noglider 

All that is true, but there are plenty of city-oriented bikes here in downtown Manhattan. It's a shame HUB Cycles closed, because that was their specialty. Still, it proved that there is a demand. I think well run shops could make a profit selling them. And it also proved that there is sufficient variety already present in the US market. HUB Cycles made Linus what it is today, having once been the biggest Linus retailer. They carried Biria, Van Moof, and lots of other brands I can't remember. Also, Breezer is a brand that sells practical bikes that look like they're made to last.