The classic roadster is a fine machine for commuting and utilitarian riding and has been used as such for most of the 20th century in most parts of the world... prior to ww2 cycling was also a widespread form of transportation in North America and people here rode very similar bikes.

People here are now rediscovering what much of the planet did not forget... that a simple well made bicycle can provide one with a very nice mode mode of transportation and with this resurgence in cycling it is inevitable that the fashionistas will hop on the bandwagon.

I ride a 1948 English roadster and it is by far, one of the most comfortable of bikes I have and is ideal for urban commutes of any distance and is my going out on the town bike as I cab wear dressier clothes (aka my nice jeans ) with no worries of them getting dirty.