Hybrid Bicycles - The City Bike...

The City bike, or "Stadsfiets" is what we commonly associate with the Dutch... those stately roadsters with their internal gear hubs, full chain cases and fenders, very comfortable riding position, fender skirts, and generator lights which are all standard equipment.

Most are fitted with 28 inch wheels and tyres which are really high volume 700c's although there are 26 inch wheeled versions and old English bikes used an over sized 28 inch wheel and tyre that is even larger than a 27 inch wheel.

These bikes roll through potholes and handle rough roads extremely well.

This is an Omafiets or lady's bike...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/EuropeanCityBikeOmafiets.jpg

The English also made their own versions of the city bike and their domestic bikes tended to be set up in a nearly identical manner with full chain cases and with older models being fitted with rod brakes. Export models often had half chain guards to meet weight requirements and the full chain case has yet to be embraced by many North Americans.

My 1948 Rudge is a classic example of a British roadster... as an export model it came with half guard and also has rod brakes.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/nevillerack1.jpg

Times change and although the Dutch still make their traditional heavy roadsters (they are still very popular) many companies are building modernized versions of the stadsfiets and these new city bikes are marketed and sold alongside modern hybrids.

Thanks to wikpedia for these images...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/EuropeanCityBikeBlue.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/58/EuropeanCityBikeSilver.jpg

Breezer makes the well reviewed Uptown 8 and they recently upgraded this already outstanding bicycle by adding a full chain case. My better half rides an Uptown 8 and has ridden it in excess of 10,000 miles... she has also had it retrofitted with a full chain case.

http://www.breezerbikes.com/im/bikes/uptown-u.jpg

Pashley Cycles of England still makes a classic city bike / roadster that is meticulous in it's craftsmanship and utterly beautiful to behold and ride.

http://www.cyclopediauk.com/img/pds2/medium/00463.jpg

http://www.britishbicycle.com/pashley/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/roadster-sovereign.jpg



These bikes do cost more than the typical hybrid with prices ranging from about $800.00 to almost $2000.00 for higher end models... when you consider that the Pashley is hand built in England and sells for around $1400.00 it really isn't that bad a deal.

The Breezer has been described as the best commuter bicycle in North America and comes with an $1100.0 price tag but like all city bikes the only other thing you will need to ride is a helmet and your street clothes.

From a riders and mechanics perspective I love the traditional city bike... with a full chain case and internal hub chain life can be multiplied 6 fold because it is not exposed to the elements and internal gear hubs are tops when it comes to all weather riding and long life.

For many the set back riding position is unmatched for sheer comfort and this is what these bikes were designed for... pure unadulterated riding comfort.

They are heavier than your typical North American bicycle and modern versions have wider range hubs to give them a better gear range for climbing and better road speed... some are even being fitted with NuVinci continuously variable drives.

I hope you enjoyed my ramblings...

Nice bikes, but I never thought of them as hybrids, and I don't think I've seen them marketed as hybrids. By a literal definition, they surely aren't road/mtb hybrids. These bikes predate the mountain bikes, possibly tracing their heritage all the way back to the very first bikes.

Check out, for instance, the DBS City line: http://dbs.no/sykler/city These are very common bikes here in Norway, at reasonable prices.

City bikes are the ancestors of these modern hybrids and the modern wheels and tires on most hybrids actually are more alike to city bikes than road bikes.

When people go shopping for urban transportation the city bike and hybrid are going to be sitting side by side and the city bike offers some very nice features that a hybrid does not.

A lot of that difference stems from the differences between European and North Americans when it comes to looking at daily transportation.

These poor city bikes are also homeless waifs. and need some love.

City bikes are the ancestors of these modern hybrids and the modern wheels and tires on most hybrids actually are more alike to city bikes than road bikes.

When people go shopping for urban transportation the city bike and hybrid are going to be sitting side by side and the city bike offers some very nice features that a hybrid does not.

A lot of that difference stems from the differences between European and North Americans when it comes to looking at daily transportation.

These poor city bikes are also homeless waifs. and need some love.


I want a Pashley:) even it if means forgoing on a Xtracycle:D Unfortunately I never know on BF where to post about them...They dont seem to fit in anywhere either...

My friend just bought a Sovereign lady's model... the bike is absolutely stunning.

And I had a thought.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=575280

My friend just bought a Sovereign lady's model... the bike is absolutely stunning.

And I had a thought.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=575280

I'm test riding one of those this weekend if Red Bikes gets them in stock. I called this morning but they were awaiting a shipment with most of them already pre-sold

Hybrid in the sense of combining elements of a bicycle and a boat anchor?

15 minutes from me is a Flying Pigeons bike shop. Another cool city/urban/whatchamacallit bike. These are from China originally and are quite cool, but heavy.

http://flyingpigeon-la.com/shop/

Hybrid in the sense of combining elements of a bicycle and a boat anchor?

There is that... a city bike weighs in excess of 35 pounds and having weighed my old Rudge found it was 38 pounds.

A Pashley roadster weighs more than that.

But unlike a boat anchor they are very comfortable to ride.

I got an infraction for that post. Supposedly I have insulted somebody. WTF? It was a joke. My jokes always contain an element of truth, that's essential to humor. I meant what I said and I'm not going to apologize for saying it. Do you know infractions are being handed out to me on a daily basis to protect you? The one yesterday made some sense, but this is BS.

i got an infraction for that post. Supposedly i have insulted somebody. Wtf? It was a joke. My jokes always contain an element of truth, that's essential to humor. I meant what i said and i'm not going to apologize for saying it. Do you know infractions are being handed out to me on a daily basis to protect you? The one yesterday made some sense, but this is bs.

weird!

I got an infraction for that post. Supposedly I have insulted somebody. WTF? It was a joke. My jokes always contain an element of truth, that's essential to humor. I meant what I said and I'm not going to apologize for saying it. Do you know infractions are being handed out to me on a daily basis to protect you? The one yesterday made some sense, but this is BS.

That makes no sense.

I got an infraction for that post. Supposedly I have insulted somebody. WTF? It was a joke. My jokes always contain an element of truth, that's essential to humor. I meant what I said and I'm not going to apologize for saying it. Do you know infractions are being handed out to me on a daily basis to protect you? The one yesterday made some sense, but this is BS.


What post? the parade one? I thought it was funny:D

I got an infraction for that post. Supposedly I have insulted somebody. WTF? It was a joke. My jokes always contain an element of truth, that's essential to humor. I meant what I said and I'm not going to apologize for saying it. Do you know infractions are being handed out to me on a daily basis to protect you? The one yesterday made some sense, but this is BS.
For what post? The one that references an anchor? If that's the case, I'd say WTF too. If someone complained about that they need to HTFU and the moderator that sanctioned you should step back and take a big deep breath (and probably apologize).

Edit: just noticed the parade post is gone -- regardless, my comments above apply just the same.

Back to the topic -- aren't city bikes designed primarily for use on pavement? My thinking is that a hybrid is for both pavement and light-offroad.

I think WCoastPeddler's description is point on; however, I think hybrids/comfort bikes/and city bikes are all one category. Maybe the term should simply be "Urban Bikes" since all 3 of these tend to be used more commonly in cities, on roads or bike paths, and people who ride these seem to get excited (I do) about racks, panniers, and carrying stuff :)

Here's an example. Take my bike for instance, a Trek WSD7000. On Trek's site it is listed under the category of BIKE PATHS, but now read the description:

The true Hybrid, Trek’s 7000 series is the one bike for all paths and manners of concrete. The perfect marriage of toughness and efficiency, the bike features rugged aluminum tubing with fast rolling tires that allow you to hit the dirt if conditions call for it. If you’re looking for a fast and durable solution to the changing landscape, you’ve just found it.

http://www.trekbikes.com/images/bikes/2009/large/7000wsd_espresso.jpg

I think WCoastPeddler's description is point on; however, I think hybrids/comfort bikes/and city bikes are all one category. Maybe the term should simply be "Urban Bikes" since all 3 of these tend to be used more commonly in cities, on roads or bike paths, and people who ride these seem to get excited (I do) about racks, panniers, and carrying stuff :)


OMG you just said three of my favorite words: panniers, racks and carrying stuff:D I've panniers already, panniers on order, a front basket on order and I'm looking at a English style (I guess) bike saddlebag...

Freaking addictive. worse then my yarn obsession:D:D

OMG you just said three of my favorite words: panniers, racks and carrying stuff:D I've panniers already, panniers on order, a front basket on order and I'm looking at a English style (I guess) bike saddlebag...

Freaking addictive. worse then my yarn obsession:D:D

It is.

If you get a Pashley you can colour me green with envy and perhaps I can show you how to fabricate your own extracycle... it would be a great learning project and fun to boot.

OMG you just said three of my favorite words: panniers, racks and carrying stuff:D I've panniers already, panniers on order, a front basket on order and I'm looking at a English style (I guess) bike saddlebag...

Freaking addictive. worse then my yarn obsession:D:D

LOL,I have this pannier and although not as solid as I think I'd like, I got it for $25
http://www.ebikestop.com/prodimages/BG6687_medium.jpg

And we got 2 of these cheapo grocery getters that we don't love but until we actually use them, they stay with us. They were 29 each
http://www.ebikestop.com/prodimages/96191_medium.jpg

Husband loves his trunk bag
http://media.rei.com/media/yy/17b3756b-28b7-4db1-9a9c-d9f05e15f84a.jpg

Here's an example. Take my bike for instance, a Trek WSD7000. On Trek's site it is listed under the category of BIKE PATHS, but now read the description:

The true Hybrid, Trek’s 7000 series is the one bike for all paths and manners of concrete. The perfect marriage of toughness and efficiency, the bike features rugged aluminum tubing with fast rolling tires that allow you to hit the dirt if conditions call for it. If you’re looking for a fast and durable solution to the changing landscape, you’ve just found it.

http://www.trekbikes.com/images/bikes/2009/large/7000wsd_espresso.jpg

That design borrows heavily from the classic city bike... I believe yours has fenders, rack, and panniers ?

It would look lovely as an IGH equipped bike with a full chaincase... my girlfriend's Breezer is a similar bike that she had retrofitted with one (it already has an igh) or as she calls it... "Dutchified".

It is a seriously heavy bike but she rides this thing in every kind of weather imaginable and has already worn out a set of rims... she also has no trouble spinning it out and does not face too many hills she cannot conquer.

Part of that stems from how you use your muscles as on a city bike as they utilize the glutes more and this is where we have the most power.

The step through design is also nice for almost anyone as it allows for quick dismounts which can be really helpful when you are carrying a good deal of stuff.

It is.

If you get a Pashley you can colour me green with envy and perhaps I can show you how to fabricate your own extracycle... it would be a great learning project and fun to boot.


Nice!! and thanks:)

LOL,I have this pannier and although not as solid as I think I'd like, I got it for $25
http://www.ebikestop.com/prodimages/BG6687_medium.jpg



Yep..I agree I have the double extra large one..I like it for large shopping trips but doesn't hold well..I have to bungee the flaps down. plus if i'm making a small trip to the store its overkill

Does yours have a plastic insert that is removable?

But cute as heck:D

That design borrows heavily from the classic city bike... I believe yours has fenders, rack, and panniers ?

It would look lovely as an IGH equipped bike with a full chaincase... my girlfriend's Breezer is a similar bike that she had retrofitted with one (it already has an igh) or as she calls it... "Dutchified".

It is a seriously heavy bike but she rides this thing in every kind of weather imaginable and has already worn out a set of rims... she also has no trouble spinning it out and does not face too many hills she cannot conquer.

Part of that stems from how you use your muscles as on a city bike as they utilize the glutes more and this is where we have the most power.

The step through design is also nice for almost anyone as it allows for quick dismounts which can be really helpful when you are carrying a good deal of stuff.

What is an IGH? Not one of those skirt protectors is it? I think a chain case would be nice but then when the chain has an issue, isn't that more of a hassle? I do not have fenders and although I like how they look, for now I won't bother. Living in L.A. there is almost never a need for them and if it's raining, I'd likely take my car. Work is only 1.4 miles away so it's not like I sit in traffic or anything in the car :).

My guess is your girlfriend is far more fit, athletic, and physically active in general because this bike is not as heavy as the Euro ones and ANY slight grade kicks my butt. I also do have asthma that I take NOTHING for at this point but I was thinking of having my doc do a full asthma work up to see where it's at. Would be nice to feel more stamina in my lungs.

I like the step through for a couple reasons. 1. I go through stages of wearing skirts and I like that I can fanagle getting to and from work in one if I choose. 2. I ride in Hollywood where there is a ton of traffic and obstacles, being able to jump off not just left and right but center is a comfort thing. The space between the seat and bars is quite tight. I'm not petite but not huge I don't think, and when I stand over the step through my boobs definitely are at the handlebars :) But it's doable. And now that everyone knows about my boobs, I shall run and hide :D

Tamara -

My girlfriend is very fit but she is definitely not petite (thank god) and does have some mild exercise and pollution induced asthma... she is also a fan of pretty dresses.

Riding has gotten her into great shape and she can often kick my butt.

IGH = Internal Gear Hub

Tamara -

My girlfriend is very fit but she is definitely not petite (thank god) and does have some mild exercise and pollution induced asthma... she is also a fan of pretty dresses.

Riding has gotten her into great shape and she can often kick my butt.

IGH = Internal Gear Hub

Hmm, my newbie self seems to recall that being where the chain is on the inside, harder to access no? forgive my stupidity. I remember test riding one of those, or I think was one, but it was a 7 or 8 speed only. There are TONS of hills and inclines where I'm at.

15 minutes from me is a Flying Pigeons bike shop. Another cool city/urban/whatchamacallit bike. These are from China originally and are quite cool, but heavy.

http://flyingpigeon-la.com/shop/



Have you noticed some of the new bikes (http://flyingpigeon-la.com/2009/08/mijn-god-dutch-bike-sale/)that Josef just got in recently??

Have you noticed some of the new bikes (http://flyingpigeon-la.com/2009/08/mijn-god-dutch-bike-sale/)that Joseph just got in recently??

VERY Cute though I definitely need me some gears and can't have more than one bike. Our place is tiny :)

The 5 speed Fryslan is pretty cool...

Hey, you just bought a bike , you don't need another.
But it doesn't hurt to look...;)

The 5 speed Fryslan is pretty cool...

Hey, you just bought a bike , you don't need another.
But it doesn't hurt to look...;)

Madame, you don't need another bike :D Just saying. By the way, how many hybrid/urban/city bikes do you own?

Madame, you don't need another bike :D Just saying. By the way, how many hybrid/urban/city bikes do you own?

:D

Define hybrid/urban/city bike...:D

I have no Dutch bike yet...:( :)

But my 96 Marin San Rafael is a classic, American modern hybrid...at least I see it that way. The perfect urban bike-for me.

:D

Define hybrid/urban/city bike...:D

I have no Dutch bike yet...:( :)

But my 96 Marin San Rafael is a classic, American modern hybrid...at least I see it that way. The perfect urban bike-for me.

Should I pinch you now or later! GRRRR:crash:

Wait, you have 20 bikes and only ONE is a hybrid? Are you sure?

20 bikes ?

And I thought I had problems.

I'd have 20 bikes if I could:( but then I'd have no husband..lol

Between us the girl and I have 20 bikes... mind you...she only has three (for now).

I think that I should buy her a Pashley.

You guys are all crack heads :D

You guys are all crack heads :D

You say that like it is a problem.

You say that like it is a problem.

LOL, point taken :p But seriously, having that many bikes, you can't possibly ride them all often and do you ever break one in? That's 1.25 bikes a day for a month, or something close to that. They will last a lifetime at that rate :D

LOL actually I'd be happy with the hybrid I have now and a Pashley (if it works for me) and keep the hubby:)

I think I can be a two bike person...of course there is not limit to the accessories I could get for either;)

On that note: Nite:) I'm off to bed...kitty is giving me the evil eye now

I think I can ride a different bike for two weeks before I start repeating things...

I should be fired from BF. I don't ride enough but I've learned a ton that I've started to use. I don't know if I could even be a two bike person because I do like having a car too and in L.A., need it.

I suppose I could see having my hybrid for errands and commutes and a faster bike for those rides we do on bike paths. I don't think I'd want drop bars for meandering around the city though.

I have always thought that having two bikes is a good idea if you depend on a bike for your daily transportation as then you always have a backup ride if one fails or has to spend some time in the shop.

If a bike is just used for recreational purposes not having another bike simply means you don't ride until it is fixed.

I can break a lot of bikes before I am screwed.

Now I have three bikes. No excuses left not to ride 'em.

Flying Pigeon shamelessly copied Pashley's high end racer, the Guvnor. I've made it over into a traditional roadster. The Dutch would call it an opafiets. A very old fashioned city bike.

Flying Pigeon shamelessly copied Pashley's high end racer, the Guvnor. I've made it over into a traditional roadster. The Dutch would call it an opafiets. A very old fashioned city bike.

But aren't both lines of bike VERY old and classic? Or is that a newer model?

The Pashley Sovereign/Princess is the company's roadster. The Guvnor is a Path Racer constructed of Reynolds 531 steel. As it happens, the Guvnor has classic roadster geometry and lent itself perfectly to being transformed.

The original:


http://www.pashley.co.uk/cms/products/main_46.jpeg

It came with a single speed and a Brooks Professional titanium saddle but I ended up changing everything to make it a true roadster.

But aren't both lines of bike VERY old and classic? Or is that a newer model?

The path / road racer and roadster are very old designs... the Guvnor is a modern version of a path / road bike that stays very true to the originals.

Yes along with a very old (and rare) wheel size no one sees any more. The Guvnor has OEM alloy rims in the size. And Schwalbe carries a selection of tires for it.

I should be fired from BF. I don't ride enough but I've learned a ton that I've started to use. I don't know if I could even be a two bike person because I do like having a car too and in L.A., need it.

I suppose I could see having my hybrid for errands and commutes and a faster bike for those rides we do on bike paths. I don't think I'd want drop bars for meandering around the city though.


Ah I think I could be because we're carfree (almost 5 years) hubby is car-less though as he says. I guess in hindsight if I had know about the Pashley beforehand I wouldve just gotten it in the 1st place but I do love my hybrid so second bike here I come.

I dont think I want drop bars either so I dont see any road bikes in my future. I test road a touring bike a few weeks ago and while it was a really nice ride I didnt like the drop bars and the brake positioning on them

Nice bikes, but I never thought of them as hybrids, and I don't think I've seen them marketed as hybrids. By a literal definition, they surely aren't road/mtb hybrids. These bikes predate the mountain bikes, possibly tracing their heritage all the way back to the very first bikes.

Check out, for instance, the DBS City line: http://dbs.no/sykler/city These are very common bikes here in Norway, at reasonable prices.

The city 233 and city 237 is actually almost a copy of the older "cruiser style" bikes from the 1940-60`s. Great bikes, a lot of them still rolling and I`ve seen one or two posted in C&V. Here is a picture of one (28x1,75) modifyed to be a proper utility bike, seen outside a local coop:D

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk51/badmother-bikes/Localutilitybike.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk51/badmother-bikes/Localutilitybike2.jpg

Edit: this is the 26" (650B) version. Supercomfy ride.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk51/badmother-bikes/Bilde018.jpg

Yes along with a very old (and rare) wheel size no one sees any more. The Guvnor has OEM alloy rims in the size. And Schwalbe carries a selection of tires for it.

Pashley really wanted to build a true reproduction of their 30's path racer... from special ordering the 531 tube sets and using a period correct 635 wheel (28 oversize) they really went all out.

That wheel size has not been used on bikes for decades.