The 2012 Trek Transport, including Bontrager bag. Credit: Trek website.
While we're on the subject of 2012 Treks, we should mention a clear winner: the Transport cargo bike from the Gary Fisher Collection. The MSRP is $1,390.
This is a cargo bike done the right way. I'm very happy that Trek, having swallowed up the Gary Fisher brand, is at least continuing to execute some of his best ideas. The Transport comes with well-designed, well-proportioned front and rear racks, fenders, disc brakes (makes good sense on a fully-loaded cargo bike), and kickstand (the specs say it's a double kickstand, but the photos show a regular kickstand).
Now here's a feature I really like: flip-flop dropouts. This means you can have vertical or horizontal dropouts, which allows you to choose whether you want a derailer with multiple gears, a single speed, or an internal gear hub. Versatility is nice.
You can also opt for the Transport Plus, which gives you an electric assist.
What are the Trek marketers trying to tell us about this bike? Click for big. Credit: Trek.
Here are a couple of reviews of the 2010 Transport:
Trek is offering this "Dutch-style" step-through bike at MSRP $610.
We can tell that it's a "Dutch-style" bike because it is only offered in glossy black. All right, all right, maybe also because it has an internal gear hub, fenders, and full chaincase. Despite the retro, Dutchy look, the frame is made of aluminum and the internal hub is Shimano Nexus. There's definitiely a demand for this type of bike (did you read Tom's last post?) and Trek, the 800-pound gorilla of bike manufacturers, is weighing in with the Trek Cocoa.
Who does Trek think will buy the Cocoa? Here are a couple hints:
Do you see the appeal? Photo credit: Trek.
All and all, the Cocoa is a much better effort than Trek's last attempt to woo women riders - remember the Trek Lime? Jennifer of General Carlessness declared that the Lime was "rotten" and that "[i]t's not a bike for the rest of us." I totally agree.
The Cocoa is a different story. It has potential to be a fun, practical bike. But I think it should come with custom racks, or at least some kind of basket, so that it can, you know, carry stuff. That's a basic thing that a bike should be able to do.
Here are a couple other reviews of the Trek Cocoa:
More Local Bike Shops are offering practical transportation bicycles with classic styling in North America every day. There are now many US brands that offer practical transportation bikes, but for some there is no substitute for an imported fully dressed Dutch Bike. US Shops like Clever Cycles,Dutch Bike Co, and Adeline Adeline are importing Dutch Bikes to the US and providing a high quality retail experience to go with them. Unfortunately most of us don't live within driving distance of these shops.
What if you could get Dutch Bikes delivered right to your door? There's great risk it buying a bicycle sight-unseen, but perhaps if you've had a chance to ride one elsewhere you'd be more willing to take the plunge.
Two direct-ship Dutch Bike suppliers, And Dutch and Dutchie Bikes offer such direct-to-consumer services. In addition to a line of contemporary city bikes, kids bikes (including kids classic styles), chainless bikes and folders, And Dutch offers Burgers brand classic town bikes starting around $700 (with free shipping). The best part is that they have a variety of sizes, styles and gearing combinations (up to 8 speed). These bikes have all of the standard features like locks, lights, chaincase, steering stabilizer, racks, coatguards, etc; And Dutch assures me that these bikes include front brakes (not shown in photos). It seems reasonable that you'd want to swap out the front wheel for a dynohub/drum combo at some point, though.
Dutchie offers two models starting at $600 (shipping starts at $49). You can choose between a loop frame and diamond frame, with single speed or 3-speed gearing. In the diamond frame you can get any color and size you want as long as it's black and 57cm. Dutchie bikes are equipped with dynohubs and front rim brakes.
Dutchie 'Chic' model:
What about quality? We can't speak to the quality of these bikes, but maybe we can get some models to test and post a full review. If you mail order you won't be able to take the bike to a local dealer for a post-purchase tune-up. What are your thoughts about the availability of fully-dressed city bikes in your area? Would you buy Dutch direct?
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah from Bikes For The Rest Of Us! Wishing you many bikey gifts this season. In my case, it's a Velo Orange gift certificate and some Smartwool shirts and socks. Woo Hoo! Time to go take a ride on the Urbana!
I also like this BFROU toy spotted by Cyclelicious!
These photos were shared by reader Austin C. who captured them while in Singapore. You'll see headbadges for Phoenix, Unicorn, Golden Lion and Flying Pigeon in the slideshow below.
Austin is a former bicycle mechanic who has spent some time wrenching on Bridgestone bikes in the 1980s. I'm hoping he'll share some photos of his own bike fleet with BFROU.
The 2012 Felt Verza City 1, MSRP $1,149. Credit: Felt bicycles
A few years ago, Felt caught my attention with its “Cafe” bikes, which we talked about here. This year Felt introduced its Verza City bikes. For 2012, the Verza City 1 is back, but Felt has also greatly expanded its Verza line.
Before we go any further, I have to ask: What does "Verza" mean? It sounds Italian, but according to google translator, “Verza” is Italian for “savoy cabbage.” See if you can figure out what Verza is all about after watching this cabbage-free silent promo ad from Felt:
For 2012, Felt is offering three types of Verza bikes: Path, City, and Regency. The Path bikes are aluminum hybrids with suspension forks. Enough said about that. The Verza City and Verza Regency bikes are much more worthy of our attention.
The City 1 is a 6061 double-butted aluminum frame with a Shimano Alfine internal gear hub, disc brakes, fenders, and a rear rack that matches the frame. The MSRP is $1,149. Here are the specs:
• Frame: Felt Verza-City design, 6061 aluminum, hydroformed TT, double butted TT/DT, rack braze-ons, IS disc brake mount w/integrated kickstand mounting holes and replacable derailleur hanger
• Fork: Felt alloy unicrown and legs w/ 1-1/8"" Cr-Mo steerer, IS disc brake mount, low-rider braze-ons and fender eyelets
• Wheelset: WTB Double Duty XC doublewall aluminum 36H rims, Shimano Centerlock disc mount w/QR front hub, Shimano Alfine IGH w/Centerlock disc mount rear hub, Stainless 14g spokes
• Accessories: Rear alloy rack
• Finish: 1) Warm Putty
• Sizes: S (16""), M (18""), L (20""), XL (22"")
• Weight: Not disclosed
The Verza City 2 comes with a rear derailer instead of an IGH, but still has front disc brakes, fenders, and a rear rack. The MSRP is $749.
2012 Felt Verza City 2. Credit: Felt bicycles.
The Verza City 3 is a basic hybrid for $600. I would definitely splurge and get a City 2 rather than City 3.
Our readers who are fans of Dutch bikes and style (if you're unfamiliar with the Dutch bikestyle, check out our friend Amsterdamize ) will be interested in the 3-speed Verza Regency , which are “based on the traditional Dutch bikes that are popular throughout the Netherlands...” These bikes are all steel, baby, and come with fenders, rack, and a chaincase! Some nifty extras: saddlebag, safety bell, and mounted cup holder. The women’s model comes with a straw basket!
