A.N.T. Boston Roadster

A.N.T. Boston Roadster. Available directly from A.N.T. for $1,995.00 plus shipping. Also available, completely assembled, at Hiawatha Cyclery in Minneapolis (call 612-727-2565 for price).

A.N.T. (Alternative Needs Transportation), founded and run by a guy named Mike in the Boston area, makes handcrafted, custom bikes. Certainly, a bike from A.N.T. costs more than a mass-produced, factory model by a name brand. Mike's idea, however, is that you will spend more time riding your commuter bike than any other bike you own, so why not invest in a well-crafted bike?

Specs:

Frame: True temper butted steel (23 sizes avail. between 46 - 63 cm).
Handlebars: Nitto north road bars
Rims: Salsa
Tires: Panaracer 70 x 32 mm
Front light: Halogen, powered by hub
Shimano nexus premium 8-spd hub with 21T cog (can be built as SS instead)
Chainring: 38T
Pedals: MKS touring
Saddle: Brooks B-17 (black or honey)
Fenders: Planet Bike plastic
Myricle brass duet Bell
Chrome chainguard
Rear rack

If you have any feedback on the Boston Roadster, please leave a comment.

UPDATE: On November 17, 2014, Mike announced that he was closing A.N.T.

Van Dessel Country Road Bob

Country Road Bob by Van Dessel Sports. MSRP is $900.

Bicycling.com has a review of the Country Road Bob, with video, here.

Customer reviews on amazon.com .


2008 Specs:

Frame: 7005 Alloy; fender/rack ready with large tire clearance
Sizes: 50, 53, 56, 59, 62
Brakes: Tektro ORYX
Handlebars: Ritchey BioMax
Chainring: 38T
Freewheel/fixed flip-flop hubs: 15T
Tires: 700 x 32c slicks

If you have any feedback on the Country Road Bob, please leave a comment.

Schwinn Coffee Cruiser

Schwinn Coffee Cruiser. Available at Performance Bikes for $250. May also be available at your local Wal-Mart.

2008 Specs:

Frame: 700c Schwinn Classic Sport
Crankset: One piece, 46T
Pedals: Schwinn Bowtie cruiser
Freewheel: 22T
Rims: Alloy 700c 36H
Hubs: SRAM I-motion, 3-spd with coaster brake
Handlebar: Low rise sport
Saddle: Schwinn sport saddle
Chainguard
Rear rack
Fenders: steel

If you have any feedback on the Schwinn Coffee, please leave a comment.

Masi Speciale SoulVille

Masi Speciale SoulVille. Available at City Bikes (in both colors) for $770.

Masi, famous for its racing bikes, appears to be reaching out to the everyday commuter.

Some online commentary about this model:

Masi Guy

Bicycle Retailer News

Bike Hugger

2008 Specs

Frame: Double-butted ChroMo steel w/ rack & fender mounts (14, 16, 18, 20)
Color(s): Gloss Black; Antique Beige
Chainring: Alloy 46T
Freewheel: Shimano 20T
Hub: Shimano Internal 8-spd
Chain: KMC Z610H
Pedals: Alloy cage / Kraton insert
Handlebar: Masi ARC 540
Saddle: Masi retro leather w/ springs
Wheels: Ritchey Girder XC
Tires: 40C Kenda Kourier

If you have any feedback about the Masi Speciale SoulVille, please leave a comment.

Masi Speciale Commuter

Masi Speciale Commuter. Available in some sizes at City Bikes for $679.99.

Masi, famous for its racing bikes, appears to be reaching out to the everyday commuter.

Some online commentary about this model:

Cyclelicious

Commute By Bike

2008 Specs

Frame: Double-butted ChroMo steel w/ rack & fender mounts (49, 51, 53, 56, 58, 60)
Color: Root Beer
Chainring: Alloy 42T
Freewheel: Shimano MX30 16T
Hub: Flip-flop, sealed w/ track nuts
Chain: KMC Z610H
Pedals: Alloy cage w/ clips & straps
Handlebar: Masi radonneur
Saddle: Masi SLS w/ steel rails
Wheels: Ritchey Girder XC
Tires: 32C Kenda Kwik Trax w/ reflective sidewalls

If you have any feedback about the Masi Speciale Commuter, please leave a comment.