Originally Posted by dumplingdog
It's a commuter model, available online at
www.tokyobike.com (site's just in Japanese).
It's not a 'commuter model', it's a 'mama-chari' (mother's bike)... a ride-to-the-supermarket-or-nearby train station bike... this type of bike is pretty much considered to be disposable by the average Japanese consumer.
One reason it's considered to be disposable is the cost of getting a flat tire fixed at the local bike shop.
The average Japanese person doesn't have the tools or know-how to change a tire... nor the desire nor time to learn. So, their local bike shop charges around $50 for parts and labor just to fix a flat tire... on a bike that probably cost just about twice that.
So, the average Japanese consumer is happy to just buy another $100 bike. They'll leave the 'old' bike with the flat tire at the train station or supermarket, and after about a week, it'll be picked up by the city and then shipped off to some poorer Asian country with thousands of other abandoned shopping bikes.
Take a look at the 'SPECS' link on that website... those bikes feature Shimano Acera derailers... basically, the next-to-the-bottom-of-the-line component that Shimano makes and still has a model name.
The 'TOKYOBIKE' is priced at 48,000 yen... roughly US$500.
A 'commuter' bike with no fenders, no racks, fake GripShifters, crappy side-pull brakes, and a 25-lb chromoly frame...
For about 10,000 yen/US$100, you can get a 3-speed shopping bike with fenders, a front basket, skirt-guards, and a generator light, and even a bell... for about another $30, you can get a kid-carrier, or even two... (one in front, one behind).
I'll bet it's not selling well in Japan... there are no skirt-guards... no front fork bracket for a generator light... no seatstay braze-ons for a rear carrier or child seat... and most Japanese city streets are relatively flat... no need for a 16-speed shopping bike.
Most mama-chari are single-speed or 3-speed bikes.