General Cycling Discussion - City "Dutch" bike?

I am looking for a new city bike (I've posted a couple times) and am really attracted to the look of the Dutch style bikes (though I don't want an actual Dutch bike because I have to carry it up stairs). I finally actually have the money to buy one and hope to get one within the next 2 weeks or so. I need it to be reasonably light, at least 7 gears, and loop or similar style frame. I am currently looking mostly at the:

Public C7 (I like the simpler look to it and the mega range gives a really low first gear, which I LOVED)

Linus Dutchi 8

Civia Twin City

Opinions? Pros and cons?

You can test ride each of them ? I'd go with 1st hand experience..

I have tried them all, I like them all equally (unfortunately?). Do you think the "mega range" cassette is actually a help for hills or will the 7 and 8 speed hubs be equally good?

the public c7 has a traditional derailer drivetrain as opposed to the internal gearing of the others
this makes parts and service for it cheaper, but it is also more prone to damage and you cannot shift when stopped. changing a flat tire on this will be easier though
derailer vs internal hub gears is a personal preference; i prefer derailer, dutch simplicity wants IGH
additionally, the c7 has the least comfy handlebars, flat bars as opposed to the north roads of the other bikes; this is a def minus

the Twin City uses IGH(see above) it also uses a front v-brake which is a plus for its good braking strength
yet it uses a wierd roller band brake for the rear which really sucks; poor rear braking power and highly complex operation to fix a rear flat, special orders needed to service this part too
I do like the frame however, it seems to have mountings for a rear derailer and rear v-brake; so if you are a mechanic, a naked Twin city frame could be a good platform for buildup

the Dutchi 8 doesnt have any particular weak points; the brakes are ok, it uses IGH, sort of an average of featurres seen thus far. one big plus is the frame is cromoly steel (stronger/lighter), this is likely the most expensive option



if you want things simple and dutch-like go with the Linus Dutchi 8
if you want inexpensive, go with the Public c7
if you are into custom specing a bike, get a Twin City bare frame

As far as hills need the Math of the ratios to know..

Thanks for the detailed info.

The Public bike actually has swept bars, they are just at a smaller angle than normal (15 degrees as opposed to the 25 degrees on the other models they sell). It's much more noticeable in person. I noticed when I test rode it that the bars felt OK until I reached to brake. Do you think the handlebars could be switched out easily? I have a pair of the really swept bars off an old 10 speed that is unrideable.

I called a bike shop and they actually said the same thing about the Civia, the brakes are "weird" and they can change them out and discussed all sorts of other modifications they can make to it. I wouldn't do a full rebuild of it because I don't have the money or time, but I think I would change the band brake and tweak the hub on the lower side of the range.

The frame on the Linus might be a bit lighter, but unfortunately that rear hub is heavy and the Linus winds up weighing more than the Public (but probably less than the Civia).

I think I'll likely go with the cheapest option. I won't be using it for daily commuting anyways and not being able to easily fix a flat is a problem.

Of course, this City bike goes right to the top of the list, in terms of your specific requests:
www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/urban/2012-city-ig8-womens-14264

The Schwinn City Ig8 for women ~ $890

Good Luck! :thumb:

PS.

Since it's aluminum, it will be slightly lighter in mass. It therefore, will be easier to port upstairs.

Thanks for the detailed info.

The Public bike actually has swept bars, they are just at a smaller angle than normal (15 degrees as opposed to the 25 degrees on the other models they sell). It's much more noticeable in person. I noticed when I test rode it that the bars felt OK until I reached to brake. Do you think the handlebars could be switched out easily? I have a pair of the really swept bars off an old 10 speed that is unrideable.

I called a bike shop and they actually said the same thing about the Civia, the brakes are "weird" and they can change them out and discussed all sorts of other modifications they can make to it. I wouldn't do a full rebuild of it because I don't have the money or time, but I think I would change the band brake and tweak the hub on the lower side of the range.

The frame on the Linus might be a bit lighter, but unfortunately that rear hub is heavy and the Linus winds up weighing more than the Public (but probably less than the Civia).

I think I'll likely go with the cheapest option. I won't be using it for daily commuting anyways and not being able to easily fix a flat is a problem.

Learn how to fix a flat without removing the wheel? (http://youtu.be/C4P8VCekA3Y) I have several bikes where removing the rear wheel is a major chore, I can fix a flat on those without removing the wheel almost as fast as I can on the bikes with QR where the wheels can easily be popped off.

You might also want to take a look at the Breezer line of bikes (http://breezerbikes.com/bikes/transportation), not cheap and not super lightweight but good bikes.

Aaron :)

Also carrying a bike with an internal hub will definitely throw me off balance. I'm a klutz carrying a bike on stairs and the idea of carrying that up stairs makes all my breakable limbs hurt just thinking about it...

changing out handlebars isnt that bad, but you might need longer cables and housings; in which case you'll need to readjust the brakes and shifting, probably 50$ job to have a shop swap it.

You could debate derailleur vs IGH all day, but for me IGH wins every time for most riding. The weight is a little further back than with a derailleur bike, but the weight difference is usually greatly exaggerated, and it certainly shouldn't prevent you carrying the bike if necessary. I'd shy away from having straight handlebars on any bike- the hand position offered by North Roads is so much better. You should be able to switch handlebars without much difficulty though.

There's also the Raleigh Detour Series (the City Sport), as well as the Raleigh Roadster Classic for women.

www.thebikestand.com/raleigh-women.html (http://www.thebikestand.com/raleigh-women.html)

* Of course the Roadster is only a 3 speed.

So based on weight I've settled on the Public and will change out the handlebars (though the handlebars are swept, just they are only 15 degrees). Since the bike will be coming mostly unassembled, I will change them out then. Hopefully that will make it a little less expensive. Thanks for the help!

Best wishes and good luck with your new steed! :thumb: