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.

Viva Juliett

The Viva Juliett is a Danish-made 7-speed.

The Viva Juliett is currently on sale at Nashbar for $970.  Viva is a small Danish company that was started in 2006 by Lars Andersen.

First I was struck by the beauty and elegance of this bike: the intricate design on the chaincase, the spokes on the rear fender where, traditionally, the skirt guard/coat protector would be, the rear carrier which appears to be wound with bamboo.  Then I was impressed that it's available for less than $1,000.

The Juliett comes with dynamo lights and roller brakes (which should make Mr. Hembrow happy). Here are the specs:

CRANKSET	Viva Classic
CHAINRINGS	42 t alloy
CHAIN COVER	Viva Signature alloy cover
BOTTOM BRACKET	Cartridge bearing, allen bolt
PEDALS	Viva classic pedal
RIMS	Viva 700c alloy
FRONT HUB	Sturmey Archer drumbrake/dynamo
REAR HUB	Shimano 7 speed Rollerbrake or 3 speed coaster
SPOKES	Stainless
TIRE	Schwalbe Delta Cruiser. Kevlar on Entry model
INNER TUBE	Presta valve
SADDLE	Gyes leather saddle. Vinyl on entry models
SEATPOST	Alloy 26,2 mm
CARRIER	Viva design alloy

Simcoe Bicycles

From the top down: Simcoe Step-Through Classic; Simcoe Roadster Signature; Simcoe Roadster Classic; Simcoe Step-Through Signature. All photos courtesy http://simcoebicycles.com

The Toronto-based Simcoe Bicycles makes European-style upright steel bikes that include fenders, chaincases, rear racks, and internal gear hubs. A 7-speed Classic goes for about $900; a 7-speed Signature for around $1100.

Simcoe calls itself "the renaissance of the everyday bike in North America."  Momentum Magazine included Simcoe in its gear guide as one of "21 City Bikes for 2015."  Lovely Bicycle tested the Signature Roadster in 2014 and observed that it had "that intangible 'vintage bike feel' in a modern machine."

There's so much to like about Simcoe.  The 7-speeds, whether Signature or Classic, come with a rack.  The Classic is also available as a singlespeed (MSRP $580)  or a 3-speed (MSRP $700), and in a 20 inch or 22 inch frame.  The major difference between Classic and Signature is the brakes. The Classic has caliper rim brakes; the Signature has Shimano roller brakes (which should please David Hembrow). The Signature also comes with a Brooks B68 saddle.

Here are the specs for the Roadster Classic:

Frame	Mixed chromoly frame absorbs road vibration and reduces weight. Includes clever braze-ons for Dutch-style rear wheel lock to deter theft.
Paint	A four-step paint process, including a phosphate base layer and ultra-durable polyurethane clearcoat, create a highly chip-resistant finish with a rust-resistant undercoat.
Fork	High-tensile steel legs with a chromoly steerer tube that naturally absorbs road vibrations.
Headset	FSA sealed bearing keeps steering smooth and protected from rain and snow.
Brakes	Tektro dual pivot brakes give brand-name stopping power.
Brake Lever	Tektro brake levers blend clean lines with excellent power.
Front Hub	Bolt-On alloy front hub discourages theft.
Rear Hub	One speed hub features a coaster brake while three and seven speeds feature low maintenance, weather resistant Shimano internally geared hubs.
Spokes	13 gauge (14 gauge for 7 speed) rear, 14 gauge front spokes provide lateral wheel stifness and superior stability.
Rims	Extremely strong touring-grade rims with double wall construction, 36 spokes and stainless steel eyelets.
Tires	Kenda EuroTrek tires have a puncture resistant lining and a reflective side wall for added safety.
Shifters	Ergonomic Nexus rotary shifter on three speed and high-tech Rapidfire shifter on seven speeds.
Crankset	Samox alloy cranks with fluted details.
Pedals	Alloy with boron axle. Rubber top keeps shoes in good shape
Bottom Bracket	FSA sealed bearings keeps things running smooth and protected from the elements.
Chain	Tough KMC chain for durability.
Stem	Kalloy 25 degree rise stem on the Step Through model puts you in an upright position for comfort and control. Zero rise on the Roadster model for a more powerful and agile position.
Handlebar	Alloy with a 35 mm rise and Classic Japanese style 50 degree backsweep bend for perfect ergonomics.
Grips	Velo grips offer great shock absorption.
Seatpost	Kalloy 375 mm seatpost with elegant swan neck.
Seat	Durable vinyl saddle with extra springs for added comfort.
Chainguard	Alloy chainguard resists rust and provides total clothing protection.
Rack	Features on seven speed models the 16 mm rack is extra strong (up to 55 pounds) and features a plate for permanent, theft-resistant light installation.
Fenders	Fenders are made of a lightweight alloy and painted to match making them extremely rust and chip resistant. Added features include a fluted silver tip, single alloy stays, and leather washers.
Kickstand	The Classic single arm design is both durable and handsome.

Batavus Flying D

Unfortunately, Batavus bikes are no longer being regularly imported to North America. But for a period in the mid 2008's they were available through several local bike shops. I became the second owner of a Batavus Flying D, after my first good city bike, a Breezer Uptown 8, was stolen.

Batavus is a dutch company from the Netherlands, but the frames are made in Taiwan or China. The Flying D model has a traditional "Dutch Bike" geometry and appearance, but is made with thick aluminum tubing and modern "29er" wheels.

The wheels have deep rims that are laced in a modern-looking pattern, paired with huge 2-inch thick city tires. This can make it difficult to hang up on a bike hook in a train, but it certainly gets attention. The front hub is a Shimano dynamo plus roller brake, the rear is a 7-speed SRAM hub with coaster brake, with the chain inclosed in a full plastic chaincase with futuristic styling. The bike came standard with a leather Brooks saddle and matching vinyl grips, rear wheel lock, and dynamo headlight.

I later added a dynamo taillight and rear rack to mine, which made it much more useful. The standard metal fenders are a little short, and need rubber mudflaps to be added for full protection. The 7-speed hub is a little finicky, making it difficult get the shifting to work smoothly when the rear wheel is removed and replaced for repairs, and you have to let up on the pedals while shifting, as with most 3-speed hubs (but unlike the Nuvinci and Shimano 8-speed hubs).

The riding position is very upright even with the handlebars at the lowest setting, and the large heavy wheels make acceleration and hill climbing feel slow. But this also means it rides right over potholes without a shudder, it feels like riding on a full suspension. The upright postion feels regal, as you loom over cars and other bike riders, and a tail-wind feels like a magic carpet ride. Just watch out for headwinds and hills, the aluminum frame does not make this bike light-weight.

If you want a "Dutch" bike, I would recommend looking for a Gazelle or Workcycles bike, instead of a Batavus due to the better build quality and looks of those bikes. But this was an affordable option in the used market, which came along at the right time. It originally retailed for about $1100 in 2008 to 2009, and now would be worth about $500 to $600 used.

Specifications:

Frame:  Aluminium

Fork:  Aluminium

Rims:  Deep-section 700c ("29er"), black with silver sides

Tires:  Chinese imitation of Schwalbe Big Apple tires 29x2.20 (52mm x 622 mm); reflex sidewalls

Spokes:  Stainless, 36

Front hub:  Shimano dynamo plus roller brake

Rear hub:  SRAM 7-speed with coaster brake

Shifter:  SRAM twist shifter

Handlebar:  Cruiser-style, riser bar with swept-back grips

Stem:  Alloy

Grips:  Vinyl, leather-look

Bottom bracket:  Sealed

Rear Cog:  18 (I recommend changing to 21t for lower gearing)

Chain:  

Pedals:  Rubber block

Front & rear Brake:  Shimano rollerbrake (front), Coaster brake (rear)

Brake levers:  Right (front) only

Saddle:  Brooks B67 brown leather with springs

Seat post:  Alloy

Chainguard:  Full chaincase, thermoplastic

Kickstand:  Long alloy plus rubber single kickstand

Fenders:  Metal (black painted alloy?)

Rack:  Not included (added on mine)

Lights:  Halogen B&M (replaced on mine with LED headlight and taillight)

Extras:  Bell

Colors:  Matte black

Breezer Uptown 8

2014 Breezer Uptown 8. Credit: breezerbikes.com

In the beginning, there was Breezer.

When I first started Bikes For The Rest Of Us, Breezer was the U.S. company that stood out from the crowd. The first bikes I wrote about back in 2008 were Breezer's 3-speed Citizen and 8-speed Uptown. The Breezer Uptown 8 easily qualifies for my Pick Six.

If you look at the pictures, it's obvious why the Uptown stands out:

full chaincase!

fenders!

rear rack included!

internal gear hub!

But there's something else that distinguishes Breezers. Do you see it?

With Breezer transportation bikes, dynamo lights are standard. The Uptown has a Shimano 3W front hub that powers Busch and Muller headlights and taillights. So, when Edwin did his Lights for the Rest of Us piece on bikes that come with dynamo lights, Breezer really stood out.

As E. Williamson commented: "Breezer -- whatever model you like, for their lone promotion of dynamo lighting within the American market."


Beginner Cycling agrees:

@Bikes4RestOfUs For ready-to-commute ability (hub dynamo, lights, fenders, lock, rack, etc.) it's hard to beat the @Breezer_Bikes Uptown 8.
— BeginnerCycling (@BeginnerCycling) January 27, 2014

You should also read Tom's test ride review in 2012.

Honorable Mention: Breezer Uptown Infinity.

Breezer Uptown Infinity

Photos courtesy of breezerbikes.com

The Breezer Infinity LS is currently on sale at Bike Wagon for $1,050.

If you read Edwin's epic Lights for the Rest of Us (and you really should, if you haven't), you probably noticed that Breezer stands apart when it comes to offering bikes with dynamo lights.  The Infinity also has a Nuvinci 360 hub, which basically makes shifting something you don't have to think much about (For more info, read Simple Cycle's review of the hub).

So, you don't have to think about lighting, and you don't have to think about shifting.  No wonder Maurice Tierney compared this bike to a toaster in his Bicycle Times review.  Comes with a full chaincase, fenders, and a rear rack.  Here are the specs on the LS:

Sizes	Low-Step: XS (15"), S (17"), M (19"), L (21")
Color(s)	Gloss Marine Blue
Main frame	Breezer Custom-Tapered Aluminum, Single Water Bottle Mount
Rear triangle	Breezer Custom-Tapered Aluminum
Fork	Breezer Chromoly
Crankset	Breezer Aluminum, 38T
Bottom Bracket	FSA 7420 Cartridge-Style
Pedals	VP, Polished Aluminum Body, Chromoly Axle
Front derailleur	-
Rear derailleur	-
Shifters	Nuvinci N360 Twist Shifter, ∞ - Speed
Cassette	Shimano, 18T
Chain	KMC
Wheelset	Shimano 3W Dynamo Front/Nuvinci N360 Continuously Variable Planetary Rear, 36H Hubs, Vera DM25 Aluminum Double-Wall CNC SSE Rims
Tires	Vera CityWide Plus, 26x1.75" w/ Puncture Protection, Reflective Strip
Brake set	Breezer Aluminum Linear Pull, Cold-Forged, Stainless Hardware
Brake levers	Breezer Aluminum, 4-Finger Ergonomic w/ Kraton Grip
Headset	FSA Sealed, 1" Threaded
Handlebar	Breezer North Road Aluminum, 25.4, 26mm Rise, 590mm Wide, 33° Sweep
Stem	Breezer Aluminum, 25.4, Quill-Style
Tape/grip	Breezer Ergonomic Dual-Density
Saddle	Breezer Comfort Saddle
Seat post	Breezer Suspension Aluminum, 40mm Travel, 27.2mm
Fenders	Polycarbonate, 50mm, Stainless Fittings, Integrated Lighting Conductors
Headlight	B&M Lumotech Lyt LED, Standlight, Auto Sensor, On/Off Switch
Taillight	B&M DToplight Plus, Standlight
Rear Carrier	Breezer Tubular Aluminum w/ Spring Clip
Other	Full Chaincase, Kickstand, Bell, Frame Lock

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

Breezer Uptown 8

Breezer makes a line of fully dressed commuter bikes. The Uptown 8 has a Nexus red-band IGH with 8 speeds, fenders, rack and dynohub. It even has a full chaincase for trouble-free commuting. The frame is aluminum with a sloping top tube. 

I like that the B&M lights are both wired to the dynohub and have standlights (stay on after you stop). How many other bikes can you find that come stock with a ring lock, too? Oh, and thank you for making this bike with a proper quill stem so I can adjust it more than once.

I found this Uptown at my local Breezer dealer, Bikes@Vienna.

Workcycles Fr8

Fr8, the family version. Credit: Workcycles.

The Fr8, from Workcycles, is available from Clever Cycles for $2200, without racks or child seat.

The Fr8 is the "do-anything bike" at its finest.  Here's how Workcycles describes it:

The Fr8 (pronounced like "freight") is our modular, city-utility bicycle system.  It can be configured and outfitted for many heavy-duty purposes: delivery, industry or carrying kids and groceries.  Thanks to an enormously stiff, low instep frame, robust construction, sophisticated geometry and special carriers it does it all with ease.

According to Workcycles, the load capacity is 250 kg, or "one parent, up to 3 kids, and lots of groceries."  In other words, the Fr8 may be able to replace your minivan.

The Fr8 has been mentioned and photographed by EcoVelo and Brooks England. Also, here's a great write-up by Fr8 owner mamafiets.

Here are some specs:

• "Adaptive Seat Tube" quickly adjustable for riders of about 160-200cm


• TIG welded Chro-Mo frame and fork

• Heavy duty wheels with aluminum rims, 13g stainless spokes

• Vredestein Moiree or Schwalbe Big Apple tires w/ Kevlar antiflat belts

• Shimano front roller brake

• Hub dynamo, halogen headlamp, LED taillamp with standlight

• Fully enclosed chain-case, painted stainless steel fenders

• Wide double leg centerstand

• Stainless steel handlebar, stem and all hardware

For options, Workcycles says there are too many to list.  Here are a few important ones: Shimano Nexus 3-speed or 8-speed internal gear hubs; coaster or hand rear brake; Brooks leather saddle; city front carrier; long rear carrier; lock box; child saddle on frame behind handlebar; Trelock defender wheel block; bell.

In other words, Workcycles took everything useful and put it all on one bike.

Dutch Bikes - Delivered?

More Local Bike Shops are offering practical transportation bicycles with classic styling in North America every day. There are now many US brands that offer practical transportation bikes, but for some there is no substitute for an imported fully dressed Dutch Bike. US Shops like Clever Cycles, Dutch Bike Co, and Adeline Adeline are importing Dutch Bikes to the US and providing a high quality retail experience to go with them. Unfortunately most of us don't live within driving distance of these shops.

What if you could get Dutch Bikes delivered right to your door? There's great risk it buying a bicycle sight-unseen, but perhaps if you've had a chance to ride one elsewhere you'd be more willing to take the plunge.

Two direct-ship Dutch Bike suppliers, And Dutch and Dutchie Bikes offer such direct-to-consumer services. In addition to a line of contemporary city bikes, kids bikes (including kids classic styles), chainless bikes and folders, And Dutch offers Burgers brand classic town bikes starting around $700 (with free shipping). The best part is that they have a variety of sizes, styles and gearing combinations (up to 8 speed). These bikes have all of the standard features like locks, lights, chaincase, steering stabilizer, racks, coatguards, etc; And Dutch assures me that these bikes include front brakes (not shown in photos). It seems reasonable that you'd want to swap out the front wheel for a dynohub/drum combo at some point, though.

And Dutch Bikes - Burgers Cargo Gents (below), Burgers Nostalgia Basic (above):

Dutchie offers two models starting at $600 (shipping starts at $49). You can choose between a loop frame and diamond frame, with single speed or 3-speed gearing. In the diamond frame you can get any color and size you want as long as it's black and 57cm. Dutchie bikes are equipped with dynohubs and front rim brakes.

Dutchie 'Chic' model:

What about quality? We can't speak to the quality of these bikes, but maybe we can get some models to test and post a full review. If you mail order you won't be able to take the bike to a local dealer for a post-purchase tune-up. What are your thoughts about the availability of fully-dressed city bikes in your area? Would you buy Dutch direct?

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

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.