Touring - urbanite

I'm looking for an opinion on the urbanite made by the Ubane Cyclist co-op in Toronto.

I'm looking for an opinion on the urbanite made by the Ubane Cyclist co-op in Toronto.


Given that you're in the touring forum, I'll assume you mean this (http://ucycle.com/bikes/item.php?name=urbtour&cat=urbanite) ?

That's the one.

I had Urbane Cycle put one together for me this spring. I liked the idea that I could start with a really great touring frame and have it fitted out just they way I wanted. I have neither the time or experience to do it myself and I don't think that I paid much more than if I'd just bought the parts and did it myself.

I am pleased to say that I found the staff very helpful. I'm sure you know that it is a worker-owned coop. Further, I found the fit and finish on the bike to exceed my expectations. After two shakedown tours, I took it back for a warranty check. I was pleased with the way they dealt with my concerns.

Overall, I would highly recommend Urbane Cycle to my friends and would buy there again.

I've decided to stick with my Trek 1000 until the gearing or the wheel hubs go on it. I might change out the seat to make it more comfortable.

My partner has the touring frame and loves it. The bike geometry is great: long chainstays, lots of room for fenders etc. Fit 'n finish as per stokell's comments are great. We had them build up the bike for us, throwing in some parts I had on hand. For the price, hard to beat. Also a solid shop, by and large. There's only one guy I avoid there, the rest are great, very helpful and mellow.

looks comparable (specs and price) to the surly LHT, except this has horizontal dropouts.

Does Urbane Cyclist ship to the States?

I got this off their website:
Mail order purchasing:
We happily ship anywhere, just ask.
Please be aware that out of country purchases may be subject to provincial and federal sales taxes and import duties imposed by your own country. Ask if you're unsure.

Go ahead and ask them, can't hurt.

ucyclist@web.net

This is the way my Urbane is set up for touring. Note that I use an Arkell handlebar bag and they made a custom fitting so I could still have an extra brake handle and space for compass, bell, light and computer

This is the way my Urbane is set up for touring. Note that I use an Arkell handlebar bag and they made a custom fitting so I could still have an extra brake handle and space for compass, bell, light and computer
I'm wondering how much you paid and what size tires are on this bike?

You can get an Urbane touring bike from about $1200 or as much as $2200. As I eschew consumerism as much as possible, I can honestly say that I cannot remember the exact price, but it was I believe around less than $2000 all taxes in.

The value of this bicycle actually eclipses its real cost. It is rare in this day and age to be able to say that because workers assembled a product, it has a greater value than just a pile of parts.

I think its because Urbane actually listen to what you want in your bike and then custom assemble the bike for you with the proviso that if there is something that you are not completely happy with that they will correct it.

The previous new bike I bought came with plastic pedals and no fenders. I could choose the colour, but I actually had no real choices.