Originally Posted by tinarama
I'm looking for recommendations for a commuter bike to replace a women's '97 Specialized Globe 7 that was stolen last year.
• Biria Touring City series bikes (I test rode a couple of these and loved the feel, but how do they stand up mechanically? Our local shop has never heard of them.)
My daughter's 3 speed Calvin was made by Biria. Bought it in 1998 or 1999 in Germany for approx. $300. Bought principally because my daughter loved the way it looks; and so do I. Rides like a dream also. My daughter used it all the time in the Heidelberg area for 3 years but has not used it too much since returning to the US in 2002. The only repairs necessary in the past 6 years were fixing a few flats. The aluminum wheels are still true and the original Nokian tires hardly look worn. I highly recommend this model, though it will be difficult to find such a reasonably priced practical fully equiped bicycle in the US.
Probably difficult at any price. It may be cheaper to fly to Europe, buy a decent replacement for your Globe there, take a vacation and and bring it back with you. Sad but true.