How is a city bike different from other types of bikes?

Behind each bike lies a designer, and within each designer lie assumptions. The assumption of most North American bike designers is that people ride bikes for recreation, which usually involves a bike path, a country road, and several hours of spare time. The bikes that result from this assumption are usually hunched-over, have exposed oily drivetrains that require tighter athletic clothes, feature anywhere from 21 to 33 speeds, and aren’t usually made to be locked up to metal poles all day, especially in foul weather. A city bike is quite the opposite. Its position is gloriously upright, the chain is totally covered, you have all the gears you’d ever need (3-speeds for flatter terrain, 7 or 8-speeds for hills), and tough frames and sealed mechanisms to battle all kinds of weather. 

What’s the difference between a brand like Achielle and others you carry?

There are several key principles behind a good city bike design: outdoor storability, clothing protection, low maintenance, theft-resistance, and comfort. As a heritage European brand, Achielle embodies all of these principles to the maximum. It has chip and rust-resistant frame with low maintenance internal mechanisms. It uses a full chainguard to keep clothing clean. The wheels are bolted on to keep thieves away and the bike is gloriously upright. Other brands aren’t nearly as outdoor storable (Pure City) while others expose the oily chain to your clothing (Pelago and Pure City). 

Is a Step-thru for Women and a Roadster for Men?

Heck no! It’s the 21 ^st century and anyone can ride either a Step-thru or a Roadster. The difference between the two is not gender, but position. A Step-thru has a remarkably high head-tube that raises the handlebar so the back is straight and the hips pointed forward. A Roadster has a much shorter headtube that positions the rider over the handlebars for more control, and the hips over the cranksets for more power. 

How strong are the wheels and will I get a lot of punctures?

Wheels are always the first part to break on most bikes and these wheels are strong! All the city bikes we sell feature strong double-walled rims that are internally box-sectioned to handle streetcar tracks and potholes. They all feature strong stainless-steel spokes that can never rust. Bikes like the Craighton use Marathon Plus tire that are mega Kevlar-belted tires to almost eliminate punctures in the city.

What is an internal gear hub?

In Europe a bike with an internal gear hub is what makes it a definitive city bike. Because the chain isn’t derailed up and down a set of external cogs (using a derailleur), the chain will never fall off again, and best of all, the chain can be covered so you can wear whatever you want. The gears are sealed inside the rear hub and they hold a tune two times longer than a derailleur, minimizing tune-ups and allowing you to store the bike outside throughout the winter problem-free.

What is a belt drive?

Belt drives have been developed over the last 30 years for use in racing engines and motorcycles. They are a band of nylon teeth held together with a series of carbon fibre cords, paired with alloy alloy chainrings and stainless-steel cogs. They've recently made the jump to bikes because they're nearly silent, don't require lube (and are much more winter-proof as a result), don't rust or get jammed with debris, and last for up to 30,000km of riding before needing replacement. We don't see them often on North American bikes because they can't be used with external derailleurs, only internal hubs or crank-based gearboxes. 

What’s the deal with hydraulic disc brakes?

Disc brakes are awesome, here’s why: (1) Because they stop the bike close to the centre of the wheel's rotation, you get significantly more power; (2) Unlike rim brakes, they sit high above puddles so braking performance is consistent in (most) weather; and (3) They require less tuning and the pads last longer. Hydraulic (versus mechanical) disc brakes are also excellent for use in cold weather, as they don't freeze up and will work no matter how cold it gets. They add a bit of weight, but it’s good weight!

What is electronic lighting?

Cars come with lights and so should a city bike. Electronic lightsets are an integrated system that gets its electricity from the motor battery and blasts this into a theft-resistant light that projects more power than most battery or hub systems.

What’s with that leather seat?

It’s the most comfortable thing you could ever sit on, seriously! Comfort is not based on squishy softness but instead shape. Brooks have been making saddles in the same Birmingham, UK factory since 1866 and they’re meant for a lifetime. A Brooks saddle molds to your anatomy and creates the perfect fit between rider and machine. Be careful you don’t get it wet though! (A plastic bag or saddle cover does the trick).

How do I ensure my new bike won’t get stolen?

Estimates are that over 90% of bicycle theft is tied to cash-for-drugs and this (unfortunately) makes every bike a target. Make sure you buy a good U-lock or a chain and your bike will be safe. You can read more about bike theft here. 

What’s the warranty?