Awesome city bikes
Posted June 18, 2010
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Here on Daily Cycle, thanks to the addition of Nathan, we have been writing about city cycling and commuting for some time. So I thought it would be nice to highlight some of the awesome city bikes available on the market today, many of which also make excellent entry level road bikes. By the way, if you like city cycling, or fixed riding / urban cycling – why not check out our great range of Tees available in our T-Shirt shop?
What makes a good city bike anyway?
Cities, generally, tend to be relatively flat so its not essential to get the lightest bike that money can buy. The lack of major hills also negates the need to hundreds of gears which is probably why fixed wheel or single speed riding has become so popular over the last few years. So here is a few things you need your bike to be…
- Robust. Commuting is not like leisure riding, you ride in all weather conditions and probably don't wash the bike as often as you should. So a good sturdy bike is essential.
- Rain proof. Well that’s a pretty tall order but it should have clearance for mudguards unless you enjoy getting rain splashed up your face and back.
- Low maintenance. If you use your bike every day you need it to be reliable and easy to maintain. Again, this is another reason why many opt for single speed / fixed gear riding. Many people who ride on a fixed gear dont even use brakes, or at the most they have a front brake. One gear and no brakes = very easy to maintain (albeit a little crazy)!
Here are some other articles to peruse on the essentials of commuting / city cycling:
Enough advice, just show me those city bikes!
OK, steady on. Here we go….
Mongoose Maurice 2010
A real head tuner with a great colour scheme.
Packed with a few goodies such as the Cane Creek headset, great looking mongoose BMX brake levers, YBN halflinks, Continental Ultra Sport Tyres, Flip flop hub for those who commute and those who can do some skids from time to time, and great weinmann rims.
Everyone likes a bit of colour and the Mongoose Maurice 2010 has it in spades. This much discussed bike has a single speed / fixed flip flop hub (you turn the back wheel around to get single speed on one side, fixed wheel on the other). It’s a pretty slick looking bike thats great fun to ride.
Charge Plug Griffin 2010
The Charge Plug Griffin 2010 is another offering from Charge who make a vast range of urban bikes. Again, this is a single speed offering but with a fresh look and a comfy saddle you’ll be smiling your way through your commute!
Giant CRS 1 Disc 2010
Giant are, well,.. Giants when it comes to bikes – across all the genres of cycling. They make good quality bikes and this one is no different. With disc brakes and a light frame – this one is well worth a look.
Trek 7.3 FX 2010 Hybrid
You cant go wrong with a Trek – especially at this price!!!
Ride Longer" is the promise with this fast yet comfortable bike. Available with lightweight TCT Carbon or hydroformed Alpha Black Aluminum frames, rigid performance forks and fast-rolling 700c wheels.
You'll appreciate the upright riding position, fitness specific Nebula saddle and ergo-grips for long ride comfort while revelling in the stiff, light wheels and Shimano drive train when it comes to putting the power down. You'll feel fast, in control and confident making the Trek 7.3 FX 2010 Hybrid Bike a great fitness bike or commuter
Conclusion
There are many city bikes around these days to suit all budgets and needs. The trick to get the right one is not about spending the most money, its about choosing one which suits your everyday needs the most – terrain, riding style, weather conditions, distance of riding etc etc.
Check ‘em out, happy riding :)
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