4funbikes

I'll start by saying I have no affiliation with the brand, just thinking it may be something this bunch could appreciate.

While more known for their BMX products; FBM bicycle co. out of NY is attempting to launch a line of city bikes.
This is not their first foray in to the realm of big wheels They have been doing an attractive singlespeed frameset for several years. The Sword Frameset - FBM Bike Co.



https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...kes?ref=newest




Certainly a nice looking steed
Price seems reasonable enough considering. If they could knock it down some though, they'd really be on to something.
I am partial to US made bikes, and supporting the little guy (Less than 10 employees I believe)

RaleighBikeGuy

Defining features of an "English roadster": slack geometry, 28" rims, rod-lever brakes, Sturmey Archer hubs (either single-speed or three-speed AW-equipped), all-steel fully serviceable components, matching fenders, chain guard (or full case), cottered steel cranks . . .

That bike has none of those things.

busdriver1959

Lighten up. Those defining characteristics were either the industry standards or the only thing available at the time. These bikes look like a good attempt to capture that roadster feel with a bike updated to modern standards. I hope they do well and get more people riding. We'll all benefit from that.

dweenk

Yes the bike has none of those things, but it does have the "look". i think that any US manufacturer would be nuts to try to re-create a classic Raleigh by those standards, and then sell it to today's buyers. I'll give them credit for the attempt.

bikemig 

The bikes have some nice parts, https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...kes?ref=newest

That's a sharp looking bike. I'm curious how much it will cost.

David Newton

[QUOTE=That bike has none of those things.[/QUOTE]

Right, it isn't a "Roadster".
It appears to be more of a light weight rendition of the Sports model, not the heavy, poor-rod-braked bike of the past.
I wish this "made in USA" shop all the success they can stand.

RaleighBikeGuy

OK I started things off somewhat polemically, but I don't think I have to agree with what seems to be the dominant sentiment that this bike is somehow an improvement.

The hubs offered are grease-lubricated un-serviceable devices that perhaps might offer a few thousand miles at best (nothing comparable to the incredible durability of a cared-for sturmey archer. The bottom bracket, is similarly a non-serviceable item. The smaller wheels and more upright geometry wont' be as plush and comfortable as a roadster.

The brakes will likely work better initially but what most don't realize about rod brakes is that they were serviceable with regular tools and only the brake pads were wear items (unlike the cables and housings of the brakes on this bike). The same goes for the other extremely durable components of an English roadster--they were serviceable for tens of thousands of miles requiring no specialized tools.

It's great that people are still making bicycles, but I prefer classic bicycles and what I see as their vast benefits over new bikes--why I read this forum.

nlerner

I wish them luck, but they do need some help on obtaining a proper fender line.

Grand Bois

That's a fact, and the overly long cables on the step through make it look like it was assembled by a newb.

fender1

This style of frame/bike is already widely avaialbe. I hope they do well but it seems that this trend has previously peaked and is in the decline.

oddjob2

Oracle says to look on the kickstarter page, right hand side. Frame, single speed, or 8 speed.

IMHO, that's big bucks they're asking for a tig welded frame without lugs. For a few hundred more, you can get a Shinola with a Waterford lugged frame.

The Runwell Bicycle | Shinola®

Also, a Rivendell Atlantis, also Waterford frame, for about the same price. Just swap the bars to North Roads or Porteur.

https://www.rivbike.com/Rivendell-Atl...f-atlantis.htm