belt drive and internal hub are an interesting combo, according to our voters so far.
It’s been nearly 24 hours since I asked our readers to put their two cents in on our next long-term test vehicle. So far the Trek Soho is in the lead with three votes. Here are the bikes that have also gotten votes:
The sight of a Brooks hanging off of a strange triangular contraption is unsettling.
Strida folding bike – yep this would be interesting. I dunno if I could really use this as an everyday commuter, but it would be worth a try.
Schwinn World GS
Schwinn World GS – a hybrid outfitted for commuting, and pretty well actually. On the plus side, this bike is around half the retail price of some of the others here, and most Schwinn dealers have even steeper markdowns than that. On the negative side, it’s not that great looking.
Nice color scheme on the '09 Fusion, very well coordinated.
Novara Fusion – REI’s house brand has made this commuter bike for years, and it seems to improve with every model. This year’s version is especially stylish. I like the fact that it comes with a generator hub and very good lights.
As Leslie Luciano told me, this bike is Hot.
Specialized Globe Vienna Deluxe – Another really nice looking bike, and also geared up with a generator hub and very high-quality Busch & Muller lights.
Cannondale Bad Boy Rohloff – I found the Bad Boy online, but couldn’t find a model already equipped with a Rohloff hub. Is there one? I’m guessing it’s not in our bike budget here unless we can get a long-term test loaned to us by a dealer or Cannondale; from the prices on the standard versions I would estimate a Rohloff would add another grand or so to make this a nearly $2500 commuter(!) bike.
So, any more suggestions? I’m going to keep the voting open for another week or two.
Related posts:
on Apr 1st, 2009 at 11:44 am
I’ve got a trek soho 3.0 from 2008. it’s slightly different than the model above, no hub and no belt drive (no stock fenders) but it’s a solid bike. I’ve had it for about a year and it’s served well in the following: being my commuter bike, riding in those fast thursday night rides (and keeping up), and riding on even the rockier areas of Shoal Creek. It’s a solid bike, the components are generally solid, and adding a rear rack, handlebar bag and down low glow (www.rockthebike.com) upped the usefulness factor a ton. I use this bike for everything. The tires are pretty good for being somewhat skinny (compared to a MTB tire anyway) but they get more flats than I’m used to – definitely keep the PSI below 80 for best results with the stock tires.
on Apr 1st, 2009 at 4:39 pm
A few suggestions, in no particular order:
Raleigh Superbe Roadster
Gary Fisher Simple City 8
Masi Soulville 7
Dahon Mµ XL Sport
Bianchi Milano Alfine
Jamis Commuter 3
on Apr 1st, 2009 at 5:49 pm
If you’re considering the Strida, then consider the bike friday Tikit
http://www.bikefriday.com/tikit
It folds and unfolds so quickly, I take it into the store (put it into the shopping cart) rather than lock it up. When I drive downtown, I can park blocks away, zip in on the Tikit, and put it in a corner of the restaurant.
on Apr 3rd, 2009 at 12:05 pm
2009 Trek Soho w/ Belt Drive!
on Apr 6th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
The Strida is a beautiful design and a terrible bike. A strong second to Dave’s suggestion to look at the Bike Friday Tikit instead, which is right now the folding commuter bike to beat. All standard parts, comes in three different sizes, lots of options, rides a zillion times better than a Strida. And the Tikit (particularly the Hyperfold version) is unbelievably fast at folding and unfolding. A marvelous piece of engineering. Oh, and it’s made in Oregon.
on Apr 6th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
oh yeah, here is a video of the Tikit being folded/unfolded in the middle of riding down the street! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQscBxx7wLE&feature=PlayList&p=07DCB83DC40A71AF&index=0
From riding to folded to riding again in about 13 seconds.