Manufacturer, Retailer, Survey and Consumer Feedback - Dutch bikes, Retro City Bikes, or what? Opinions

A bunch of questions about these bikes

http://publicbikes.com/Bikes

http://www.linusbike.com/models/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERBfFx1VW1Q



1 - What would you call them? Retro-city bikes? Dutch bikes? English-racer [what we called them in the 60s]? Or something else?
2 – Have you seen more new ones in use in your area?
3 – How much do you think bikes like this should sell for? In 1-speed? In 3-speed?
4 – If you were going to get one would you want SS of IGH? Would you want matching rear rack?
5 – Is traditional steel attractive to you; would you prefer aluminum; or does it matter?

1-I call them just 3-speeds
2-Haven't seen many in my area (minneapolis) mostly just old 3-speeds
3-I feel like 1-speeds should be in the 300 dollar range and 3-speeds could be a little more
5-I dont think it matters, be kinda cool to have 2 options

I really like that roadster classic, for a single speed like that I'd pay around $300 dollars.

this type of bike is for function. they should be priced so normal people can afford them.

singlespeed with matched fenders and rack $250, IGH with the fenders and rack $350. dont you dare aluminum.



also, a bike like this might have non-bike savvy people riding them. changing a tube could be a 2 hour procedure for them, or worse a cab ride. they should come with some nice puncture resistant kevlar tires. dont cheap out here, i know you will elsewhere.

this type of bike is for function. they should be priced so normal people can afford them.

singlespeed with matched fenders and rack $250, IGH with the fenders and rack $350. dont you dare aluminum.



also, a bike like this might have non-bike savvy people riding them. changing a tube could be a 2 hour procedure for them, or worse a cab ride. they should come with some nice puncture resistant kevlar tires. dont cheap out here, i know you will elsewhere.

Excellent point; TR tubes might be a good idea

this type of bike is for function. they should be priced so normal people can afford them.

singlespeed with matched fenders and rack $250, IGH with the fenders and rack $350. dont you dare aluminum.



also, a bike like this might have non-bike savvy people riding them. changing a tube could be a 2 hour procedure for them, or worse a cab ride. they should come with some nice puncture resistant kevlar tires. dont cheap out here, i know you will elsewhere.

You must be such a pleasant person.

You must be such a pleasant person.

i only kill kittens on mondays.

Here in Japan, we use these all the time though this isn't the market you are selling to. Shopping Bicycle(doesn't sound too sexy though) How about Errand-Runner? I know people spend an exhaustive amount of cash to make sexier looking versions of these kinds of bikes but honestly, my 30ish pound shopping bicycle is probably one of the most enjoyable rides, of all of the bikes that I have and have had. Good on you, if you are thinking of producing these. For today's folks, these are much more accessible and usable for just local running around and short to medium distance commuting. And since they aren't the prettiest, they are really easy to thrash around and leave outside. Great rainy day bikes or a bike you can share with your girl/boy or family/friends. I would recommend a solid thick undercoat paint job. Hi-tensile steel is ok. Please, unlike here, make sure you are using solidly built wheels. 26 inch wheels would be a nice option, and a guarded one piece crank. Coaster brake, maybe too? It would be nice to have it priced around 200ish(here they can run between 100 bucks to 300 bucks singlespeed), if they are hi-tensile and using a one piece crank. Don't be afraid to make it an ugly-tank. Many of us ride single speeds because there is less to worry about, easier to get on and get off, set and forget. People will forgive the ugliness and the heaviness once they see how usable the bike actually is.

I'd call it a "city bike" but that connotation might be perceived as pretentious by some demographics. Same with other possible names. Townie is acceptable, but taken by another company with an in-house legal staff. Your job to come up with a more lucrative marketing name.

There's always a plethora of these style bikes being built and shipping in to my LBS. Looks like their best seller, for sure. Aside from repairs.

I'm with the other fellows, at a $250 price point for a one speed with a rear rack and fenders, it's hotcakes.

No front rack, or a small basket maybe. This should be an easy-to-ride bike. Many riders will not know about weight distribution and handling. Same notion, keep the gearing light, but manageable. Three hundred as a 3-speed with same treatment.

Keep it real. Steel.

A bunch of questions about these bikes

1 - What would you call them? Retro-city bikes? Dutch bikes? English-racer [what we called them in the 60s]? Or something else?

Public J7 and Linus Dutch models (fittingly enough) are Dutch style. Linus should have at least one model with full chainguard, dontcha think?

2 – Have you seen more new ones in use in your area?

Um, yes.

3 – How much do you think bikes like this should sell for? In 1-speed? In 3-speed?

I dunno.

4 – If you were going to get one would you want SS of IGH? Would you want matching rear rack?

IGH, No rack for the English Racer/Roadster style please.

5 – Is traditional steel attractive to you; would you prefer aluminum; or does it matter?

I like steel. An aluminum offering might be nice also, if you can afford to carry a deep enough line.

Mike - you know there's a 'Manufacturer, Retailer, Survey and Consumer Feedback' sub forum right?

I'm moving this there.

1 - What would you call them? Retro-city bikes? Dutch bikes? English-racer [what we called them in the 60s]? Or something else?

City bike or Townie. Not quite English, and "Dutch" = "Overpriced Hipster Bike" in the states.

2 – Have you seen more new ones in use in your area?

I regularly ride an English 3-speed.

3 – How much do you think bikes like this should sell for? In 1-speed? In 3-speed?

It depends on what you offer on it. Around $300 for 1 and 3 speeds would be good for a basic bike, although I don't think $700 is unreasonable for the Trek Belleville which has heavy duty racks and a generator hub.

4 – If you were going to get one would you want SS of IGH? Would you want matching rear rack?

IGH, preferably Sturmey Archer, maybe even with a rear drum brake. A rear rack is a definite plus, especially if it's built into the frame.

5 – Is traditional steel attractive to you; would you prefer aluminum; or does it matter?

Steel is fine. Weight isn't as much of a concern on these bikes.

Mike - you know there's a 'Manufacturer, Retailer, Survey and Consumer Feedback' sub forum right?

I'm moving this there.

No
I had no idea there was a sub forum like this
It is very interesting

thanks