Utility Cycling - Are Utility bikes the "New Black"

I'm noticing that seems to be the trend for 2010 to offer up a more "work purposed" bike for the people.

Any thoughts?

I'm noticing that seems to be the trend for 2010 to offer up a more "work purposed" bike for the people.

Any thoughts?

What is/are the source(s) of your bike "trend" notices? What does "New Black" mean to someone not up on the latest trendy slang?

I suspect that most cyclists who use bikes for work purposes may not be paying that much attention to the latest trends of the trendy set.

What is/are the source(s) of your bike "trend" notices? What does "New Black" mean to someone not up on the latest trendy slang?

I suspect that most cyclists who use bikes for work purposes may not be paying that much attention to the latest trends of the trendy set.


Well I could be totally misguided here so pardon my noobness but with the Trek Belleville coming out which to me seems more of a Utilitarian bike and the new Specialized Live (part of the Globe series) it seems to be that way. I could be off base though and I'm just more so noticing something that isn't a trend at all

In the fashion world black is always the staple colour but some years another colour seems to shine through as the "new black" I think this winter Gray is the new black for example.

More people are utilizing bikes for purposes other than exercise/recreation. I don't believe many are doing it to be fashionable or trendy, but it is an obvious trend here in DC. The bike companies are responding to the increased use of bicycles for short commutes, running errands, etc.

Well I could be totally misguided here so pardon my noobness but with the Trek Belleville coming out which to me seems more of a Utilitarian bike and the new Specialized Live (part of the Globe series) it seems to be that way. I could be off base though and I'm just more so noticing something that isn't a trend at all

In the fashion world black is always the staple colour but some years another colour seems to shine through as the "new black" I think this winter Gray is the new black for example.

Thank you for your explanation. I don't think your question is nooby. The Bike Industry has shown for at least the last 30 years, that they have almost zero interest in promoting bikes for any utilitarian, transportation or commuting purpose, and even less interest in providing bikes to the U.S. public designed for such "utility" purposes. Hence no fenders, lights, chainguards, baskets , and/or racks.

Offering a model or two that have the virtue of bikes that were available everywhere 40 years may be the beginning of a trend, but I'd wait to see how many can actually be found on US LBS showroom floors, promoted by sale staff, before noticing any trend.

To be honest, most of the working bikes in my city don't sport fenders, lights, chainguard, baskets, or racks. Such accessories are available, but to spec them on new bikes would increase cost and decrease demand. Most riders don't want a clunky utility bike.

The bike companies will sell any kind of bike they can make money on. I wouldn't blame bike makers for the fact than most Americans use automobiles for transportation and bicycles for exercise/recreation, if at all. Nor would I credit them for creating a demand for any style of bike. I think they react to demand more than create it.

This year I've seen a very big increase in the number of bikes with milk crates & other baskets attached. So the interest is there. As for the LBSes, they are mostly clueless. One LBS that I visited for the first time on Friday, didn't even know what an Xtracycle or longtail was. :(

I'm noticing that seems to be the trend for 2010 to offer up a more "work purposed" bike for the people.

Any thoughts?

I think you are right. You did not see bikes like this http://www.globebikes.com/us/en/globe/GlobeBike.jsp?pid=10HAUL2 just a few years ago (taffiend just posted this in a different thread).

Makes sense really. If peopel are going to ride instead drive they need to be able to take "stuff" with them :ride:

By the way, there s no good "smlies" to indikate utility riding!

To be honest, most of the working bikes in my city don't sport fenders, lights, chainguard, baskets, or racks. Such accessories are available, but to spec them on new bikes would increase cost and decrease demand. Most riders don't want a clunky utility bike.

All depends on how many bike types and types of bicyclists you want to include/exclude from your definitions of "utility bikes" and "utility bicycling". If you wish to exclude all bicyclists and bicycles except those dedicated to hauling unusually weighty or bulky loads then I suppose you may be right.

I may be in the minority of this list who believe that associating "utility bicycling" almost exclusively with the narrow niche market of cargo hauling is not a good idea for promoting utility bicycling or products for utility cycling. It is similar in effect to associating bicycle commuting exclusively with hot shot enthusiasts and their expensive sporting equipment. Leaves a lot of potentially interested cyclists in the lurch.

I'm not talking about cargo bikes. I'm talking about bikes with fenders, baskets, chainguards, etc. They are not popular, but I think they are becoming more popular as more people utilize their bikes for purposes beyond fitness/recreation.

I can definitely see they are much, much, much more popular now than they were. Back in 2000 when I started commuting, and I had the choice between turning a fugly road-, mountain- or "hybrid"-bike into a commuter, I never even dreamed bicycle companies would have so many practical options as they do today. If you've ever tried to get fenders and a rack onto a racing bicycle you know how much of a headache it is.

Thank you for your explanation. I don't think your question is nooby. The Bike Industry has shown for at least the last 30 years, that they have almost zero interest in promoting bikes for any utilitarian, transportation or commuting purpose, and even less interest in providing bikes to the U.S. public designed for such "utility" purposes. Hence no fenders, lights, chainguards, baskets , and/or racks.

Offering a model or two that have the virtue of bikes that were available everywhere 40 years may be the beginning of a trend, but I'd wait to see how many can actually be found on US LBS showroom floors, promoted by sale staff, before noticing any trend.

+1 I'm skeptical this just could be the latest fad for the manufacturers to cash in on this last gas scare. Much of the continuation is down to the local sales people who need to push the utility aspect and get away from the recreational mindset. What is the first aspects of a bike that a salesman will extoll when making a sale? Usually the weight of the bike and how capable the bike will be racing.

I'm not talking about cargo bikes. I'm talking about bikes with fenders, baskets, chainguards, etc. They are not popular, but I think they are becoming more popular as more people utilize their bikes for purposes beyond fitness/recreation.
I believe that bikes with fenders, baskets, chainguards, etc. are especially not popular with the marketeers, media writers and LBS' staff dominated by race/club cycling enthusiasts who decide what type of bikes will be promoted and/or ever show up on the sales floor.

I think they are not popular with the people who buy bicycles, but maybe it is a vast conspiracy.

I think they are not popular with the people who buy bicycles, but maybe it is a vast conspiracy.

Apparently it didn't spread overseas where utility bikes (i.e. bikes designed and equipped for all weather daily bicycling chores, to include commuting) are available for immediate sale at less cost at every store in every town that sells bicycles.

Move then. How wonderful to be able to buy heavy boring bicycles.

I think you are right. You did not see bikes like this http://www.globebikes.com/us/en/globe/GlobeBike.jsp?pid=10HAUL2 just a few years ago (taffiend just posted this in a different thread).

Makes sense really. If peopel are going to ride instead drive they need to be able to take "stuff" with them :ride:

By the way, there s no good "smlies" to indikate utility riding!

That is a very cool bike. With a generator hub it would be perfect. Outside my price range of course, but perfect.

I'm not sure if it's a fad or temporary with the economy or for real, but there are definitely more options for commuters than in recent history.

This year I've seen a very big increase in the number of bikes with milk crates & other baskets attached. So the interest is there. As for the LBSes, they are mostly clueless. One LBS that I visited for the first time on Friday, didn't even know what an Xtracycle or longtail was. :(

My LBS didn't know what a Xtracycle was until after I got mine, I had to install it myself.

I'm definitely in the market for a "work-purposed" bike now.

Six months ago I moved from a "medium-sized" city to a rather large city. Not Chicago-sized but still large nonetheless. I live roughly six miles from the downtown city center. I want to be "where the action is" i.e. farmers markets, dining and entertainment venues, sporting events, shopping etc. all in one somewhat small area but as sure as hell don't want to DRIVE there! Driving here is insane anyway and I don't want to have to deal with parking. In other words, I don't need a bike to move a three-bedroom house. Just something sturdy, comfortable for relatively short distances, and can carry a bag of groceries or whatever. I also don't need a triple chainring 24t low and a ten spd rear cassette, either.

This winter I'm building my "shopping bike" (since none of the other seven bikes in my stable are quite up to the task). I already have most of the parts now and during the holiday season I'll have the time to put it together for this Spring. If I didn't have the tools, parts, and ability to put one together I would definitely be buying a purpose-built utility bike now, even if I had to order it.

Apparently it didn't spread overseas where utility bikes (i.e. bikes designed and equipped for all weather daily bicycling chores, to include commuting) are available for immediate sale at less cost at every store in every town that sells bicycles.

You must be travelling a lot to know this! I live "overseas" and I am not sure what you are talking about..

I live in japan and it is definitely true here, even here in okinawa (where the car definitely rules, unlike the big cities on mainland japan which are very bike-orientated) all bike shops sell 'shopping bikes' with IGH, baskets and lights included.

haha, i ended up buying a mundo tho', wanted to haul the family to the beach....

I don't think that the new crop of Utility Bikes like the Belleville are a 'new black' sort of trend like fixies have been, I think they are just filling in a big gap in the bicycle market, between the (incredibly practical but mostly lacking in style) touring and hybrid bikes and the cruiser type bikes, which tend to be, in my opinion, much more about style (although i personally don't like the style) than substance/practicality. Will they/do they sell well? Probably, and you will probably start seeing a lot more of them around. Does it make them nothing more than a cynical attempt to wring money out of more hapless customers by the bike manufacturers? I don't think so, personally. A Trek Belleville will be mine as soon as my LBS gets them in stock.

You must be travelling a lot to know this! I live "overseas" and I am not sure what you are talking about..
Maybe I should have specified overseas AND do not speak English as their first language.

I lived in Germany for 10 years between 1986 and 2002 and traveled often to France and the Netherlands. Perhaps the Europeans got stupid over the last 7 years and decided to promote only fenderless multi speed derailler bikes with lean forward geometry/handlebars and rock hard narrow saddles, and/or multi suspension mtn bikes, and junk all their city bikes that are ideal for utility and commuting; but I doubt it

I cannot recommend enough the xtracycle for errand running.

does look like a great opportunity for bike manufacturers: lots of people getting interested in cycling as a key part of their daily transportation needs, but they want and need comfortable bikes that can carry stuff. Glad to see the manufacturers stepping up - more innovation means more choice for the guy or girl who decides that getting around by bike seems like a sensible idea.

lets hope the manufacturerers sell enough of these new bikes to make money - then they'll keep making them!

I have definitely noticed that now, most bike stores near me stock utility-oriented bikes, racks, shopping panniers etc. It's nice to see. I'm hoping it will last as I haven't noticed a swell in competition for the good bicycle parking places at the grocery stores or elsewhere. And certainly the merchants haven't reacted. Though a few of the grocery checkers have put my bicycle and my shopping panniers together and realized that I carry my groceries by bike.

My lbs believes the industry is gearing up for more utility bikes.
They had a Raliegh with front and rear cargo racks and a kickstand.

Maybe I should have specified overseas AND do not speak English as their first language.

I lived in Germany for 10 years between 1986 and 2002 and traveled often to France and the Netherlands. Perhaps the Europeans got stupid over the last 7 years and decided to promote only fenderless multi speed derailler bikes with lean forward geometry/handlebars and rock hard narrow saddles, and/or multi suspension mtn bikes, and junk all their city bikes that are ideal for utility and commuting; but I doubt it

English is not my first language.

Maybe the Europeans got stupid.. or maybe somebody else also did. Do you know how many peopel, how many countryes and how many different cultures you are talking about? Europe is not one small country you see :D

Edit: My friend wanted a "dutch bike" some few years back. She had to travel to a neighbouring country to get it, approx 700 km`s.

English is not my first language.

Maybe the Europeans got stupid.. or maybe somebody else also did. Do you know how many peopel, how many countryes and how many different cultures you are talking about? Europe is not one small country you see :D

Edit: My friend wanted a "dutch bike" some few years back. She had to travel to a neighbouring country to get it, approx 700 km`s.

OK, solve the riddle. What country/continent do you live in where relatively simple city bikes are not found sold everywhere like in Europe, Japan, India, Africa, China and virtually everywhere else (except the U.S and some of the former colonies of England)?

Apparently it didn't spread overseas where utility bikes (i.e. bikes designed and equipped for all weather daily bicycling chores, to include commuting) are available for immediate sale at less cost at every store in every town that sells bicycles.

THIS is what you said, now it has changed to "relatively simple city bikes are not found sold everywhere ". Also I am trying to explain that Europe is not a small country with one culture.

THIS is what you said, now it has changed to "relatively simple city bikes are not found sold everywhere ". Also I am trying to explain that Europe is not a small country with one culture.
Who is talking about the culture of Europe or anywhere else?

You find a big darn difference in the the meaning of my two posts, eh? :rolleyes:
The issue is the ready availability of relatively simple city bikes ("utility bikes" if you prefer) at local bicycling outlets.


So where do you live in Europe (or wherever "overseas"), that relatively simple city/utility bikes are not found sold everywhere where bikes are sold?

Who is talking about the culture of Europe or anywhere else?

You find a big darn difference in the the meaning of my two posts, eh? :rolleyes:
The issue is the ready availability of relatively simple city bikes ("utility bikes" if you prefer) at local bicycling outlets.


So where do you live in Europe (or wherever "overseas"), that relatively simple city/utility bikes are not found sold everywhere where bikes are sold?

Biking is culture, and what peopel want to ride is culture (as long as you can afford to choose). Around here it is at least 60% MTB`s (three yrs ago it was 80%) and 35% hybrids. The rest is folders and utility.

I definitely see more people in my town running with square buckets on their racks than last year.

New black certainly not. But they are in trendy bike boutiques, one or two at a time. Whether this is gas price dependent or not I can't say. But it seems to have followed the same time line. The problem around here is that the distances are pretty large between big boxes and malls. So I don't think it has the practicality it would in tighter communities. On the other hand, in the real urban areas some of the bikes are too large to lug up to off main floor apartments. The middle ground of houses with garages for bikes but street front shopping, just isn't too common.

I think you are right. You did not see bikes like this http://www.globebikes.com/us/en/globe/GlobeBike.jsp?pid=10HAUL2 just a few years ago (taffiend just posted this in a different thread).

Makes sense really. If peopel are going to ride instead drive they need to be able to take "stuff" with them :ride:

By the way, there s no good "smlies" to indikate utility riding!

straight 15g spokes seems a bit light for a utility bike with 700c wheels even if the rear wheel is dishless.

New black certainly not. But they are in trendy bike boutiques, one or two at a time.

See latest "trends" at: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/fashion/10bikes.html

Biking is culture, and what peopel want to ride is culture (as long as you can afford to choose). Around here it is at least 60% MTB`s (three yrs ago it was 80%) and 35% hybrids. The rest is folders and utility.

Where is "here"?

I don't know about the new black...but Rei is advertising the bike as the new car and listing this bike which is a pretty well equipped 3 spd, belt driver for $500

http://www.rei.com/product/784320

Men's version on sale for 350. http://www.rei.com/product/784319

In my city in the UK, I'm seeing that bike shops are now 50% or more commuting bikes - bikes with fenders, racks etc designed for daily practical use. Not cargo bikes, I don't think I'd be able to find a porteur rack even (I wish), and the real specialist roadie shops etc are still just that. However, 3 years ago the regular bike shops were very much targeted on all the forms of weekend leisure cycling, and now they are enormously more focussed on USING bikes, including that their rack/pannier/accessory sections are 3-4 times as large. This is a good thing.

This is my first post here so I hope not to create a fuss, hello, BTW. I was at a LBS to get some skinny tires for my commuter 1996 Stumpjumper (no worries, nothing done to it cannot be undone quickly) and within a few minutes, two couples, one older (50s) and another younger (20s) came in and wanted to purchase bikes. The salesman broke away from me, after all I only wanted tires, a Cateye etc, and jumped them and immediately headed to the normal skinny tire race bikes and both couples stopped dead in their tracks and told the guy they did not want a "racer" or anything with those "gear" things on them, oh, and they wanted a basket. So, yes, I think there is something of a new trend, perhaps not among the traditional bicycle crowd but outsiders from the world of steel and four wheels. LC

This is my first post here so I hope not to create a fuss, hello, BTW. I was at a LBS to get some skinny tires for my commuter 1996 Stumpjumper (no worries, nothing done to it cannot be undone quickly) and within a few minutes, two couples, one older (50s) and another younger (20s) came in and wanted to purchase bikes. The salesman broke away from me, after all I only wanted tires, a Cateye etc, and jumped them and immediately headed to the normal skinny tire race bikes and both couples stopped dead in their tracks and told the guy they did not want a "racer" or anything with those "gear" things on them, oh, and they wanted a basket. So, yes, I think there is something of a new trend, perhaps not among the traditional bicycle crowd but outsiders from the world of steel and four wheels. LC
Did you notice if the salesman had any bicycles in the store that would actually meet their stated desire? Or did he try to convince them that what he did have on hand would be far better than some inefficient old fashioned stuff?

He had one bike with electric shift and another by Globe that one of the couples seemed to like. But, he kept trying to sell them a roadie and by the time I had gathered my supplies and checked out the younger couple had moved on. A once nearly hippie myself, not quite old enough to have been a real hippie, the younger couple seemed eco aware, the older couple wanted bikes like they had seen in Europe. They seemed interested in the Globe. Anyways, yes, he had a few "commuter" or more utilitarian bikes. If I had the money to open a shop, in select communities, I think a utility, commuter, single speed concept along with a good supply of crates, bags, carts, trailers etc could make a go.

Mine's fairly new and black, but not the "New Black." :D

I learned of the Big Dummy while recovering from a double break in my leg. It got me fired up. Gave me a goal at the end of being laid up in a stinking cast for too long. So, given the timing of my recovery and few other things, I was able to play early adopter when the first Dummies were released, securing one in March 2008.

Having a Big Dummy has radically recharged my passion for cycling. It led to a second build—a Surly Long Haul Trucker—that's also been set up as a touring/utility ride. It led to dusting off my Santa Cruz Heckler and tuning it up. And rebuilding my Surly 1x1, too. Better still, it led to hundreds of miles in the saddle this past year+, and a new habit of doing more daily errands on my Dummy.

The Cargo/Utility platform is not the "New Black". It's a highly functional—and fun—form of cycling that, on a global level, isn't new. But it's catching on (finally) in the United States and will likely be around—in some form, be it Dummy, or Mundo, or milk crate wired to a Huffy—for a long, long while.

Like the ol' R. Crumb cartoon says:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/3894751410_1c469bdf2a_b.jpg

Mine's fairly new and black, but not the "New Black." :D

I learned of the Big Dummy while recovering from a double break in my leg. It got me fired up. Gave me a goal at the end of being laid up in a stinking cast for too long. So, given the timing of my recovery and few other things, I was able to play early adopter when the first Dummies were released, securing one in March 2008.

Having a Big Dummy has radically recharged my passion for cycling. It led to a second build—a Surly Long Haul Trucker—that's also been set up as a touring/utility ride. It led to dusting off my Santa Cruz Heckler and tuning it up. And rebuilding my Surly 1x1, too. Better still, it led to hundreds of miles in the saddle this past year+, and a new habit of doing more daily errands on my Dummy.

The Cargo/Utility platform is not the "New Black". It's a highly functional—and fun—form of cycling that, on a global level, isn't new. But it's catching on (finally) in the United States and will likely be around—in some form, be it Dummy, or Mundo, or milk crate wired to a Huffy—for a long, long while.

Like the ol' R. Crumb cartoon says:



So you are basically sayng it is the "old black"?:D

So you are basically sayng it is the "old black"?:D

:roflmao2:

Precisely.

Move then. How wonderful to be able to buy heavy boring bicycles.

in July, I bought my girlfriend a Raleigh Sports 3 step through frame. Original B72, Sturmey 3 speed, and about 30 lbs with steel wheels. As I was away, I rode it for about a month before giving it to her, and I must say, I was loathe to give it up!

IMO, any bicycle that can take you far and away, with no real chance of breaking down, but that is comfortable for hours at a time in a rather upright fashion is certainly not boring. Heavy? Sure. But it is what it is, and that is certainly not boring.

I for one don't know if utility bikes are the "new black". What I do know is that back in the late '70's early '80's I had no car, but I did have about $18k worth of frames and complete bikes and went everywhere on a bike... the only time I was in a vehicle was when I was traveling to races. Flash forward, after being a non-cyclist for way too long, I took my '84 SweetHeart Cycles Motocruiser off it's hooks and made it into a utility bike - changed the 'bars added fenders and smoother tires; my wife and I picked up a used kiddie trailer turned pet hauler and now make all of our trips to the P.O. (11 mi rt <) via bike & trailer. I'm building my own flatbed utility trailer with the goal of making grocery and dog food runs solely with it - about a 22 mi. rt. I hope the attitude of doing more errands with a bike isn't a fad... I hope it keeps growing and growing. As far as LBS's and their attitudes - well it is probably up to us to prompt them into being more receptive to utility type bikes - baby steps to keep the slow swell going, I suppose. But then, I'm just an old dog trying to keep the pedals going in circles.

I think 99% of people with utility bikes have no need for them and most likely have several cars. I dont think people that are car free and could truely use one care too much about the trends and spending hundreds of dollars obsessing and changing perfectly good parts on a new bike. Most of the stock utility bikes are fine just the way they are. I think most people have too much money to burn and buy them because they can. Hopefully that didnt come off in the wrong way because i think anyone that is choosing to bike instead of drive is great :) but i find it a little funny when i see some dude with a big dummy hauling stuff home....and there is a huge SUV sitting in his driveway.

same thing goes with people that tour. The most traveled man in the world does so on some cheap 3 speed or something like that. Then theres people in the touring forum obsessing over how to upgrade a perfectly good LHT. Its a little funny u have to admit.

I think the people that truely need a certain bike arent the ones obsessing over it. They are just simply using it instead of talking about it. And i dont understand the point of spending thousands of dollars on a bike. What is the point of a utility bike if the people that actually need it cant afford it? My trusty Kona Ute does everything i need it to in my car free life style. To each his own i guess though.

I don't believe many are doing it to be fashionable or trendy, but it is an obvious trend here in DC.

+1 I was amazed by the number of bicycles I saw after coming out of the Cardozo Metro Station and walking down the street. Mountain bikes, road bikes, fixies, and department store bikes are all over the place in that area.