What To Look For
Urban bicycles often feature strong tires, fewer gears, chainguards, fenders, comfortable saddles and luggage racks. Sheldon Brown, bicycle mechanic and ceaseless industry cataloger, states a single-speed mountain bike often creates the best urban bicycle, though commuters in hilly areas seldom find one gear best. Converting an existing bicycle for urban riding may offer the best solution. Custom bike builders such as Urban Outfitters associate Republic Bikes offer affordable and functional urban cycles. Republic Bikes Plato closely copies Dutch urban bicycles, long the mainstay of urban bicycle design, according to RepublicBike.com..
Common Pitfalls
Many cyclists believe only specially designed urban bicycles make quality urban bikes. You can use any comfortable properly fitting bicycle outfitted with urban accoutrements as an urban bicycle. Only within the last two decades have companies built specific urban bicycles, though Dutch urban cycles have existed for over half a century. Dutch-design urban cycles, such as the Plato, encase chains to protect pants from snag and grease stains. Dutch-design urban bikes provide bag and basket mounting racks in both front and rear positions. Add fenders, chainguard, puncture resistant tires, racks and comfortable saddles to convert even geared bicycles for urban use.
Where To Buy
Most local bicycle shops and web-based cycle retailers sell urban bicycles and urban bicycle accessories. Purchase quality components for reliable use. Republic urban bicycles sell direct to consumers at RepublicBike.com or at Urban Outfitters locations. Most quality bicycle companies honor agreements with local bicycle shops to distribute in bicycle shops only. Department store bicycles often represent casual cyclists well. Urban bicycles typically see more use and weather than department store bicycles can withstand.
Cost
Urban bicycles may cost little or run fairly expensive depending on quality desired and intended use. Republic offers bicycles with several personalized options under $1,000. Convert an existing bicycle to urban use for $300 to $600 depending on parts desired. Large bicycle companies like Trek, Gary Fisher and Specialized, offer several urban bicycle options from $300 to $3,000. Custom-built bicycle frame companies offer many frame material and style options as well as frequently building complete bicycles as well. Custom-built frame bicycles may cost as much as $4,000 to $7,000 depending on frame material and manufacturer.
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