for those of you living in snowy climates, you might be familiar with this conundrum, but I'm frustrated with the lack of decent simple bikes for commuting in general, but in winter in particular.
My criteria for a commuter are: simple and robust. Preferably single speed, preferably with disc brakes, no suspension, and the ability to run a rack and fenders. For the winter, something like a single-speed fully-rigid 29r that costs less than $300 would fit the bill. Nothing fancy, and could be heavy as you like, I don't care. CRC has a Vitus that comes tantalizingly close, until you factor in shipping and duty.
My current ride is a Kona Humuhumu, and I'm sold on the concept. It's smooth, and strong and as it happens, I enjoy the disc brakes (I used to think they were overkill for city biking, until I started using them with a kid on the bike, and their school bag in the basket, in wet conditions... then I appreciated their ability to slow me down quickly). But at around $1000, I'm not going to subject it to winter salt.
Why haven't other companies cottoned on to the trend of simple and strong, and why aren't there more inexpensive aluminum "cruiser" city bikes?!
I'm thinking of buying an old disposable used mtb, but they all have gears and shit to contend with. And I don't want to have to deal with any of that.
gah
My criteria for a commuter are: simple and robust. Preferably single speed, preferably with disc brakes, no suspension, and the ability to run a rack and fenders. For the winter, something like a single-speed fully-rigid 29r that costs less than $300 would fit the bill. Nothing fancy, and could be heavy as you like, I don't care. CRC has a Vitus that comes tantalizingly close, until you factor in shipping and duty.
My current ride is a Kona Humuhumu, and I'm sold on the concept. It's smooth, and strong and as it happens, I enjoy the disc brakes (I used to think they were overkill for city biking, until I started using them with a kid on the bike, and their school bag in the basket, in wet conditions... then I appreciated their ability to slow me down quickly). But at around $1000, I'm not going to subject it to winter salt.
Why haven't other companies cottoned on to the trend of simple and strong, and why aren't there more inexpensive aluminum "cruiser" city bikes?!
I'm thinking of buying an old disposable used mtb, but they all have gears and shit to contend with. And I don't want to have to deal with any of that.
gah
