Soma Buena Vista

The Buena Vista built with fenders and rear rack. Credit: Somafab

Soma Fabrications sells its 2013 Buena Vista mixte frameset for $500 (the 2012 frameset is currently on sale for $470). This is a quality steel mixte frame made from Tange Infinity heat-treated Chromoly with rack and fender eyelets. 

It's available in four sizes: 42, 50, 54, and 58 cm. The 42 cm takes 26" wheels and accommodates a width of 1.5"; the larger sizes take 700c wheels with a maximum tire width of 28c. Available in Pearl White and Old Gold.

Buena Vista frame and fork in "Old Gold."

Here are some reviews: Lovely Bicycle (test riding a 650B version)

Paved Magazine

Shinola

There actually is good news coming out of Detroit these days and it involves watchmaker Shinola, which also happens to be producing elegant, American-made classic lugged steel bikes for the rest of us. They are assembled in Detroit; production is done by Waterford in Wisconsin.

Shinola has done a nice job of creating publicity, most recently with their Shinola Bike Tour.

If you want to read more about Shinola, I recommend Bicycle Retailer and Let's Go Ride A Bike. The latter went on a tour of Shinola's Detroit facility.

Runwell

The Runwell goes for $2,950 (hang in there, Al). It's in the porteur style that is so popular these days (did those old-time Parisian newspaper distributors have any inkling that there bikes would one day be the subject of so much adulation?), and includes an 11-speed Shimano Alfine internal hub, disc brakes, and internal cable routing. Fenders are not included, but Shinola assures us that racks and fenders fit easily on the frame. The chainguard is included.

Here are the specs:

Frame	Lugged, TrueTemper double-butted CroMo, custom tubing configurations
Frame Details	Shinola custom laser-cut dropouts, Internal brake and gear routing
Fork	TrueTemper CroMo, custom cast fork crown, disc mount, rack and fender eyelets
Headset	Polished alloy, 1 1/8”
Handlebar	Civia Aldrich, alloy, 50º backsweep, 580mm width, 25.4mm clamp
Grips	Shinola leather w/alloy grip clamps, 130mm
Stem	Polished alloy, 1 1/8”, +/6º (*+/- 6º) rise
Brakes	Shimano mechanical disc w/160mm rotors
Brake Levers	Shimano levers
Shifters	Shimano Alfine 11-sp RapidFire Plus
Crankset	FSA, F. Gimondi, 44T ring
Bottom Bracket	Shimano, cartridge
Chain	Shimano, 1/2" x 3/32"
Chainguard	-
COG	Shimano Nexus, 18T
Front Hub	Shimano disc front, 32º, bolt-on
Rear Hub	Shimano Alfine 11-sp disc rear
Rims	Sun CR-18, 32º, one-eyelet, P/V, polished silver
Spokes	DT Swiss Champion, 14g, stainless
Tires	Continental Contact Reflex, 700x32C, w/reflective strip (* Schwalbe Delta Cruiser, Crème-Reflex, 700x35C, w/reflective strip)
Pedals	MKS Sylvan Touring, aluminum, toe-clip compatible
Saddle	Shinola leather, silver rails and rivets
Seatpost	Polished alloy, 27.2mm x 350mm
Extras	Front rack, bell and Shinola chainguard

Bixby (men's)

The Bixby goes for $1,950.  It's a 3-speed with a Shimano Nexus internal hub and disc brakes.

Here are the specs:

Frame Details	Shinola custom laser cut dropouts
Fork	TrueTemper CroMo, custom cast fork crown, disc mount, rack and fender eyelets
Headset	Polished alloy, 1 1/8"
Handlebar	Civia Aldrich, alloy, 70º backsweep, 580mm width, 25.4mm clamp
Grips	Shinola leather w/alloy grip clamps, 130mm
Stem	Polished alloy, 1 1/8", +/6º rise
Brakes	Shimano mechanical disc w/160mm rotors
Brake Levers	Shimano levers
Shifters	Shimano Nexus Revo
Crankset	FSA, F. Gimondi, 44T ring
Bottom Bracket	Shimano, cartridge
Chain	Shimano, 1/2" x 3/32"
Chainguard	Shinola Chainguard
COG	Shimano Nexus, 18T
Front Hub	Shimano Deore disc, 32º, bolt-on
Rear Hub	Shimano Nexus 3-sp disc, Silent Clutch
Rims	Sun CR-18, 32º, one-eyelet, P/V, polished silver
Spokes	DT Swiss Champion, 14g, stainless
Tires	Continental Contact Reflex, 700x32C, w/reflective strip
Pedals	MKS Sylvan Touring, aluminum, toe-clip compatible
Saddle	Shinola leather, copper rails and rivets
Seatpost	Polished alloy, 27.2mm x 350mm
Extras	Bell and alloy fenders

Bixby (women's)

The women's Bixby is also $1,950. 

Here the specs:

Frame	TrueTemper double-butted CroMo, custom tubing configurations
Frame Details	Shinola custom laser cut dropouts
Fork	TrueTemper CroMo, custom cast fork crown, disc mount, rack and fender eyelets
Headset	Polished alloy, 1 1/8"
Handlebar	Civia Aldrich, alloy, 50º backsweep, 580mm width, 25.4mm clamp
Grips	Shinola leather w/alloy grip clamps, 130mm
Stem	Polished alloy, 1 1/8", +/- 6º rise
Brakes	Shimano mechanical disc w/160mm rotors
Brake Levers	Shimano levers
Shifters	Shimano Nexus Revo
Crankset	FSA, F. Gimondi, 44T ring
Bottom Bracket	Shimano, cartridge, square taper
Chain	Shimano, 1/2" x 3/32"
Chainguard	Shinola Chainguard
COG	Shimano Nexus, 18T
Front Hub	Shimano Deore disc, 32º, bolt-on
Rear Hub	Shimano Nexus 3-sp disc, Silent Clutch
Rims	Sun CR-18, 32º, one-eyelet, P/V, polished silver
Spokes	DT Swiss Champion, 14g, stainless
Tires	Schwalbe Delta Cruiser, Crème-Reflex, 700x35C, w/reflective strip
Pedals	MKS Sylvan Touring, aluminum, toe-clip compatible
Saddle	Shinola leather, Women's shape, copper rails and rivets
Seatpost	Polished alloy, 27.2mm x 350mm
Extras	Bell and alloy fenders

Cooper T100 Zandvoort

The Zandvoort is a steel 3-speed.  Credit: Cooper Bikes.

The 2011/12 Zandvoort is a 3-speed made of Reynolds 520 steel and comes with a stock Brooks B15 Swallow saddle.  The MSPR is $1,300.

Cooper Bikes tells us that although their bikes only have limited distribution in North America, they are planning a full launch next year. 

The Zandvoort has a sleek look and it's made of quality steel.  The stock Brooks saddle is definitely a draw.  I wish it came with full coverage fenders, a chainguard, and handlebars with curves.

Here are the specs, subject to change.

FRAME:

FRAME Cooper T100 700C Reynolds 520 Cr Mo Steel track frame - TIG welded

SIZES S=52cm / M=57cm / L=61cm

COLOUR Gun metal grey

WEIGHT 10.9 kg

BRAKES:

CALIPERS Tektro R530 dual pivot forged aluminium arms in polished silver with adjustable cartridge pads

LEVERS Tektro FL-750 forged aluminium lever and bracket

 

STEERING:

HEADSET FSA 11/8" threadless A-head

STEM Forged alloy 10deg drop 90 ext . Polished alloy

HANDLEBARS Cooper Hanger Flat bar - polished alloy with 3deg sweep x 480mm

GRIPS Black rubber grips

 

SADDLE:

SADDLE Brooks B15 Swallow in black with chrome rail

SEATPOST Alloy silver single bolt fixing

 

DRIVE:

CHAINRING 42T 7075 anodised alloy CNC machined

CRANKSET Sturmey Archer FCT22 6061 polished forged alloy 165mm crank arm. Square taper

CHAIN KMC Z510 HX 1/8" x 1/2"

PEDALS Wellgo LU-962 silver all alloy

BOTTOM BRACKET Sun Race sealed cartridge

 

WHEELS:

RIMS Alex R475 700C 30mm deep profile 32 spoke. Black with CSW and WJ technology

TYRES Continental 700 x 28C

FRONT HUB Formula TH-50 large flange sealed bearing silver

REAR HUB Sturmey Archer 3 speed

Legacy Frameworks

Legacy Model 2. Courtesy: Legacy Frameworks.

Legacy Frameworks makes handbuilt city bikes in Chicago.  A basic singlespeed model, ready to ride, starts at $1,100, and belt drive models start at $1,360 (orders can be submitted online).  As pictured above, they are available as a diamond frame and as a step-through.

These are simple yet elegant steel bikes that allow for an upright ride.  Levi Borreson, who founded Legacy in 2011, describes the thinking behind the design:

took my experiences from riding in the city and translated them into a bicycle design that puts the fun and comfort back in riding, lessens the load up flights of stairs and as all readily available parts that can be maintained or replaced by anyone. Also keeping in mind the cost, and keeping it down to a reasonable level.

The step-through model debuted at the 2013 North American Handmade Bicycle Show and can be fitted with a Gates carbon belt.  The NAHBS model also included a dynamo hub for lights, drum brakes, and powder-coat paint described as "retro-reflective."

Here are a few specs that Legacy describes as standard: 

- Cartridge bearing bottom bracket and headset

- Alloy Crank with replaceable chain-ring

- Single speed or Internal hub compatibility

- Double walled 700c rims, stainless spokes and alloy hubs

- High quality puncture resistant tires

- Stainless steel brake cables

- Cantilever Brakes for great stopping and fender room.

- Alloy stem, seatpost and handlebars.

- True Temper Double Butted Chromolly Steel Tubing

- TIG Welded construction combined with Brass and silver brazing

- Powder Coated finish for durability

- Upgradable with highly available aftermarket parts. No proprietary interfaces

Montague Boston 8

Montague Boston 8.  Photo Credit: Montague Bikes.

Montague's Boston 8 is a folding bike that features a Shimano Nexus internal 8-speed hub and 700c tires and folds up to fit in your trunk or on a bus or train.  The MSRP is $1050.

Montague has a storied history.  Harry Montague was a Washington, D.C. bike commuter who built a full-size, foldable mountain bike in his garage in the early 1980s.  According to his Washington Post obituary (Montague died in 2011), Montague wrote letters to 40 bicycle manufacturers about his design, but no one was interested.  He then started his own business with his son building custom foldable bikes. 

In 1997, Montague made a "paratrooper bike" for the U.S. military that has been used in Afghanistan.  The paratrooper bike has been on display at the America on Wheels Transportation Museum, and it is for sale to the general public as well.

The Boston 8 and the single-speed Boston are perfect for multi-modal commutes and for travel.  Here are the 2013 specs for the Boston 8 and a video introduction:

Specifications
Color	Matte Black
Frame	Custom drawn 7005 Series. Aluminum tubing with horizontal dropouts and FIT System..
Fork	Full Cro-Mo, with CLIX™ Wheel Release System Ramped Dropout.
Rims	Alex. Alloy, 32 hole, Black. 700c.
Tires	Kenda Kwick Roller Sport 700c x 28mm slick.
Hubset	Formula. Alloy, with CLIX™ front quick release. Shimano Nexus internal rear.
Spokes	14 Gauge Stainless
Saddle	Areo Performance with “Center Gap”.
Seatpost	27.2 X 300mm Alloy.
Handlebars	Riser style 30mm rise. 530mm wide. Alloy.
Stem	Kalloy, Alloy Direct Connect, 7 Degree Rise.
Shifters	Shimano Nexus 8-speed.
Front Derailleur	NA
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Nexus internal gear 8-speed hub.
Crankset	SR Suntour. Alloy 42T chainwheel. Alloy 170mm crank arm.
Speeds	8
Brakeset	Promax. Alloy. Dual Pivot Caliper brake with Alloy levers.
Pedals	Platform trekking pedal. Aluminum Cage.
Bottom Bracket	Sealed Cartridge
Frame Sizes	17", 19”, 21”
Stand over heights	TBA
Folded Size	36” x 28” x 12”
Approx Weight	27lbs
MSRP	$1049.00