I was planning to get a workcycles Fr8, complete with hydraulic rim brakes, dynamo hub lights, a 500lb-rated rear rack, and a front porter rack, until I got the quote and decided it wasn't time for a nice dutch bike quite yet. I'm looking for something that's good for the road and light trails, upright, and has a decent carrying capacity. Right now, my 1976 schwinn traveller III fills that niche pretty well, other than the road-bike style handlebars that give your back a beating if you ride regularly.

My summer challenge is to take my neighbors old walmart bike (sierra mountain bike w/26" wheels) and turn it into a comfort/weather bike. I'm extending the stem and replacing the generic mountain bike handlebars with more swept back handlebars and an adjustable piece like the ones on Gazelle bicycles. It's got 1 1/2" studded tires, which will be nice in wet/frosty weather and for taking off-road shortcuts to school and work. Both wheels are bent, so I'll have to replace them, which is fine because I'm planning on getting disc brakes and a dynamo hub. The only real issue will be the rack and frame, which I'm worried might snap under any rear cargo over 75 lbs. But hey if I can get it all done under 300$ I'd call it a win for now.

But anyways, when I settle down a little more and figure out more permanent housing, workcycles or azor are the two brands I'll be shopping from for a good family/mixed use quality bike.