Heritage

The Chief from Heritage Bicycles. Courtesy heritagebicycles.com

The Heritage Chief "City Edition" goes for $1,000.

The idea behind Heritage was to combine handcrafted bicycles, bike repair, apparel, and good coffee all in one shop located on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago.  By all accounts, it's been a hit.  In fact, according to CNN, fans of Heritage bicycles include Beyonce, Jay Z, and Jack Dorsey.

Most Heritage bicycles have a simple, utilitarian design.  My pick is the Chief "City Edition", which is available as a singlespeed or with a 3-speed Sturmey Archer hub. It comes with a Wald rear rack.

Here are the specs:


Frame: Heritage Chief
Fork: Crowned Chromoly
Headset: FSA Duron X, ISO
Bottom Bracket: Sealed alloy, 68 x 110.5
Crank: Alloy, 44t
Pedals: Wellgo City
Rims: Alex DM18
Spokes: Sapim Leader
Tires: Schwalbe Delta Cruiser, 700 x 32c
Front Hub: sealed alloy, 36-hole
Rear Hub: KT Coaster, 36-hole
Chain: KMC 410
Stem: Alloy, 25.4mm
Handlebar: Velo-Orange Milan, 25.4mm
Grips: Natural Cork
Brake levers: Velo-Orange City
Brake Calipers: Tektro R559
Rear Rack: Wald Chrome
Saddle: Velo-Orange Plush
Seat Post: Alloy, 26.2mm

Republic Bikes

Republic's Plato Dutch Step-through available through Urban Outfitters. Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters

Republic Bikes' Plato Dutch diamond and step-through 3-speeds are advertised for $499 at Urban Outfitters.  The singlespeeds are $399. They can also be ordered directly from Republic.

Republic Bikes jumped on the fixie/singlespeed bandwagon in the late 2000's.  Republic fixies were quickly derided by bike snobs as cheap and heavy.  They were, after all, made from tensile steel (*gasp*).  There were also grounds to mock Republic fixies based on the partnership between Republic and Urban Outfitters.  In 2009, the world's funniest bike snob commented:

You can certainly continue to enjoy something after it's received the Urban Outfitters treatment, though you can no longer tell yourself that the fact that you enjoy it makes you special.

Bike Snob was talking about fixies and hipsters, but the same sentiment can now be applied to "Dutch bikes" and the city dwellers who love them.  Yes, we know these are not *real* Dutch bikes.  But will Dutch bikes ever hold the same allure after receiving the "Urban Outfitters treatment"?

The Republic Bikes/Urban Outfitter "treatment" includes a web page where you "build your own bike," by which they mean you get to choose a color scheme.  I'm not going to make fun of this.  Urban Outfitters sells fashion, and "Dutch" bikes have long been considered a fashion accessory.

Republic has built a fleet of these "Dutch" bicycles for Google employees to cruise from building to building at the Googleplex campus in Mountain View, California.  These are useful bikes, even if they are tanks designed as fashion accessories.

Specifications

Total assembled weight: 40 lbs (18.14 kgs)

Frame: Custom lugged design in hi-ten steel. Adjustable alloy seat tube clamp. Front and rear pipe carrier racks included.

Forks: Crown Lugged, hi-ten steel.

Gearing (1-speed): 36T chainwheel, 18T freewheel

Gearing (3-speed): Shimano Nexus 3-speed internal hub, 36T chainwheel, 18T freewheel

Grips: Custom stitched comfort grips.

Saddle: Custom two-tone button saddle with Republic logo plate.

Chaincase: Fully covered PVC chain protector

Skirt: Clip-on PVC skirt nets attach to rear fender.

Wheels: Alloy 26 x 1.5". Nutted axles to both front and rear.

Tires: 26 x 2.25" custom hue balloon tires

Rear hub (1-speed): Coaster brake hub with 18T freewheel.

Rear hub (3-speed): Shimano Nexus 3-speed Coaster brake hub with 18T freewheel.

Front hub: Shimano Nexus roller brake.
Chainset: Steel 1/2 x 1/8 x 36T with 165mm Alloy cranks

Handlebars: Alloy, 600mm wide semi-raised.

Pedals: 9/16 PVC with reflectors.

Brakes: Rear coaster brake, front Shimano roller brake.

Seat post: Alloy 28.6mm x 400mm.

Center kickstand included.

Front, rear and wheel reflectors included.

Legacy Frameworks

Legacy Model 2. Courtesy: Legacy Frameworks.

Legacy Frameworks makes handbuilt city bikes in Chicago.  A basic singlespeed model, ready to ride, starts at $1,100, and belt drive models start at $1,360 (orders can be submitted online).  As pictured above, they are available as a diamond frame and as a step-through.

These are simple yet elegant steel bikes that allow for an upright ride.  Levi Borreson, who founded Legacy in 2011, describes the thinking behind the design:

took my experiences from riding in the city and translated them into a bicycle design that puts the fun and comfort back in riding, lessens the load up flights of stairs and as all readily available parts that can be maintained or replaced by anyone. Also keeping in mind the cost, and keeping it down to a reasonable level.

The step-through model debuted at the 2013 North American Handmade Bicycle Show and can be fitted with a Gates carbon belt.  The NAHBS model also included a dynamo hub for lights, drum brakes, and powder-coat paint described as "retro-reflective."

Here are a few specs that Legacy describes as standard: 

- Cartridge bearing bottom bracket and headset

- Alloy Crank with replaceable chain-ring

- Single speed or Internal hub compatibility

- Double walled 700c rims, stainless spokes and alloy hubs

- High quality puncture resistant tires

- Stainless steel brake cables

- Cantilever Brakes for great stopping and fender room.

- Alloy stem, seatpost and handlebars.

- True Temper Double Butted Chromolly Steel Tubing

- TIG Welded construction combined with Brass and silver brazing

- Powder Coated finish for durability

- Upgradable with highly available aftermarket parts. No proprietary interfaces

Raleigh Roper and Furley

The 2012 Raleigh Roper.  Credit: Raleigh USA

The Raleigh Roper sells for $1,500 at Revolution Cycles.

Some people look at Raleigh's new-for-2012 offerings - the Roper and the Furley (what's up with the Three's Company references?) - and conclude that Raleigh is getting serious about cyclocross.  I look at them and see bikes for the rest of us.

They're steel, take wide tires, have fender and rack mounts, and disc brakes. The components are high quality - the Roper has FSA cranks and Shimano 105 derailers.  I love what Urban Velo had to say about the Roper: "The Roper is a bike that I'd expect to see from a much smaller operation than Raleigh; it is more similar to the bikes you see bike geeks build up for themselves from some obscure frame maker than that offered by a major manufacturer."

Ha!  Bike geeks... they're so weird.

Here are the Roper specs:

Sizes: 50cm XS, 53cm SM, 55cm SM/MD, 57cm MD/LG, 59cm LG

Frame: Seamless Butted Chromoly, Integrated Headtube w/BB30

Fork: 4130 Chromoly Cross w/Disc Tabs

Cranks:  FSA Gossamer Pro BB30 34/50t

BB: FSA BB30

F.Derail: Shimano 105

R.Derail: Shimano 105

Shifter: Shimano 105 10spd STI

Br.Levers: Shimano 105/Tektro RL721

Brakes: Shimano R505 Disc, 160mm Rotors

Gear: Shimano 105 (11-28t)

Rims:Weinmann DP30 Double Wall

Tires: Kenda K1083A Happy Medium 700cx32c

Pedals: Road Pedals w/Clips and Straps

Handlebar: Avenir 200 Series 31.8 Short Drop

Stem: Avenir 200 Series, 3D Forged, 31.8

Seatpost: Avenir 200 Series 27.2x350mm

Seat: Avenir Classic Road

Headset: FSA Integrated Cartridge Bearings

Colors: Charcoal

Chain: KMC X10

Hubset: (F) Joytech Alloy Disc QR 32h (R) Joytech Alloy Disc Cassette QR 32h

Spokes: 14g Stainless MAC w/Alloy Nipples

Grips: Gel Tape

Extras: Water Bottle Mounts, Fender and Rack Mounts, Cateye Reflector Set, Clear Coat, Owner’s Manual.

The 2012 Raleigh Furley. Credit: Raleigh USA

The Furley is a single-speed with a little different set-up, but same general idea.  It goes for $820 at Revolution Cycles.  Like the Roper, the Furley has fender and rack mounts and space for wide tires.  You know what a bike geek might do with this baby?  Swap the drops for mustache bars and add an 8-speed internal gear hub for a really cool all-arounder.

I'm guessing. Who knows what bike geeks are thinking? Weirdos.

Here's the (stock) specs for the Furley:

Sizes: 50cm XS, 53cm SM, 55cm SM/MD, 57cm MD/LG, 59cm LG

Frame: Seamless Butted Chromoly, Integrated Headtube w/BB30

Fork: 4130 Chromoly Cross w/Disc Tabs

Cranks: Shimano Alfine 39t

BB: FSA BB30 Eccentric w/Sealed Bearings

Br.Levers: Tektro RL-340/Tektro RL721

Brakes: Promax 720RA Disc, 160mm Rotors

Gear: 18t w/Single Speed Spacer Kit

Rims: Weinmann DP30 Double Wall

Tires: Kenda K1083A Happy Medium 700cx32c

Pedals: Road Pedals w/Clips and Straps

Handlebar: Avenir 200 Series 31.8 Short Drop

Stem: Avenir 200 Series, 3D Forged, 31.8

Seatpost: Avenir 200 Series 27.2x350mm

Seat: Avenir Classic Road

Headset: FSA Integrated Cartridge Bearings

Colors: Orange

Chain: KMC Z99

Hubset: (F) Joytech Alloy Disc QR 32h (R) Joytech Alloy Disc Cassette QR 32h

Spokes: 14g Stainless MAC w/Alloy Nipples

Grips: Gel Tape

Extras: Water Bottle Mounts, Fender and Rack Mounts, Cateye Reflector Set, Clear Coat, Owner’s Manual

If you own a Roper or Furley, please comment and let us know how you like it.  Bike geeks can comment, too.

Gran Royale

Sometimes readers write to us about bikes that might interest us. Daniel recently emailed to let us know that "Gran Royale has added two new and refreshingly basic-looking bicycles, the Union Flyer and Cogsville, to complement the Aristocrat they introduced last year I believe."

Gran Royale is an affiliate of Eastern Bikes, the BMX brand. Gran Royale has indeed been making the kind of bikes we're interested in: simple, inexpensive, and eye-catching. They remind me of the old Schwinn 3-speeds.

The Aristocrat is a 3-speed with a Shimano Nexus hub, coaster brakes, rack and bottle mounts, chainguards and fenders. It's currently offered on amazon.com for $550. Here's a look:




Click for big. Credit: Gran Royale website.

As Daniel mentioned, Gran Royale is now offering another 3-speed, the Cogsville.

Gran Royale Cogsville. Credit: Gran Royale website.

The Cogsville is all steel, and like the Aristocrat, it comes with a Shimano Nexus 3-speed hub and coaster brake, rack and bottle mounts, chainguard and fenders.  According to the Gran Royale website, it comes in black, yellow, red, blue or green, and in "medium" or "large" sizes.

Then there's the one-speed Union Flyer:

Gran Royale Union Flyer. Credit: Gran Royale website

The Union Flyer has the same features as the Cogsville, except it's a single speed. Gran Royale aptly refers to the Union Flyer as their "working class hero" bike.

In addition to these models, Gran Royale also has two fixed gear (or freewheel, your choice) models: the Lurker and the Creeper.

The Gran Royale Lurker and Creeper. Credit: Gran Royale website.

I think Gran Royale has done its marketing research. People love colorful bikes.

Public Bikes

The founder of Public Bikes says the idea for the company occurred during a trip to Amsterdam in 2002. If you can't visit Amsterdam, but nevertheless want to know what he would find so inspiring, take a virtual trip to Amsterdamize.

Public Bikes has a vision statement that corresponds nicely with our philosophy here at BRFOU:

Our bikes are designed to help make city life a little simpler and a little more fun. Our real mission is to help make our communities more enjoyable. So we see ourselves as a "more livable cities” company. And bikes are a perfect place to start. Bikes make our communities more personal, more vibrant, more civilized, more human and more PUBLIC. That's how we got our name.

Public Bikes offers two basic models: a mixte and a diamond frame.



The mixte, pictured above, is offered as an 8-speed for $1200 or a 3-speed for $900. A bit pricey, but it includes a Shimano Nexus IGH, fenders, chainguard, and rack braze-ons. Here are the specs for the 8-speed mixte:

Weight: 31.7 lbs

Frame: PUBLIC 4130 chromoly steel frame, with fender and rack braze-ons, integrated kickstand bracket

Fork: PUBLIC 4130 chromoly steel fork, with PUBLIC investment cast fork crown, with fender and rack braze-ons

Handlebar: Alloy commuting bar, 25 deg back sweep, 590mm wide, 25mm rise, 25.4mm clamp

Stem: Forged alloy quill stem, 25 degree rise, 25.4mm clamp

Headset: 1" threaded alloy

Grips: PUBLIC triangle grip, 125/90mm, closed end

Freewheel: Shimano 20 tooth cog

Crankset: Alloy crankset, 42 tooth chainring, square taper

Bottom bracket: Square taper BSA English threaded cartridge bottom bracket

Chain: KMC Z410, 1/2" x 1/8"

Pedals: PUBLIC Butterfly alloy platform pedal, with rubber pads, 9/16" axle, ball bearings

Front & rear brake: Alloy dual pivot caliper brake, super long reach (55-73mm), 1-pc pads

Shifter: Shimano Nexus Inter-8 Revoshift twist shifter

Brake levers: Alloy 4 finger caliper brake lever

Saddle: PUBLIC seat, 165mm wide, steel polished rails

Seat post: Alloy 1 bolt, 27.2mm

Seat post clamp: Alloy 1 bolt

Tires: Kenda Kwest, 700x35c, 60TPI, with reflective stripe

Inner tubes: Presta valve

Rims: Alloy deep section, 36 hole, 700c, machined brake surface

Front hub: Alloy, nutted bolt-on axle

Rear hub: Shimano Nexus Inter-8, 8 speed internal geared hub

Spokes: Stainless steel 14G

Chainguard: Alloy chainguard

Kickstand: Alloy center mount

Fenders: Alloy full fender




The diamond frame, pictured above, is available as an 8-speed for $1150, a 3-speed for $850, or a single speed for $600. I like the looks of this orange 3-speed.

Linus Bikes

Linus makes simple city bikes with 1950s-60s French styling cues. The "bikes as transportation" message on their website makes me smile.

"In most urban cultures bicycles are viewed as legitimate transportation and not merely recreation, but sadly this idea never really caught on in the US. We take numerous little journeys, under 5 miles, as part of our everyday life…. to the store, the pub, to work, etc. Besides the obvious joy of riding a bicycle, these small bicycle trips reduce carbon emissions, congestion, noise pollution, and make for a happier, city experience."

The Linus model line-up includes three steel-framed styles in limited sizes that provide an upright riding position. You'll find a mix of 1-speed and three speeds on the Roadster and Dutchi (step through) models. The three speed models come with a rear rack (not shown on photos) and color-matched fenders. The sweetheart of the bunch is the Mixte, which comes only in a 3-speed. I would have liked to see a full chainguard, but the ring-type guard looks pretty sharp (the Dutchi comes with a partial P-shaped guard).

At less than $600 these bikes have a great look for the price, complete with a stem-mounted bell. With some models at sub-$400 I'm sure you're sacrificing some quality somewhere (bottom bracket, brakes, cranks, stem, perhaps?). If I get a chance to visit their shop in Venice I'll post some more about it. If anyone has seen these in the wild we'd like to hear from you.

You can find Linus Bicycles at limited dealers in the US or at their home location in Venice, CA.

Roadster Classic (1-speed):

Roaster Sport (3-speed):
Duchi (3-speed shown):
Mixte (3-speed):


Photo Credit: Mixte photo at top via Calhoun Cycle on Flickr

Commute-Ready from Raleigh: 2010 One Way

So you're probably not surprised to be reading about a bike on Bikes For The Rest Of Us that has the following features:

• Chain guard
• Bell
• Fenders
• Brooks Saddle
• Vittoria Rondenour 700cx35 tires with reflective stripe
• CrMo frame
• Included frame-mounted pump

What will surprise you about the One Way is that these features come in a road bike package with drop bars and a nifty SRAM Torpedo flip-flop hub. The Torpedo hub allows you choose between single-speed and fixed-gear settings with the turn of a screwdriver. The One Way has toe clips with straps to help keep your feet planted in fixed mode and canti brakes to slow you down when you're riding it as a single speed.

So who will be riding the One Way? Add a rack and it's an all-weather commuter ready to tackle snow with studded tires and fixie ninja moves. There are less expensive choices out there for similarly-equipped city bikes; however, you could always lose the drop bars for city bars like @americancyclery did here:

Clearly the feature-laden One Way is not for purists. If you're looking for an ultra-light road bike or a dead simple fixie the One Way is likely not for you. So you won't find this bike on Bikes for the Purists blog. I think it will work for the rest of us, though.

Electra Ticino

The Electra Ticino 8-speed (latte), expected to sell for around $800. According to Chris at Electra, the latte 8-speeds will start arriving at Electra's east coast warehouse on November 20, and the denim 8-speeds (see below) are due in on December 11. Expect to see these in bike shops this spring.

Electra knows how to produce practical bikes with classic style, as they proved when they put out the Dutch-inspired Amsterdam models. The Ticino 8-speed has hammered alloy fenders and bar-end brake levers. The 20-speed chestnut-colored Ticino (see below, second to last pic) looks beautiful as pictured with a front rack. The price range is $500 for a singlespeed to $2,000 for a 20 speed.

The 8-speed frame is made from butted alloy, has a Shimano 2300 derailer with a 12-26T cassette, and Shimano rapidfire shifters. The men's bikes have Tektro canti brakes; the ladies' bikes have DiaCompe centerpull brakes. You can find more specs at the Electra website or on Bike Rumor.

The Ticino line is just coming out now, but already there is plenty of commentary on the web:

Bicycle Times: Mini-review of the Ticino 18-spd.

Urban Velo: On the Ticino singlespeed.

Bike Rumor: Pictures and specs. (wait, I thought that was our thing?)

Cyclelicio.us: Ticino preview.

Tree Hugger: Sexy bike alert.

Electra allowed me to download pics of all the Ticino models, so why not share? Here they are, for your viewing pleasure.

8D (plum) ladies



8D (denim) mens



7D (oyster) ladies



8D (wintermint) ladies



Singlespeed (pearl white) mens



Singlespeed (nimbus grey) mens



7D (portobello) mens



20D (pearl rose) ladies



18D (creme fraiche) ladies



16D (pearl white) ladies



20D (chestnut) mens



16D (putty) mens

IRO Phoenix

Iro Cycle, which assembles single-speeds and fixed gears from its shop in Middleburg, Pennsylvania, has come out with the Phoenix, a relaxed geometry steel frame that is available as a three speed for $650 plus extras as they build it up for you. The frame includes mounts for two bottle cages and rack and fender mounts. It accepts 700 x 38cc tires, or 32c with fenders.



Here's hoping that IRO will restore its build-a-bike application on its website so customers can play around with the design before placing an order.

Worksman Industrial Newsboy

Worksman Cycles touts its Newsboy as "the most popular industrial bicycle in North America." It's currently on sale for $339, but that price does not include the baskets and other options. H/T to Tom for bringing Worksman Cycles to our attention.

Worksman declares that "these Bikes are not toys... these are authentic Worksman Industrial Bicycles. Remember, choose Worksman because you want the best industrial bicycles on earth, with components that are more heavy duty than any other bicycles. Also, all Worksman Industrial Bicycles are proudly made in the USA."

The Newsboy is offered in a variety of colors and certain upgrades are available at extra cost. For example, steel rims are standard, but you can upgrade to alloy. A front brake is not standard, but you can add front drum brakes for $70 (a very good idea). The 24" handlebar is standard, but you can choose riser bars. You can get it as a single speed or, for an additional $90, as a 3 speed. The standard fenders are chrome, but for additional cost you can have them painted. Finally, the front baskets and dual rear saddle baskets cost extra. When you put it all together, the bike will cost a good bit more than $339. However, you will have a very useful bike.



Worksman makes an eclectic collection of models including pennyfarthing highwheelers, folding bikes and trikes, and what I can only describe as trikes for the rest of us.

They also make an "urban commuter cruiser" as pictured below.



These come with front drum brakes and thicker than standard chains. Worksman says the frames are built with "heavy gauge steel." It's great to hear a bicycle manufacturer brag about that! They are shipped "mostly assembled." Worksman calls its urban commuter "a bike that will last a lifetime and offer a lifetime of function and pleasure."

And, yes, they are made in the USA.

Specialized Globe

Is Specialized getting serious about bikes for the rest of us?

In an interesting development in the bike industry, Specialized has put all of its BFROU models into a "stand alone brand" called Globe. According to Specialized, Globe is part of the "dream of a world where bikes are the majority - where cars come with labels that say 'Use Sparingly'."

Not long ago, the Specialized Globe was the name of a single model - a basic hybrid offered to fill all the needs of the everyday cyclist. But now, rather than a Globe model, there's the Globe brand, which includes:

The Vienna series, which seems to have been scaled back from the prior models which we discussed here;

The Roll, which is your basic fixed gear/single speed urban "assault" model;

Haul, a nice-looking 8-speed cargo bike;

Carmel, a beach cruiser/comfort bike; and finally...


The Globe Live models, which appear to be the flagship Globe models, "for riders wanting an option for every whim." Notably, the Live 3 model is built on an aluminum frame and comes with belt drives, fenders, a chaincase, and porteur racks. The Globe Live 1 goes for $580, the Live 2 for $940, and the Live 3 for $1550. The Live 1 and Live 2 are also offered as mixtes.

Here are the specs for the Live 3:

FRAME Globe A1 Premium Aluminum cargo design, fully manipulated custom tubing w/ fender and rack braze-ons, integrated kickstand mount

FORK Globe Live straight-blade aluminum fork w/ custom forged crown and porteur basket/rack system

HEADSET 1-1/8" threadless, integrated, semi-cartridge campy style bearings

STEM Forged alloy, 2-bolt, 15 degree rise, 25.4mm clamp

HANDLEBARS Alloy, 25.4mm, 610mm wide, 43 degree up, 57 degree back sweep

TAPE Globe City 140mm

FRONT BRAKE Tektro Auriga Comp, hydraulic dual piston, w/160mm rotors

REAR BRAKE Tektro Auriga Comp, hydraulic dual piston, w/160mm rotors

BRAKE LEVERS Auriga Comp brake levers

SHIFT LEVERS Shimano Alfine tap fire, 8-speed

CASSETTE Gates belt drive cog, 24t

CHAIN Belt drive, 122 links

CRANKSET Sugino EX-1 aluminum, w/ alloy chainguard

CHAINRINGS Belt drive, 50t

BOTTOM BRACKET Cartridge bearing, square spindle with crank stop right side and capless bolts

PEDALS Classic full alloy pedal

RIMS Globe RHD 700c, alloy double wall disc specific, 36h

FRONT HUB Hi Lo flange, loose ball, QR, 36h

REAR HUB Shimano Alfine internal 8-speed, 36h

SPOKES 2mm (14g) stainless

FRONT TIRE Specialized Infinity Armadillo, 700x32c, 60TPI

REAR TIRE Specialized Infinity Armadillo, 700x32c, 60TPI

INNER TUBES Schraeder valve

SADDLE Specialized Body Geometry Fitness, 143mm width, front and rear bumpers

SEATPOST Alloy, 2-bolt forged head, 12.5mm offset, 27.2mm

SEAT BINDER Globe Chevron forged alloy, chrome plated

CHAINCASE Globe aluminum chain guard for internal gearing

KICKSTAND Pletscher double leg kickstand

RACK Globe porteur front rack/basket w/ wood bottom, 25kg recommended max capacity

FENDERS Globe classic aluminum fenders, long, 700C x 35C wide


If you buy or try out any of these models, let us know what you think in the comments!