Rhodabike

Just wondering. It may be just the thing for running errands in a flat city. The sort of bike that you just use and forget about.

TRUMPHENT

Nice bikes. Don't forget about locks, lights and maintenance.

thdave

You might want to post this in the Utility Bikes forum, as this is a true Utility Bike.

I've looked at this bike and am impressed with its quality and price. To get a chro-moly frame with good components in a fully functional utility bike is impressive for $400. Love the integrated rack. Classy black color, too.

AltheCyclist

Is the Africa geared or single speed? I'm not a big fan of single speeds even for errands, etc. You'll miss the gears after a couple weeks.

jefferee

I believe there is a version with a 3-speed hub.

dwilbur3

In Fort Collins I'm sure that's true. In Sacramento, a single speed would work just fine for a lot of people.

AltheCyclist

I don't think location matters. Single speeds don't make sense to me; even a few gears makes a big difference, no matter what the terrain. You're not saving that much weight, and negligible if you're carrying bags of groceries, etc.

dwilbur3

Location makes a difference.

In Fort Collins (like most places) there are hills. In Sacramento there aren't any. For my 9 (each way) mile commute I use my gears only to go over the highway and to cross the river. If I kept my bike in 2 5 I would never need to shift the whole route. Now, I like to go a little faster so I'll keep my gears. But even then I only use 4 of them with any frequency. If I lived downtown (not needing to fight the wind or cross the bridges) I can't imagine any great need for gears.

AltheCyclist

Actually, the majority of the city of Fort Collins is very flat (the foothills west of the city is where the elevation gains). But no matter, even on flats, you'll want some gears to do what you described (increase speed, even if a only a few gears, battle weather, etc.). Sure, you might not need gears but why wouldn't you add them for very little extra cost and weight? The whole single speed thing doesn't make a lot of sense other than novelty.

gna

To echo the OP: does anyone have one? I'd like one, too, but I'm not sure if it would fit me. I usualy ride a 23" frame; it only comes in an 18" frame. Is there enough seatpost and stem to adjust up?

mikeybikes

Gears are a matter of preference.

Sure, gears are nice.

I however love my single speed. Less maintenance and simple. Just get on and go.

Its a matter of preference. Just because you don't see it anything more than a novelty, doesn't mean it can't be.