Description
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FAQ

**COVID 19 UPDATE: PRE-ORDER NOW!!**With global demand peaking, 2021 will be aneven more difficult year to buy a bike. To answer this problem, we've made all of our orders transparent, including the ETA of each bike and the option to place a (fully refundable) deposit to secure it.Please note that we will not be able to order any more bikes than the bikes already ordered!To see quantity available and estimated delivery date, clickhere. If available, place a deposit and we'll confirm order within 48 hours.

For those whose mantra is "steel is real," and want a quality all-round bike, here's your bike. It only takes a cursory search to discover that finding a quality steel hybrid bike these days is no easy task. The recreational bike world is swamped by high-performance options that tend to rattle the bones and with riding positions so hunched over that they keep the chiropractors in business.

Not the T-500. Here's a high-quality cro-moly steel frame that absorbs shock, is perfect for long rides - even light tours - whether that means smooth pavement or gravel adventures. Best of all, it already comes equipped with quality German-made fenders, dynamo lightset, rack and kickstand.

Like most of the German products we sell, the T-500 is a marvel of thoughtful design, engineering and top notch quality. The Alfine 8 internal gear hub is super reliable and low maintenance with plenty of range for hills, and the hydraulic brakes have unparalleled stopping power. And, with most of the accessories sourced from Europe, you know that every little bit has been tested, proven, and designed to work. This is an investment grade bike for those who take quality seriously.

Special Order - Estimated delivery: April - May 2021
Questions? Book a consultation with one of our Recreational Bike experts
Cromoly Steel frame is strong, lightweight and comfortable
Step-Thru frame emphasizes upright comfort and easy access
Reliable, low-maintenance Shimano Alfine 8 speed internal gears
Powerful Shimano Altus Hydraulic disc brakes
Unbreakable, lightweight cromoplastic SKS fenders
Best-in-class Racktime rear rack, made by Tubus in Germany
Athletic and comfortable Velo saddle
Strong and lightweight double walled rims
Battery-free and super bright Busch & Muller Dynamo lighting system
Puncture resistant tires for care free rides
Strong side mount kick stand - made in Switzerland

FAHRRADMANUFAKTUR T-500 - ROADSTER - ALFINE 8 DISC
FRAME	Lightweight Cro-moly Steel - Powdercoated
FORK	Lightweight Cro-moly Steel - Powdercoated
HEADSET	Ritchey Comp Logic V2 1-1/8
STEM	Level Nine aluminum A-head 25.4mm
HANDLEBAR	Level Nine Trekking aluminum, 5 degrees, 640mm
GRIPS	Herrmans Grit D33 with clamp - made in Finland
SEATPOST	Level Nine Aluminum, 27.2mm, 300mm
SADDLE	Velo VL3483, with VSF logo
BRAKES	Shimano Altus BR-MT200 (front/rear 160 mm) Hydraulic Disc
BRAKE LEVERS	Shimano Altus, 3-finger brake lever
SHIFTER	Shimano Alfine 8-speed, trigger
FRONT HUB	Shutter Precision PL-8
REAR HUB	Shimano Alfine 8-speed freewheel
SPOKES	Niro 2.0mm 13G Stainless Steel, 36 Spokes
RIMS	Schürmann YAK19 Double-wall disc aluminum
TIRES	Schwalbe Marathon Supreme - Top level puncture resistance
BOTTOM BRACKET	Thun Tango ML
CRANKS	Lasco Aluminium, 170 mm, 42 tooth
CHAIN	KMC Z1 EPT
SPROCKET	Shimano 20 tooth
PEDALS	Marwi SP-823
KICKSTAND	Pletscher Zoom - made in Switzerland
FRONT LIGHT	Busch & Muller IQ-XS, 70 LUX - made in Germany
REAR LIGHT	Busch & Muller Toplight 2C - made in Germany
RACK	Racktime Light-It - made in Germany
FENDERS	SKS Plastic - made in Germany
CHAIN GUARD	Lasco chainguard

FAHRRADMANUFAKTUR T-500 - ROADSTER - ALFINE 8 DISC	FROM	TO
52CM	5' 6"	5' 9"
57CM	5' 9"	6' 1"
62CM	6' 1"	6' 5"
67CM	6' 6"	6' 9"

FAHRRADMANUFAKTUR COMPANY HISTORY: Fahrradmanufaktur (literally: bike manufacturer) builds strong, lightweight steel and aluminum bikes that are made for the sprawl of Berlin and the hills of North America. Fahrradmanufaktur originated with a group of Berlin retailers who were witnessing a boom in city cycling. They knew that heavy Dutch bikes couldn't provide solutions for big cities with sprawl and hilly topography. Frustrated with the sporting focus on the German bike industry, they first set up standards and approvals for a "no-nonsense" city bike, which ultimately led them to creating their own. Today Fahrradmanufaktur makes city bikes and touring bikes that are designed for life on two wheels. Fahrradmanufaktur is the evolution of the city bike, and we're pleased to be North America's first Fahrradmanufaktur retailer.

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

Behind each bike lies a designer, and within each designer lies 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 often 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 can wear whatever you want, 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 Fahrradmanufaktur and others you carry?

We’re just going to say it: Fahrradmanufaktur is the best city bike we’ve ever seen. Sure, it may not be as pretty as an Achielle, but it still beautiful, perhaps functionally so. And yeah, it’s functional. The frame is a rust-proof, strong and very lightweight aluminum – which is a bit disruptive to the traditional world of steel city bikes (but that’s just the point). The geometry is upright but still sporty enough to multitask city riding and longer weekend adventures. The parts are made in Europe and best-in-class: chaincovers from Hebie (Germany), kickstands from Pletscher (Switzerland), racks from Racktime (Germany), fenders from SKS (Germany), grips from Herrmans (Finland) and lights from Axa (Netherlands), Herrmans (Finland) and Busch & Muller (Germany). Durable for all weather, light enough to bring inside, great for the city, and great to bring up to the cottage too. Best of all, the prices are more than reasonable.

What does Fahrradmanufaktur mean?

It means “bike manufacturer,” because all of their bikes are literally made in Oldenburg, Germany. The company started by a group of urban retailers who were seeing the same increase in city cycling that we’ve seen here in North America, but weren’t seeing great options from the German bike industry – which is largely focused on recreational riding – or the Dutch and Scandinavian markets – which continue to produce heavier bikes for short-burst city commutes. Like North American brands like Simcoe, Fahrradmanufaktur took matters into their own hands, but unlike Simcoe, they had access to a wide breadth of well-designed European parts from purpose-built kickstands to lights to racks. Their bikes are almost… perfect.

What’s the difference between the T-100 and the T-500?

The T-100 is a Curbside favourite for its amazing versatility - Fahrradmanufaktur classifies it as a trekking bike, but as tons of people have learned it make a perfect city bike as well. Sometimes though this middle-ground personality doesn't suit everybody, and the T-500 takes over for those who really want their touring capabilities taken more seriously. This isn't to say the T-500 doesn't make a fantastic city bike - it basically takes the T-100 and upgrades most of the parts and components for an even dreamier ride which really seems to shine on the open road.

What is dynamo lighting?

Cars come with lights and so should a city bike. Dynamo lightsets are an integrated system that generates electricity from the hub and blasts this into a bolted-on, theft-resistant light that projects more power than most battery systems so that you can see and be seen. Unlike the old days where the dynamo rubbed against the tire (slowing you down) the new systems are part of the front hub and are very low friction as well as very low maintenance. Most of the dynamo sets we carry feature a “standlight,” or capacitor which means they produce and store energy so that when you’re stopped the lights keep going.

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

Heck no! It’s the 21^stcentury 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 up very high 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. If you imagine yourself toodling through the bike lane at a stylish and efficient pace, choose a Step-thru. If you imagine a bit more zip and power then choose a Roadster.

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 almost never rust. The T-500 also features Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tires that are, well, supreme! With an incredibly thick protective strip designed for long and rough rides, they are quite simply the best-in-class for puncture resistance.

What is an internal gear hub?

In Europe a bike with an internal gear hub is what makes it a definitive city bike. Internal gear hubs are awesome. 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.

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

Research shows that very few bicycle thefts are related to a bicycles value and are best defined as low-risk/low-return. A good bicycle lock is expensive to break through and takes time, thus increasing the risk and lowering the return. Estimates are that over 90% of bicycle theft is tied to cash-for-drugs and that makes every bike a target. Make sure you buy a good Abus U-lock or a chain and you’ll be fine. You can read more about bike theft here.

What’s the warranty?

Ten year warranty for manufactures defects on frame and fork, one year on parts. Does not include wear and tear.

THINKING OF BUYING A FAHRRAD? READ OUR BLOG POST WHY FAHRRADMANUFAKTUR?

VSF FAHRRAD MANUFAKTUR

T-500 - ROADSTER - ALFINE 8 - DISC - 2021 - DEPOSIT

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