The Azor relaxes after a ride to Garrison Park last summer
Back in August, we purchased an Azor Secret Service handmade Dutch bicycle from the Seattle Dutch Bike Company. We’ve written several reviews of the bike and its accoutrements since we got it, and have ridden the bike quite a bit to events and as a general commuting and car-replacement bike.
The Azor is a great bike, but it’s time for us to move on and get another long-term test bike here at Austin On Two Wheels. I think we have exhausted this particular model as a writing subject. We’re pretty sure that a maximum of nine months is probably all that’s needed for our long-term tests.
First, we want to announce that the Azor is now for sale (or trade, perhaps) at a significant discount to provide the funds for our next test bike. We paid nearly $2,000 for the bicycle and shipping originally, but would be willing to sell it to one of our readers for much less.
Second, we want some input on what our next long-term test bicycle should be. A touring bike like the Trek Portland? A cyclocross bike like a Surly Cross-check geared up for commuting use? Maybe a lower-cost commuting model like the Gary Fisher Simple City? What about something completely different?
Send us an email or post in the comments and let us know. We will take your input into strong consideration.
on Mar 31st, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Well, what is the final verdict?
on Mar 31st, 2009 at 2:14 pm
You’ll see soon. Mostly positive, though!
on Mar 31st, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Try this one: http://www.rei.com/product/774423
on Mar 31st, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Val,
The Novara Fusion could be a good option. Thanks for the idea.
on Mar 31st, 2009 at 6:21 pm
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=24141&estore_ID=1034
this bike looks pretty good, although it doesn’t come with a light!
At least it has a chainguard, unusual for derailleur gears.
So far, few bikes seem to have good fenders, ones that keep your feet from getting wet.
Too bad its for the British market:
http://www.bianchi.com/uk/products2009/City_TRoad_Y9B57.aspx
maybe you’ve already done this one:
http://www.konaworld.com/08_ute_w.htm#
on Mar 31st, 2009 at 6:25 pm
oh, this one looks intersting too:
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/urban/soho/soho/
they even have a rubber top tube bumper!
on Mar 31st, 2009 at 6:48 pm
hm I dunno Dave, looks like a 7.5fx with some fenders on it. The belt drive would be interesting to test though, for sure.
on Mar 31st, 2009 at 6:50 pm
The Schwinn has looked good for a while actually. I think that or the Specialized Globe could be definite options.
on Mar 31st, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Azor Secret Service long-term test just about over; help us pick our next test bike. http://tinyurl.com/cea7pq
on Mar 31st, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Aw, poor homeless Azor. Unfortunately, my husband said he does not want to buy it.
on Mar 31st, 2009 at 9:11 pm
That’s a shame. It looks like it would be a perfect match for your bike!
on Apr 1st, 2009 at 4:16 am
I second the Soho. I’d like to hear how that belt works
on Apr 1st, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Perhaps not for this particular test, but maybe in the future; a long-term box bike test would be very interesting to me. It seems to me that more and more people are looking for car-less commuting/living options. Initially the idea of a box bike is very appealing. Grocery shopping, dropping the kid off at preschool/school etc. However, as I ponder my local shopping and errand profile, I wonder; Where would I park it? Is it too large to park at most bike racks? Does the novelty wear off, and then it’s just a big bike you have to find a place at home to park? etc. My two cents anyway.
The aforemention Dutch Bike Shop sells a model; there’s also an outfit in Portland Oregon that builds them called Metrofiets.
on Apr 1st, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Guy,
Those are really good questions. I had been talking to some bike people around town and wondering if there was a way to get a box bike from one manufacturer or another down here for a long-term test. I’ll check into it some more and see.
on Apr 2nd, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Geez, look at that, I come back to check the thread, and the “Random Header Image” is of a Box Bike. Kinda freaky.
on Apr 24th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
I would like to see a Salsa Fargo with Schwalbe Big Apples (the 700c x 60). I want to know if they realy roll as easy as claimed and the Fargo is the only thing I can find that could be set up for touring/commuting and handle the 60mm tires with fenders racks ect. A more reasonable alternative would be the Surly Cross-Check (with the 700c x 50 BAs). Are the Big Apples a reasonable option on a daily commuter?