NO ONE IS THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX, where's your imagination?
I'm stunned at the lack of imagination in the ultimate commuter bike. First of all I don't think there can be just one simply because too many decide on bike purchases based on purchase price. What are the target markets?
Market S - college student want to commute to classes and invest little
Market T - around the town biker. Able to spend a little more than student, but wanting to keep the cost under $1,000
Market C - the commuter who commutes to work and may have additional riding opportunities. Dependability and functionality are key to this rider.
Ok, so there are at least 3 Markets for the ultimate commuter, but they all have several things in common:
#1 -- risk of theft
#2 -- risk of flats
#3 -- risk of non motor vehicle avoidance.
How might the ultimate commuter mitigate these risks?
THEFT
1. Active- Lowjack type of system installed inside the Down Tube, the tube between the pedals and handlebars, by the factory.
2. Passive- sticker identifying protected system
3. Re-active: by pooling funds a small annual fee would generate an "Immediate Cash Reward" upon recovery of stolen bikes.
Discussion
Probably only for markets C and T. Doubt parent of S would pay for it since they won't spring for a good bike.
Effectiveness would depend on:
1. speed by which owners report stolen bikes,
2. news reporting on dumb thief who was caught with hands in cookie jar,
3. cash rewards increasing number of people looking for identified Ultimate Commuter Bike.
[This woud not stop organize thief rings, but would stop drug type thiefs]
risk of flats
Let's face it, the cities simply will not keep roads clear of debris. Tire manufacturers are all over the place and not giving consistent products. They rarely provide any tire information other than price and marketing fluff.
A review of most tires can be found at:
http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/tire/, BUT where is the marketing incentive.
Action needed:
1. create a user group: Ultimate Commuter
2. have user group select for each year the Tire of the Year for commuters C, T, and S.
3. Keep internal usage data so marketing clout is gathered
4. develop desired traits of tires:
My ideas would include:
4.1 kelvar, or better flat protection
4.2 reflective side walls for those times a storm rolls in
4.3 easy rolling
4.4 good cornering
4.5 smooth riding
Besides this, what are the ideal commuter characteristics?
For me they are:
1. ease of riding: level ground, uphill, downhill
2. looks good and impossible to chip or ding
3. low low maintenance
4. able to carry 10-20 lbs of important stuff without difficulty
5. wide range of gears without harsh transitions
6. fast stops in all weather conditions: sun, rain, snow.
7. able to accelerate and easily go 15-20 mph on level ground
So far, the only bikes I know that can do the above, Group C, are: SWB bents, touring bikes and cyclocross bikes.
But let the discussion continue. It's one of our chances to hear our thoughts instead of some marketing hype junkie's thoughts ................