The Raddish

Image: Derek Pearson, http://www.bikerubbish.com/

Now, I dunno when this bike will be available, but it's always fun to have a sneak-peak at something cool, and practical (my own bias).

It's a frameset/bike that was designed by or for Xtracycle, and it will be sold, I gather, by Xtracycle. It's called the Raddish, and it looks real nice. 

Bikes?Rubbish! has an unofficial review, but since he's actually working for Xtracycle, I guess it's not really unofficial. Interesting product launch strategy.

Well, X-folks, we're ready and waiting...

Giant Simple Seven

Giant Simple Seven. Available at Alfred E. Bike for $300.

2008 Specs:

Size: One size fits most
Color: Candy red (M/W); black (M); pearl white (W)
Shifters: Shimano Revo 7-spd (also avail. as single speed)
RD: Shimano Tourney MegaRange
Brakes: Alloy Direct Pull w/ power control
Cassette: Shimano 13-34T, Mega Range
Chain: KMC Z51
Cranks: Giant Alloy 3-piece, 46T
Rims: Alloy 36H
Hubs: Fr. Alloy nutted; Rear: Alloy nutted freewheel
Tires: RoadStar Cruiser 26x2.125"
Handlebar: Steel cruiser
Saddle: Unity Comfort Cruiser w/ memory foam
Pedals: Resin/Kraton Comfort Platform
Chainguard

If you have any feedback about the Simple Seven, please leave a comment.

Basil Bags & Baskets

Holy cow, what's this? No bike?

Well, it's a Bike Accessory For The Rest Of Us.

Basil is a Dutch company that was started and is still owned by a family that has been in the bike biz for at least four generations. As you can see, they've taken some traditional and practical designs and updated them with 21st Century style and technology.

Even the swanky bag below attaches neatly to a rear carrier.

Best of all, they're now available at local bike shops across the US. If your local shop doesn't know what you're talking about, tell them that Seattle Bike Supply is the US distributor. If they still don't know what you're talking about, find a new shop.

Redline R530

European Sophistication and Practicality

From Redline's catalog:

Lightweight 6061 aluminum frame that is specially designed for utilitarian use. Shock absorbing Suntour front fork with 50mm of travel. Quiet, “maintenance free,” easy shifting Shimano Nexus 7 speed drive train & highly efficient roller brakes. Easy fit handlebars & stem adjust for comfortable upright riding positions. Sturdy aluminum double wall rims with stainless steel spokes, with flat resistant tubes for trouble free adventure. Comes fully dressed with fenders, rear cargo carrier, full chainguard, & shockabsorbing seatpost. Available in a step thru & 4 diamond style frame sizes (S-XL).

FRAME - 6061 alloy 130mm spacing
FORK - SR Suntour 50mm
HEADSET - Tange threaded 28.6mm
F.DERAIL - none!
R.DERAIL - none!
SHIFTERS - Shimano Nexus 7
CRANKSET - Alloy 38T
BB - Square taper
CASSETTE -
PEDALS - Alloy comfort
WHEELSET - Alloy double wall rim , alloy nutted hubs, 14 gauge stainless spokes
TIRES - Kenda 700 x 38
BRAKE - Shimano Nexus Roller
BRAKE LVR - Tektro
BAR - Alloy 55mm rise
STEM - Alloy adjustable
SADDLE - Comfort
POST - Alloy comfort suspension 27.2mm

EXTRAS - fenders, rear cargo carrier, full chainguard

David's comments:

This is a good looking and practical machine. Although it's a bit more expensive, internal hub gearing is really the way to go for urban utility: you can shift while waiting at a stoplight, and use a full chaincase (which Redline has wisely provided), saving your pants or skirt. In addition to the other useful accessories that come standard, this bike has nice high handlebars for a casual posture and good traffic spotting, and the step-through version has a nice deep scoop. 

The bike does have two design flaws. First, the quick-release seat collar is a terrific way to get your seat stolen. It's easy to switch the quick-release collar for a regular bolt-on collar (you may be able to replace just the bolt itself). Second, and not as easily fixed, is the suspension fork. This thing is heavy, detracts from the handling of the bike, and probably isn't absorbing much in the way of shock or vibration (most of that is done by the tires, properly inflated).

Now get some lights, and a Basil bag or basket, and you're all set. Make sure you get a taillight that can be mounted on the back of the rack where it will be much more visible than if mounted on the seatpost or elsewhere.

Bianchi Milano Parco

Milano Parco by Bianchi. Available at Capitol Hill Bikes for $450.

Review by Coffee Joe, a commenter at Commute By Bike.

2008 Specs:

Frame: Bianchi 26" Milano City Aluminum (Sizes: 16.5, 18.5, 20, 22")
Colors: Celeste
Crankset: Prowheel PI-244A alloy with steel ring 44T
Chain: KMC Z610H
Cog: Shimano 20T
Front hub: Joytech JY-761DSE alloy 36h
Rear hub: Shimano Nexus SG-3R40 3-spd 36h
Rims: Alex ACE19 alloy 36h
Tires: Kenda K-193 26"x1.5
Handlebar: Kalloy SP-359 alloy 27.2 mm
Saddle: Velo VLG-519AD2 double density
Brakes: Lee-chi XL96 alloy
Pedals: Pistal type steel
Chainguard: Plastic SP-45C painted
Mudguards: Yuen I YCA-5M alloy tubular