The Future of Biking? (urban/commuter)

[Grog]

I agree with Grog, department store bikes are NOT commuter material. If you read the excellent article by Dan Koeppel (Invisible Riders) in the December 05 issue of Bicycling, he does go a bit into the market forces that shape the heavy, stupid, goofy suspension, poseur bikes sold at department stores.

Thanks for pointing to this article. It was a really good one I think...

[itsabreez-er]

Check out
http://www.breezerbikes.com/
Joe Breeze is designing fantastic commuter bikes. I own the Uptown and hope to buy a Liberty in the next year or so (for longer rides with steeper hills). I ride the Uptown every day to work and running errands and love it. Its built to be ridden day in and day out whatever the weather. I routinely ride 20 miles on mine running errands. I don't know of another bike out there (for any price) that I would trade the Uptown for based on the type of riding I do.
The 8 speed hub gives me ranges from around 28 to over 100 gear inches (I rarely have to get off and walk), fenders, a killer hub lighting system, built in lock (fine for quick trips in my small town) plus more. All of the components are high quality.
Okay, so you can tell I'm a huge fan but they're great bikes.