Trek Steel District and Chelsea 9

The Chelsea 9 (top) and Steel District (bottom) have an MSRP of $790.  Photos courtesy of trekbikes.com.

Trek is offering these steel bikes as part of its urban collection.  According to Trek, "District elevates the urban bike to a new level of refinement with a sexy mashup of style and function."

Whether or not they're a "sexy mashup," these models definitely represent an evolution from the Trek District we featured here seven years ago.  That bike was a belt-driven single-speed and Trek touted its "clean" look.  David Hembrow commented: "I question the practicality of a bike which is claimed to be 'clean' yet which has no mudguards (fenders)."

These 9-speed models retain the clean look but offer gears and Hembrow's desired mudguards.  The clean look is made possible by the 1x9 gearing, a set-up that I personally like (your mileage may vary).  The front basket and disc brakes are nice touches.

Here are the specs for the Chelsea 9:

Colors: Canary Yellow; White Gold

Frame: Trek Custom Steel Mixtie w/inboard rear disc brake mounts, rack & fender mounts

Fork: High-tensile steel

Sizes: 49, 53, 56cm

Front Hub: Formula DC20 alloy

Rear Hub: Formula DC22 alloy

Rims: 32-hole double-walled alloy

Tires: Bontrager AW1 Hard-Case Lite, 700x32c

Shifters: Shimano Acera M390, 9 speed

Rear derailleur: Shimano Acera

Crank: Forged alloy 3 piece, 45T

Cassette: SRAM PG-950, 11-32, 9 speed

Pedals: VP city-style alloy

Chain: KMC X9

Saddle:Bontrager H1 WSD

Seatpost: Bontrager Alloy, 2-bolt head, 27.2mm, 8mm offset

Handlebar: Bontrager Urban, 31.8mm, 25mm rise

Stem: Bontrager Race Lite, 31.8mm, 7 degree

Headset: 1-1/8" Threadless

Brakeset: Hayes CX Expert mechanical disc, 160mm rotors brakes, Tektro CL520 alloy levers

Grips: Custom District, lock-on

Extras: Front basket, chain keeper

And the specs for the District 9:

Colors: Blue Grey Metallic

Frame: Trek Custom Steel w/inboard rear disc brake mounts, rack & fender mounts

Fork: High-tensile steel

Sizes: 50, 54, 56, 58, 61cm

Front Hub: Formula DC20 alloy

Rear Hub: Formula DC22 alloy

Rims: 32-hole double-walled alloy

Tires: Bontrager AW1 Hard-Case Lite, 700x32c

Shifters: Shimano Acera M390, 9 speed

Rear derailleur: Shimano Acera

Crank: Forged alloy 3 piece, 45T

Cassette: SRAM PG-950, 11-32, 9 speed

Pedals: VP city-style alloy

Chain: KMC X9

Saddle: Retro Urban Saddle, Brown w/ Rivets

Seatpost: Bontrager Alloy, 2-bolt head, 27.2mm, 8mm offset

Handlebar: Bontrager Urban, 31.8mm, 25mm rise

Stem: Bontrager Race Lite, 31.8mm, 7 degree

Headset: 1-1/8" Threadless

Brakeset: Hayes CX Expert mechanical disc, 160mm rotors brakes, Tektro CL520 alloy levers

Grips: Custom District, lock-on

Extras: Front basket

#4 Mike's Very Green Bike

Mike's very green bike.

This one came from Mike on twitter:

@Bikes4RestOfUs i have a few bikes i enjoy...heres 1 that i built. pic.twitter.com/70NVNDdu4j
— mike wilson (@Mikew61) November 6, 2013

@Bikes4RestOfUs it was a beater i turned into a ss after watching utube!
— mike wilson (@Mikew61) November 9, 2013

@Bikes4RestOfUs the scwinn was a traded for parts pile. its a LTP. just bought a new rear cb rim and comp for it.
— mike wilson (@Mikew61) November 9, 2013

Pashley Princess Sovereign

A Pashley Princess Sovereign comes with a wicker basket.  Courtesy: Pashley Cycles UK.

The Pashley Princess Sovereign retails for about 545 British pounds, which is roughly $867. In the U.S., however, expect the cost of this import to be over $1,000.  There are a growing number U.S. Pashley dealers, including Bicycle Space in Washington, D.C. 

A reader named Mary recently contacted us to ask about this bike because she saw one in her size on ebay.  In ebay parlance, that's a "find."  The Princess Sovereign is a lugged steel 5-speed (the Princess Classic is a 3-speed) that is basically the Rolls-Royce of bicycles.  Among other luxuries, it comes with a wicker basket, Brooks B66 sprung saddle, dynamo headlamp, chaincase and fenders, a rear rack, and prop stand.

Although we've discussed Pashley on Bikes For The Rest of Us, we've never discussed the Princess.  This bike, however, has been a hot topic on other blogs.  Here are a few to check out:

Lovely Bicycle!

Let's Go Ride A Bike

Bicycle! Bicycle!

Here are the specs per Pashley Cycles:

Frame sizes	17.5", 20" or 22.5"
Colour	Buckingham Black or Regency Green
Frame	Traditionally lugged and brazed
Fork	Tubular crown hand brazed
Gears	Sturmey Archer 5 speed hub gears
Wheels	26 inch with polished rims
Handlebar	Chrome plated raised bar
Brakes	Sturmey Archer hub brakes
Pedals	Alloy non-slip
Saddle	Antique brown Brooks B66s
Tyres	Schwalbe puncture resistant Marathon Plus with reflective sidewall.
Features	The Princess Sovereign features a traditional lugged frame and five speed hub gears with full chaincase, gold-lined mudguards, ding dong bell, hub driven dynamo headlamp, LED rear light, tubular alloy rear carrier, propstand, frame fit lock, skirt guards, leather sprung saddle and a wicker basket
Inside leg	17.5" frame suits 27.5" - 31.5" inside leg. 20" frame suits 30" - 34" inside leg. 22.5" frame suits 32.5" - 36.5" inside leg
Options	Leather accessory range
Terms and Conditions	Specifications and quoted prices may change without prior notice. Pashley Cycles terms of supply apply to all orders.

A Princess in Regency Green.  Courtesy Pashley Cycles UK.

Opus Ivan

I first spotted Opus Bikes in a small shop in Canada.  The Opus Ivana, the loop-framed version of the bike above, appears on an ad on the back of Momentum Magazine this month.   The Opus Ivan, pictured above, is an Aluminum-framed city bike with upright geometry and a large front basket.  I think you'll agree it has a unique style that's somewhat contemporary while honoring the classic lines of a city bike. 

The really exciting news is that Opus bikes are coming to the USA! They have a large selection of practical transportation bikes.  Most of them have an Aluminum frame, which helps keep down the weight for those who have to carry their bike or climb hills.  As someone who rides a traditional city bike that weighs north of 50lbs, I find it appealing to have all of the city bike features in a more lightweight package.

Opus Ivan specs (provided by Opus):

Frame	Meta 10 Al-6061
Wheels	Shimano HBIM40 & SG7R46 Alex Z1000 26" Black SS spokes
Colour	Dark Silver
Weight	35.5lbs
Fork	ORA Urban CrMo 45mm - 1-1/8
Headset	CH-918TW integrated sealed
Handlebar	ORA Urban 70R X 50S
Stem	ORA 158, 80o, TIG,  25,4 Black
Grips	VLG617 Synth. leather - Brown
Shifters	NEXUS SL-7S10 REVO 7 speed Tektro CL330 BL - LF
Brakes	Shimano Nexave BR-IM50 Roller brakes
Bottom Bracket	CH-46-E Cartridge
Crank	PRO-A36 Single 36
Pedals	Wellgo LU-206T Flat
Front Derailleur	N/A
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Inter 7 Nexus Internal gear
Cogs	Inter 7 Nexus 7 speed
Chain	KMC-Z610
Tires	Innova 218 - 26" Black 26 X 2.0
Saddle	Ora Voyage Black/Brown
Seatpost	Ora 242 Aluminum Micrometric 27,2
Miscellaneous Parts	Fenders/rack/chain cover/kick stand

Wald baskets

Wald baskets vary in size and price, and are available both online and at your local bike shop.

Last week I talked about Grant Petersen's new book, Just Ride: A Radically Practical Guide to Riding Your Bike.  In his book, Petersen extols the virtues of baskets, writing:

When you're after function and can give up the French country look, forget wicker, rattan, and wood baskets, and get an easy-loading, space-efficient rectangular one made of steel wire.  The best are made by Wald, in Kentucky.  They come chrome-plated or painted black, in enough sizes and styles and mounting methods to satisfy anybody.

I was glad to read this, because I think baskets are among most underappreciated of bike accessories. Racks are great, and I recommend them, but baskets are perfect for holding groceries.  You don't need to remember your panniers or bungee cords.

The advantages of baskets go well beyond grocery shopping.  Baskets are great for holding all kinds of objects, whether you're headed out to play hoops...

... or on your way to a party...

... a basket will come in handy.  It's one the easiest ways to make your bike more useful.

Felt Verza

The 2012 Felt Verza City 1, MSRP $1,149. Credit: Felt bicycles

A few years ago, Felt caught my attention with its “Cafe” bikes, which we talked about here.  This year Felt introduced its Verza City bikes.  For 2012, the Verza City 1 is back, but Felt has also greatly expanded its Verza line.  

Before we go any further, I have to ask: What does "Verza" mean?  It sounds Italian, but according to google translator, “Verza” is Italian for “savoy cabbage.”

For 2012, Felt is offering three types of Verza bikes: Path, City, and Regency. The Path bikes are aluminum hybrids with suspension forks. Enough said about that. The Verza City and Verza Regency bikes are much more worthy of our attention.

The City 1 is a 6061 double-butted aluminum frame with a Shimano Alfine internal gear hub, disc brakes, fenders, and a rear rack that matches the frame. The MSRP is $1,149. Here are the specs:

• Frame: Felt Verza-City design, 6061 aluminum, hydroformed TT, double butted TT/DT, rack braze-ons, IS disc brake mount w/integrated kickstand mounting holes and replacable derailleur hanger

• Fork: Felt alloy unicrown and legs w/ 1-1/8"" Cr-Mo steerer, IS disc brake mount, low-rider braze-ons and fender eyelets

• Drivetrain: Shimano Alfine IGH rear hub w/Rapid Fire shifter, Felt forged alloy crankset w/chainguard, Sram 8-speed 11-30T cassette

• Components: Shimano mechanical disc brake, Felt Verzatile handlebar, Felt MTB oversized 3D-forged design 7 dregree rise stem, Felt Alloy post, Felt Verza City design saddle

• Wheelset: WTB Double Duty XC doublewall aluminum 36H rims, Shimano Centerlock disc mount w/QR front hub, Shimano Alfine IGH w/Centerlock disc mount rear hub, Stainless 14g spokes

• Accessories: Rear alloy rack

• Finish: 1) Warm Putty

• Sizes: S (16""), M (18""), L (20""), XL (22"")

• Weight: Not disclosed

The Verza City 2 comes with a rear derailer instead of an IGH, but still has front disc brakes, fenders, and a rear rack. The MSRP is $749.

2012 Felt Verza City 2.  Credit: Felt bicycles.

The Verza City 3 is a basic hybrid for $600.  I would definitely splurge and get a City 2 rather than City 3.

Our readers who are fans of Dutch bikes and style (if you're unfamiliar with the Dutch bikestyle, check out our friend Amsterdamize  ) will be interested in the 3-speed Verza Regency , which are “based on the traditional Dutch bikes that are popular throughout the Netherlands...” These bikes are all steel, baby, and come with fenders, rack, and a chaincase! Some nifty extras: saddlebag, safety bell, and mounted cup holder. The women’s model comes with a straw basket!

Felt Verza Regency step-through. Credit: Felt bicycles

Both men’s and women’s versions are MSRP $699. Here are the specs on the men’s bike:

• Finish: 1) Gloss Black

• Sizes: L (21""), XL (23"")

• Weight: 33.08 lbs

• Frame: Dutch geometry w/Cr-Mo main frame (HT, DT, TT), hi-ten rear triangle (CS,SS), hi-ten Lugs, kickstand mounting plate, water bottle braze-ons and integrated seat post clamp

• Fork: Cr-Mo steerer and oval shaped curved legs for 700c w/double eyelet dropout

• Headset: Traditional non-integrated 1"" steel headest w/CP finish

• Stem: Steel quill type stem w/220mm long and 30 degree rise, CP finish

• Handlebar: Steel w/CP finish, 46 degrees of sweep and 66mm of rise

• Grips: Felt super soft rubber, 2-piece twist shifter grips

• Bar Ends: Felt Bottle Cap bubble-tech bar end plugs

• Shifters: Shimano Nexus SL-3S35E Revo twist shifter for 3-speed IGH Shimano hub

• Crankset: PRO-B36 w/1/2"" x 1/8"" steel ring and alloy arms with no chainguard

• Chainwheel: Steel 38T 1/2"" x 1/8""

• Bottom Bracket: Sealed cartridge 68mm bottom bracket

• Pedals: Cruiser/comfort design, CP steel body and cage w/black rubber tread blocks, 9/16"" Boron axle and loose ball bearings

• Chain: KMC Z410 1/2"" pitch x 1/8"" width

• Freewheel: Shimano sprocket for internal hub 18T, black

• Brake Levers: Dia Compe alloy brake lever for caliper brake

• Brakes: Alloy single pivot side-pull caliper front brake and coaster brake rear

• Cables: Felt slick cables

• Saddle: Felt Dutch style comfort saddle w/coil springs, custom rivets and steel rails.

• Seat Post: Felt alloy single bolt head, 25.4 X 300mm

• Seat Post Clamp: Integrated into frame

• Rims: Single-wall aluminum, 700c, 36H

• Front Hub: 5-window alloy hub w/cap nuts, 3/8"" threaded axle

• Rear Hub: Shimano Nexus 3-speed w/coaster brake

• Spokes: Stainless 14g w/Brass Nipples

• Tires: Kenda 700 x 36c tires w/reflective strip on sidewalls and puncture protection, Schrader valve inner tubes

• Fenders: Full coverage Dutch style alloy fenders

• Kickstand: Alloy two-leg adjustable height kickstand

• Accessories: Rear alloy rack, saddle bag, full coverage w/stamped detail chainguard, safety bell and Felt handlebar mounted cup holder

A Year and a Half with the Torker Cargo-T

Back in 2009 I was looking for the perfect transportation bike. I needed something that I could ride to work, a 7+ mile ride one way that's fairly flat. I wanted to be able to commute in my work clothes, so it had to have full fenders and a decent chain guard. Another requirement was a grocery getter since we have three grocery stores within a 3 mile radius. I ended up with a Torker Cargo-T ordered from a local Torker Dealer. 

The Cargo-T is a copy of the Batavus Personal Delivery Bike minus the galvanized frame, chaincase, wheel lock, dyno hub, rear roller brakes and other Dutch goodies. The Cargo-T was a discounted 2008 version that came with a Shimano 3 speed and coaster brake with a front roller brake.

What's worked:

• The lack of rim brakes is great for the rain (and those lazy with bike maintenance). The front brake can lock up the wheel and just requires a little grease every 6 months or so.
• I've thought about swapping out the 26x 1.95 Kenda tires, but they've held up well, soaked up bumps and are generally forgiving
• I'm completely spoiled by the headset lock (keeps the front wheel fixed when parked)
• The front and rear racks are beefy and they're used to carry adult passengers in Europe, so they shrug off bags of ice and gallons of milk.
• The step through frame is great for mounting with a full load. I guess I'm spoiled now by being able to do sidesaddle moving dismounts.

Components that were replaced:

• The double kickstand failed on the first use. Torker sent a beefier-looking replacement and has worked flawlessly since.
• The pedals that came with the Cargo-T were plastic with a nubby rubber surface. The nubs were ground to a pulp after a few months. Apparently they were not made to withstand hiking boots in 20 degree temps.
• The plastic rim tape was installed incorrectly that caused a flat. I've been meaning to replace the tape in both wheels but haven't gotten around to it.
• The rear wheel was missing a spoke nipple. I'm told this *never* happens, but yep, I was missing one.
• The chain guard has cracked so now the bike is missing part of it (see photo). It looks, um, not so great, but it works. I would like to replace with a full chaincase if possible.

Things I've added that work well:

• I got the ultralight mirror after seeing it on Dotties Rivendell.
• The tiny black bell that came with the bike is now on my folder. I've added a proper Crane brass hammer strike bell that really is louder with a nice long sustain.
• I was excited that the Cargo-T has frame mounts for a wheel lock; however, I had to zip-tie my Velo-Orange wheel lock in place because it's too narrow for the mounts. Wheel locks are great on a big heavy bike like this one. I can't image fetching carryout with a U lock.
• The bike now has three baskets... a Wald mountless basket zip-tied to the front and two Wald folding baskets on the rear rack. All are zip-tie mount. I can carry 4 bags of groceries now.
• The MKS RMX pedals look great and do a better job of gripping tennis shoes than rubber-topped pedals.
• I used the light mount on the front rack and some stainless hardware to make a Planet Bike Blaze mount.
• The sprung vinyl saddle that came with the bike worked OK, but was a little, ah, swampy in the summertime. I'm (still) breaking in my VO Model 8 saddle. It's a little squeaky at this point but it looks fantastic.

Two questions I always get: "How much does it weigh? Isn't it slow with the three speed?" OK, so it's heavy, about 50 lbs with the current array of baskets. It isn't particularly slow unless your climbing. I've had people on road bikes, after catching up with me after a stop, comment on how I was riding "faster than expected for the bike." They may have meant "for someone not wearing lycra" but I'll let that go. I like the three speed, but have often wished for a 7 or 8 speed. You'll just be in a sub-optimal gear sometimes and have to push harder... not the end of the world.

Ye Olde English 3-speeds

Meet Binnie. Courtesy: Mark.

Binnie is a 1930's Raleigh 3-speed that belongs to Mark in Charlottesville.

Most English 3-speeds were built with fenders and chaincases or chainguards, and an internal gear hub that can withstand the wet English weather.  They were built for transportation, and they were built to last. That's why so many of them are still around.

Nice touch - Binnie has a pump holder. Courtesy: Mark.

For more on English 3-speeds, check out Sheldon Brown's website, or better yet, listen to his September 25, 2005 podcast.

Civia Midtown

Civia Cycles' Midtown urban explorer

A few weeks ago I wrote about Civia Cycles' newish cargo-bike/cycle-truck, the Halsted. What I didn't realize at the time is that the Civia brand has gone through an overhaul of sorts, and appears ready to fulfill its promise, and my expectations. The Halsted is only one of a new line of new well-thought-out bicycles, available as framesets and complete bikes, with sensible and good quality parts picks, and reasonable prices.

The Midtown is "The Urban Explorer" of the bunch--characterized by upright and swept back handlebars, a wide-range 24-speed drivetrain, a big front basket, and a semi-step-through frame--and described as "a budget-priced utility bike." With an MSRP of $900, "budget-priced" may be a stretch, but reasonably-priced is not. It comes in S, M and L sizes.

This bike may not be in stock at your local bike shop, but every shop worth its salt has an account with Civia Cycles' parent company, and can order the Midtown, or any other Civia bike.

Check out the Midtown, at Civia Cycles' website.

Kona Africabike Three and Bike

If the typical American just mounted a bike instead of climbing into a car everyday there would be many more bikes like Kona's "Bike" and Africabike Three. 

The wide tires and three-speed internal hub gears mean you don't have to worry about dodging potholes (ok, small ones) or remembering to shift before you stop. They both have fenders to keep the grime off of you and backpedal rear brakes. 

Are they fast? No, probably not. Statistics tell us most people are only going a couple miles, so who needs road-bike fast? Did you ever see people in cars circle for that close parking spot in front of the grocery store? The basket on that Africabike Three will fit a gallon of milk or package of diapers and get you there faster.

Africabike Three

The rear rack is integrated into the (new this year) aluminum step-through frame. It comes with a ring lock (aka wheel lock), front basket and a bell. The tires are puncture resistant.

Specs (from Kona):

Frame Material	Kona 7005 Aluminum Butted
Sizes	18"
Fork	Kona Project Two
Crankarms	ProWheel Z005
Chainrings	ProWheel 36T
B/B	CH
Pedals	VP-560
Chain	KMC Z410
Freewheel	Shimano SM-Gear 18T
F/D	N/A
R/D	N/A
Shifters	Shimano Twist Shifter
Brake Calipers	Shimano BR-M422 (FR) Coaster (RR)
Brake Levers	Shimano BL-M421 (front only)
Headset	CH
Handlebar	Kona Riser
Stem	Kona Control
Seatpost	Kona Thumb
Seat Clamp	Kona Clamp
Grips	Velo
Saddle	Kona Plush
Front Hub	KT
Rear Hub	Shimano Nexus 3spd Internal
Spokes	Stainless 14g
Rims	Shining A-6N
Front Tire	Kenda K922, puncture resistant
Rear Tire	Kenda K922, puncture resistant
Paint Color	White or Black
Extras	Kickstand, Handlebar Mount Basket, Fenders, Chain Cover, Bell

Bike

The simple name will lead to "Who's on First?" conversations, I'm sure. It doesn't have a rack, but you could add one. It's simple and tough. Kona went with a non-quill stem which is too bad, but it would look great if you added riser handlebars anyhow.

Specs (from Kona):

Frame Material	Kona 7005 Aluminum Butted
Sizes	14", 16", 18", 20", 22"
Fork	Kona Project Two
Crankarms	FSA
Chainrings	38T
B/B	FSA
Pedals	Shimano UN-26
Chain	KMC Z610 RB
Freewheel	Shimano SM-Gear 16T
F/D	N/A
R/D	N/A
Shifters	Shimano Twist Shifter
Brake Calipers	Tektro 849 AL (FR) Coaster (RR)
Brake Levers	Tektro TS-384A
Headset	FSA
Handlebar	Kona Aluminum Riser
Stem	Kona Control
Seatpost	Kona Thumb
Seat Clamp	Kona Clamp
Grips	Velo
Saddle	Kona Plush
Front Hub	KT
Rear Hub	Shimano Nexus 3spd Internal
Spokes	Stainless 14g
Rims	Shining MT-20
Front Tire	Kenda Komfort 26 x 1.95
Rear Tire	Kenda Komfort 26 x 1.95
Paint Color	Black
Extras	Fenders, Kona Bell

Norco City Glide

Norco City Glide 8

Norco is a major Canadian distributor, and also makes a number of good bikes. Unfortunately, they have few dealers for complete bikes in the United States, but there is probably a shop that can order one of these bikes in a major city. Canadians may be able to try one out in person, and get slightly better prices. They may also be found in the UK and Australia.

The City Glide 8 stands out with an 8-speed internal nexus hub, roller-brakes front and rear, and by including a double-kickstand and front fork spring, making it easy to load up a front basket or rear rack. It has a sensible geometry, with 72 degree angles sufficiently slack to get a toe down at stoplights. Unfortunately, the chainguard is not paired with a chainring, so snagged clothing is a slight possibility (though less risky than with most bikes), the gearing is set a little too high, and no lights are included. But at a suggested price of only US$ 665 , you should have a few dollars left to make those changes.

The women's version is less aesthetically successful, to my taste, but has a nice front basket, instead of the rear rack, and otherwise has the same specifications:

Norco City Glide 8 W

These specifications and geometry are for the City Glide 8 (men's version), similar to the women's version:

Specifications:

Frame: 7005 Alloy City Glide Frame 

Fork: Chromoly with threaded steerer

Rims: 700c Double wall alloy - Black 

Tires: 700x37c Continental TownRIDE w/Breaker 

Spokes: Black Stainless w/brass nipples

Front hub: Shimano HG-IM40 Roller Brake hub 36hole 

Rear hub: Shimano SG-8R31VSA 8-speed IGH 36hole [Regular 8-speed, I believe, not "red band"]

Shifter: Shimano Revoshift SL-8S20 

Crankset: Alloy 44T - Black 

Bottom bracket: Cartridge BB

Rear Cog: Nexus 20T
Chain:  KMC Z610H
Pedals:  Alloy pedal with non-slip tread 

Front & rear brake:  Shimano BR-IM41 Roller Brake Front and Rear

Brake levers:  Ergonomic brake lever w/integrated bell 

Handlebar: Alloy city bar - Black

Grips: Cork grips - Dark Brown

Stem: Alloy quill stem - Black 

Headset: CH-903SW black threaded waterproof

Seat post:  Alloy - Black, average set-back

Saddle:  Norco City Comfort 

Chainguard:  Partial, without chainring [unfortunately]

Kickstand:  Dual-leg, fold-back

Fenders:  Powdercoated Alloy
Extras: Bell, Rear rack w/ low pannier hook, Front stabilizer spring [Women's has a basket instead of the rear rack]

Colors:  8: Army Green - 8W: Light Blue - 3:

Sizes:  S-18 / M-19 / L-21
Weight: 34 lbs claimed


The 3-speed version costs $140 less, or about $525, and are similarly equipped otherwise (but lacking a dual kickstand, and with calipers instead of rollerbrakes): 

Frame Geometry

FRAME SIZE	Seat Tube	Top Tube	Head-T Angle	Seat-T Angle	Head Tube	Fork Length	Chain stay	Front Center	BB Height	Wheel base
S-17	432	585	70	72	160	410	457	637	285	1087
M-19	583	600	70.5	71.5	180	410	457	641	285	1091
L-21	533	615	70.5	71.5	180	410	457	656	285	1106
WS-16	406	575	69.5	71.5	180	410	457	627	285	1078
WM-18.5	470	590	70.5	71.5	180	410	457	630	285	1081

The geometry is similar to a Breezer Uptown, with sloping top tubes, reasonably long chainstays, and moderate but not-too-low seat and head tube angles. The bike should be stable and easy to ride hands-free (based on the low amount of rake on the fork, and the slack head tube angle), and it should be relatively easy to get a toe on the ground at stoplights without hopping of the saddle, if you need to, without setting the saddle low.

The Norco City Glide also comes in a Shimano Altus 21-speed derailer version, for $370, lacking the kickstand and rack:

Norco City Glide (Derailer)

If you know a local shop in your city that stocks these bikes for test-rides, or if you have ridden a City Glide yourself, let us know in the comments.