Let's see your bicycles!

[DyerStraits]

"I'm thinking about upgrading the Nishiki next year with a Dutch style step through bicycle better suited for running errands / shopping and would love any feedback our members might have on them."

So let's see your bicycles!

Cheers

Jamie[/QUOTE]


A step-through would be a good choice, Jamie, but I personally might opt for a mixte instead. It would likely function just as well for hop-on/hop-off commuting/grocery-getting/etc., but what really impressed me about the one mixte I've owned--a late 1960s Liberia that I found in a thrift store for about US$40 and always wish I'd kept--was how great it felt off-road. In retrospect it's not surprising: the mixte frame geometry is not too different from the "compact", sloping top-tube design so common now, especially on cross-country and hybrid bikes. An older mixte with the original center-pull brakes that would allow for a fairly fat tire (and fenders) and upgraded with a contemporary riser, flat or "mustache" handlebarwould make a very versatile AND unique, do-it-all, retro-cool "29er" machine.

[Macman]

Beautiful bikes, everyone! I present my humble offering: my Wilier Evasion. It's mostly aluminum with Campagnolo Centaur components. It's around ten years old and is just the bike for me. I've also got a Norco Bigfoot that's around 25 years old just for kicking around on.

[DyerStraits]

Beautiful bike, Macman. I've never seen a Wilier on the road here in the Chicago area--I don't believe any of the local bike shops stock them--but I saw several while vacationing in Italy last summer. As you probably know, Wiliers were ridden by the late, great Marco "The Pirate" Pantani, one of my all-time favorite competitive cyclists who won the Tour de France AND the Giro D'Italia in the same year. You're in excellent company!

[Panache]

A step-through would be a good choice, Jamie, but I personally might opt for a mixte instead. It would likely function just as well for hop-on/hop-off commuting/grocery-getting/etc., but what really impressed me about the one mixte I've owned--a late 1960s Liberia that I found in a thrift store for about US$40 and always wish I'd kept--was how great it felt off-road. In retrospect it's not surprising: the mixte frame geometry is not too different from the "compact", sloping top-tube design so common now, especially on cross-country and hybrid bikes. An older mixte with the original center-pull brakes that would allow for a fairly fat tire (and fenders) and upgraded with a contemporary riser, flat or "mustache" handlebarwould make a very versatile AND unique, do-it-all, retro-cool "29er" machine.

I did look at mixte frame bicycles but determined that a step through was the most logical choice both for ease of commuting and the fact that since I am on blood thinners I found swing my legs over the top of my road bike was leading me to have pretty bruised up legs. Even the mixte frames aren't as easy to get on and off as the step-through ones. Also I don't really do (and really shouldn't do) mountain biking.

After saving and lot of though this past Sunday I bought this Dutch-style "Willow" model three speed made by Brooklyn Cruisers. So far I am very happy with it!





Cheers

Jamie

[Creag]

I used to ride this to work, when I first moved to Atlanta and was in temporary quarters but a few miles from the office. Now I try to ride every weekend for a bit of cardio and fresh air. I'll ride it to the grocery on those rare occasions that Mrs. Jones entrusts me with foraging.