Utility Cycling - C-dale offers up Dutchess urban concept bike (Xpost from Commuting)

Interesting modern take on the Dutch city bike design.

http://austinontwowheels.org/2009/11/17/cannondale-enters-city-bike-fray-with-dutchess-concept-bike/

No word on whether this will ever be a product for sale.

Interesting, I hope they actually produce something like this. As a woman, I like the step through design (yes, you could actually wear a skirt and not worry about the logistics of getting on the bike); more importantly, the older I get, the more I'm sure I'll want an easier way to get on and off a bike. (Yes, I'd like to keep riding into old age.) I would say the integrated lights could be dropped--they're not much. If they want truly weather-proof with little maintenance, maybe they'll ultimately incorporate a fully enclosed chain like you see on Dutch bikes. Anyway, let's hope bike companies get serious about producing sturdy, affordable commuter bikes for men and women that cater to the needs of the average, non-bike enthusiast. The one good thing the recession may do in North America is to get bike companies to focus less on expensive sporting bikes. My guess is that they aren't selling nearly as many expensive bikes this year.

Veloria of Lovely Bicycle fame would like this step through bike. The real question is whether it will ever appear on the US market.

I don't know why they keep producing women's city bikes without front baskets. Every woman I've ever talked to wants a basket so they can put their purse their and keep an eye on it. Is this an American thing? Do we have bigger purses or something?

Also, is it a shaft drive?

I don't know why they keep producing women's city bikes without front baskets. Every woman I've ever talked to wants a basket so they can put their purse their and keep an eye on it. Is this an American thing? Do we have bigger purses or something?

Also, is it a shaft drive?

goodall,

For daily errands, I don't carry a purse that often, opting instead for a fanny pack. When carrying a purse on a bike, I'd prefer to put it in panniers. (I am cautious but a lot of it boils down to having had security drilled into my head. I had to travel abroad quite a bit when working back east. Some of the countries I traveled in had crime issues and we'd get warned about not presenting any opportunity for a quick snatch of valuables, even through an open car window when stopped at a light. That's one of the reasons I'd prefer to have a purse in a pannier. The purse wouldn't be visible and is definitely not subject to a quick snatch and run.) I wouldn't particularly want a basket on the front, but a front rack would be nice; I'd put panniers on a front rack.

Interesting, I hope they actually produce something like this. As a woman, I like the step through design .

As someone who rides a bike I appreciate a step through design when carrying lots of stuff on the rear rack. Large diameter aluminum or steel tubes can make a sufficiently rigid frame for general use riding.

Interesting concept with some interesting details. I too don't mind a step through design, however getting one in a 60cm range is all but impossible, and I am sure there are some tall women out there that would like a nice step through bike too.

Aaron:)