Originally Posted by
Alekhine
Oh, sure. Use your favorite tool to get the job done, absolutely. I like a certain aesthetic and my tastes in that regard should be taken no more seriously than if we were disagreeing on pizza toppings, but it is a separate issue from ride quality. My Bike Friday NWT actually rides a little bit more comfortably than my Mercian custom (different riding positions), and it's ugly as hell comparatively. Still, the Mercian beats it in almost every other way, so it gets top ride priority unless I'm in distant lands.
Yes, utility wins out over looks for me. I have a bike with a front basket that is great for shopping. It has 1x6 gearing and albatross bars and works nicely for the flat trip to the shops and to carry back the a couple of bags and it's upright position is good for riding in the city; I'd hate to tour on it though. I've been thinking of a folding bike for touring, but I'd have to do a serious test ride to see if the fold was worth it.