Nirve Euro Sport Commuter Series

Nirve is a brand that makes me think of funky cruisers parked in front of my LBS. To my surprise they have a series of steel-framed bikes with internal hub gears, 700c wheels, leather-look saddles and retro paint jobs. All of the bikes have side-pull rim brakes and some sort of chain guard/ring, but no fenders or racks. The frames are 4130 CroMo with lugs (!) on the top tub and TIG-welded elsewhere (per Nirve specs).

I suspect these bikes are being re-branded and sold elsewhere. Grant saw a similar bike for sale in the UK. If you've seen any of these frames elsewhere, let us know.

Nirve Dealer Locator: http://www.nirve.com/dealerlocator/

Wilshire - 3-speed with low-profile chain guard ($650), also available in a Mixte

Brookhurst - 7-speed IGH ($750)

Fairfax - 8-speed Shimano Alfine, chain ring and Shimano Dyno Hub with lights ($1000)

Paul Frank Vintage Style City Bike

On this blog, we encourage bikes shops to sell “regular bikes to regular people.” And we encourage regular people to buy their bikes from their good ole local bike shop. If you live in or around D.C., you will find a handy list of local bike shops in the metro area in the lower right column. For reasons that David previously discussed here, we believe that local bike shops offer superior quality and service to “big box” stores.

With that cautionary preface, let me introduce you to the Paul Frank City Bike, available at Target and amazon.com for $510. It is made by Nirve, which puts out a number of models under other brand names, such as Paul Frank and John Deere.

This 3-speed cruiser has the basics of an everyday ride: lightweight fenders, lugged frame, and a rear rack. It would be a good idea to add a front brake for city riding. The Paul Frank City bike is sufficiently attractive that it could cause you to do a double-take when strolling down the aisles of your local Target.

Specs:

3820 Paul Frank City Bike

Vintage style City Bike, Black

· 19'' Frame - 700C Wheels
· Shimano Nexus 3 Speed with twist shifter
· Coaster brake
· Hand Made Lugged frame
· Upright city handlebars
· Aluminum 3pc crank
· Aluminum wheels
· Leather like double spring saddle
· lightweight fender set
· Welded cartridge Kickstand
· Polished aluminum rear rack

MSRP - $510.00


#3822 Paul Frank City Bike

Vintage style City Bike, Sky Blue
· 17'' Frame - 700C Wheels
· Shimano Nexus 3 Speed with twist shifter
· Hand Made Lugged frame
· Upright city handlebars
· Aluminum 3pc crank
· Aluminum wheels
· Leather like double spring saddle
· lightweight fender set
· Welded cartridge Kickstand
· Polished aluminum rear rack
(May come equipped w/either a foot operated rear coaster brake or hand operated roller brake)

MSRP - $510.00

UPDATE: Nirve is discontinuing these models when the current stock runs out, which is expected to happen by the end of 2009. At that point, Nirve will assist interested customers in contacting any area bike shops that may have the bikes.