, Wall Street Journal article, October 6, 2006.

For too long bike manufacturers concentrated on a few markets; recreational riders who wanted fast, lightweight road bikes, or mountain bikers who wanted suspended bikes with fat tires. Hybrid bikes have become popular, but most require additional accessories be added to allow bike commuting. The lightweight road bike and mountain bike frames are built in such a way that it is usually difficult to attached racks and fenders. Commuter bikes on the other hand generally come with integrated racks, fenders, and lights.

We carry the Uptown 8 bicycles made by Breezer Bikes that are mentioned in the article above. They come ready for commuting, with fenders, integrated lighting systems, a rack, puncture-resistant tires, and a chainguard. We also carry other bikes appropriate for commuting.

Many of our customers have already discovered the benefits of commuting to work by bike. Many use folding bikes in combination with Metro, others ride long distances on recumbents or uprights outfitted with racks, fenders, lights, bags, etc. They don't generate pollution or sit in traffic for long periods of time. They have fun, they get exercise, and they save money. They don't worry if their commute will take 20 minutes or an hour; they know how long it takes to cycle to work or to the store or wherever their regular commute trips take them. If you don't already, now is a good time to start commuting by bike.

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