How is a city bike different from other types of bikes?

Behind each bike lies a designer, and within each designer lie assumptions. The assumption of most North American bike designers is that people ride bikes for recreation, which usually involves a bike path, a country road, and several hours of spare time. The bikes that result from this assumption are usually hunched-over, have exposed oily drivetrains that require tighter athletic clothes, feature anywhere from 21 to 33 speeds, and aren’t usually made to be locked up to metal poles all day, especially in foul weather. A city bike is quite the opposite. Its position is gloriously upright, the chain is totally covered, you have all the gears you’d ever need (3-speeds for flatter terrain, 7 or 8-speeds for hills), and tough frames and sealed mechanisms to battle all kinds of weather. 

What’s the difference between a brand like Achielle and others you carry?

There are several key principles behind a good city bike design: outdoor storability, clothing protection, low maintenance, theft-resistance, and comfort. As a heritage European brand, Achielle embodies all of these principles to the maximum. It has chip and rust-resistant frame with low maintenance internal mechanisms. It uses a full chainguard to keep clothing clean. The wheels are bolted on to keep thieves away and the bike is gloriously upright. Other brands aren’t nearly as outdoor storable (Pure City) while others expose the oily chain to your clothing (Pelago and Pure City). Only a brand like Fahrradmanufaktur employs same principles but updates them with a lighter aluminum frame and zippier geometry.

What’s the difference between the Ashington and the Craighton?

The difference comes down to parts – and it’s a big difference! The Craighton is equipped with a wide-range 8-speed hub while the Ashington’s 3-speed is much more limited. Both bikes feature drum brakes but the Craighton’s front hub also tucks away a dynamo that powers a high-powered light-set that lets you live battery-free and keeps you safe at night. The Craighton uses the Schwalbe Marathon Plus tire, the most puncture proof tire on market, the German-made Hebie double-kickstand, a rear-wheel lock (for quick in-and-outs), and the luxurious Brooks leather saddle (matched by equally luxurious leather grips)

Is a Step-thru for Women and a Roadster for Men?

Heck no! It’s the 21 ^st century and anyone can ride either a Step-thru or a Roadster. The difference between the two is not gender, but position. A Step-thru has a remarkably high head-tube that raises the handlebar so the back is straight and the hips pointed forward. A Roadster has a much shorter headtube that positions the rider over the handlebars for more control, and the hips over the cranksets for more power.

How strong are the wheels and will I get a lot of punctures?

Wheels are always the first part to break on most bikes and these wheels are strong! All the city bikes we sell feature strong double-walled rims that are internally box-sectioned to handle streetcar tracks and potholes. They all feature strong stainless-steel spokes that can never rust. Bikes like the Craighton use Delta Cruiser tire that are Kevlar-belted tires to dut cown on punctures in the city.

What is an internal gear hub?

In Europe a bike with an internal gear hub is what makes it a definitive city bike. Because the chain isn’t derailed up and down a set of external cogs (using a derailleur), the chain will never fall off again, and best of all, the chain can be covered so you can wear whatever you want. The gears are sealed inside the rear hub and they hold a tune two times longer than a derailleur, minimizing tune-ups and allowing you to store the bike outside throughout the winter problem-free. 

What are drum or roller brakes?

Like internal gears, drum brakes are sealed into (or onto) the front or rear hubs to minimize maintenance and ensure consistent performance through all weather. They’re not quite as powerful as a disc brake but they’re comparable in performance to a quality caliper or V-brake. A roller-brake is a variety of drum brake manufactured by Shimano that threads onto the hub while most drum brakes are manufactured by Sturmey Archer and are inside the hub.

What is dynamo lighting?

Cars come with lights and so should a city bike. Dynamo lightsets are an integrated system that generates electricity from the hub and blasts this into a theft-resistant light that projects more power than most battery systems. Unlike the old days where the dynamo rubbed against the tire (slowing you down) the new systems are part of the front hub and are very low friction as well as very low maintenance. Most of the dynamo sets we carry feature a “standlight,” or capacitor which means they produce light even when you’re stopped. 

What’s with that leather seat? 

It’s the most comfortable thing you could ever sit on, seriously! Comfort is not based on squishy softness but instead shape. Brooks have been making saddles in the same Birmingham, UK factory since 1866 and they’re meant for a lifetime. A Brooks saddle molds to your anatomy and creates the perfect fit between rider and machine. Be careful you don’t get it wet though! (A plastic bag does the trick).

How do I ensure my new bike won’t get stolen?

Estimates are that over 90% of bicycle theft is tied to cash-for-drugs and this (unfortunately) makes every bike a target. Make sure you buy a good U-lock or a chain and your bike will be safe. You can read more about bike theft here.

What’s the warranty?