Pashley - is this bike too heavy?
 

http://www.bikefix.co.uk/index.php?u...sgl_id=195#a35

I am afraid it is too heavy. I usually ride on plain terrain in a town. My problem is the wind which is always against me. Still this bike is around 50 pounds.

The alternative:

http://www.bikefix.co.uk/index.php?u..._sgl_id=32#a13

?

Extra weight actually helps you in the wind. The force of the wind is independent of your weight, but the rate at which you lose speed is inversely proportional to the weight of you+bike. It's only when you're going up hill (or lifting the bike) that weight is an issue.

On the other hand, if you're worried about the wind (and maybe you shouldn't be), the upright riding positions of both of those bikes will be a big factor. The coat guard on the first one could make things interesting in a cross wind.

The thing is, both of those bikes are designed for a comfortable, leisurely pace. If you want to go fast, you should consider other bikes. If not, either bike will be OK. Enjoy the ride.

Eh..50 pounds is heavy. No doubt the gearing is low for the weight thus lowering your mph. Could be counterproductive.

Pashley bikes have been used in the Eroica. Including the "Guvnor."

http://www.ecovelo.info/images/guvnor-main.jpg

The Eroica in Italy...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3M9w9fC7tg

I have a Pashley Princess Sovereign, 20" frame. It is a heavy bike compared to contemporary road and mountain bikes, but it is lighter than the Dutch transport bikes including Azor and Gazelle.

When it comes to bikes of this kind, the weight is there for a reason. It will help you when it comes to stability, smoothness when riding over potholes, and in bad weather conditions, including winter cycling. The weight is actually good for cycling against the wind, because it allows the bike to resist it. As far as gearing goes, any upright bike will require more leg strength to pedal; just ask your local shops to set the gears lower.

The only problems that I have due to the weight of my Pashley have to do with lifting it. I am a slim, out-of-shape female, and could not pick up the Pashley in order to carry it down the porch stairs when I first got her. However, after 2-3 days, I developed enough arm strength to do it successfully, and it is no longer a problem.

Some posts about my Pashley:
http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2009/...-was-made.html
http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2009/...r-cycling.html
http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2009/...nd-basket.html
http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2009/...spectator.html

Hope this helps!

I wish you guys would stop posting pictures of the Guv'nor. I want one really bad, and every time I see a picture, the lust gets stronger. I think my other bikes are starting to notice.

What kind of distances are you riding? Dutch-style bikes are great, but arguably best suited to rides under 10-15 miles or so.

Ditto...

I've ridden mine 10+ miles. It is good for long hauls as long as you go slow and steady -- meandering rides through riverside paths, country roads and such.

Not that I don't like the Guv'nor. It is a gorgeous bike and a fascinating creation. But all things considered, I just don't think it is practical. A heavy steel bike goes well with an upright geometry, whereas the Guv'nor, especially when tried in person, seems neither fish nor fowl. Just my opinion of course. Also, when you deconstruct its looks, you realise that the accessories have a lot to do with why it is so appealing. Put those cream Delta Cruisers and upside-down North Roads on any black bike and you will have the same "wow" factor.

Who ever said a bike had to be practical? :D It would definitely be my ride of choice for picking up a few groceries at the store, popping downtown for a bite, or a ride with the missus. The race bikes are certainly not practical for any of that.

A PASHLEY???

This is a no contest question. If you can afford it, BUY IT. The Pashley is my dream bicycle....i love it.. can't wait to get one. The only thing holding me back is the price tag on that baby. But if price is not an issue, than, go for it. In my opinion the Pahsley Soverign is the most beautiful bicycle ever made.

I did 70km on this bike this summer http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/k...s/Bilde081.jpg Absolutely no problem. Not fast (dog needed a lift most of the time since it was HOT) but wery comfortable. Northroad type bars, B72 saddle. Nexus7.

Three weeks later I did much the same on a flatbar (w barends) bike. Bar 1 1/2"below saddle- Brooks Finesse t. Pulling a trailer instead of longtail. Not good, much pain in my lower back. I since put the same bars on this bike (rides much better now) and need to buy a broader saddle.

Awesome!

I think Pashleys are some attractive bikes but they are indeed heavy. If you can deal with a 60 lb bike then definitely go for it. :)

II guess one could argue anything, but this statement just does not match reality. I have an old 50 pound cruiser and go further than that all the time. Walter Anderson, great American, routinely road his cruiser from Ocean springs, Mississippi to New Orleans and back. Easily a hundred miles. Supposedly, he road on trips 3,000 to 4,000 miles. The bike hangs in his museum in Ocean Springs. http://www.walterandersonmuseum.org/

That said my cruiser is single speed geared down because it was sold all over America. It's a 56 Schwinn Wasp. It tops out at 12 MPH maybe a little faster. If I did not live in a flat area, I probably would not like this bike as much as I do. Wind has a more noticeable big effect and cruisers are less upright than Dutch bikes.

The biggest factor in selecting a bike is where and how you drive it. I am 63 and have arthritis in both knees and still enjoy this bike. But I am in a city that is flat, congested, and has poor pavement. It is not my only bike. If Pashleys or any Dutch bike were sold in New Orleans I would be tempted. I did test ride an Electra New Amsterdam and was not that impressed.

The Pashley Princess Sovereign is 45 lb.

Not sure about the Roadster. My husband's is indeed around 60lb, but with two loaded bags.

The Roadster is about 48 lbs. The Guv'nor is about 30 lbs. -- Z.

My problem is the wind which is always against me


Solution! Ride the other way.


But seriously, the pashleys are nice bikes and the wieght while not always true, but i'm sure is true here, means duribility. Plus anyone who's ridden an old 3 speed knows how nice they are to ride.

Yes they are! I love my 1970 Raleigh Lady's Sports (which btw, weighs considerably less than my Pashley Princess.)

I have a high end version of it in a made over Pashley Guvnor. It probably tips in at around 40 lbs. The ride is plush and forgiving. A roadster is truly the Cadillac of commuter bikes. You will probably fall in love with the ride and even forget the weight is there!

The Guvnor has the same geometry as the Roadster Sovereign. The difference is its made with hand-built Reynolds 531 steel. The other model in Pashley's range is standard steel.

Your company supplies tires for the 700B roadster size. Its not a size usually stocked any more. The only downside is the creme tires don't stay pristine out on the road.

It would have been nice if they would have made the Guv'nor with 700c (622) wheels. I know it would not be maybe as "authentic" but the options for tires would be a lot better. We make a really fat (and phat) 700x50 Fat Frank in Creme. The look would be perfect for this bike, although it's entirely possible that the Frank would be too wide for the front fork and/or the rear chainstays.

I still want one.

The wide tire size contributes to the ride. Fenders and seat/chainstays always limit size selection. On an off topic question, Schwalbe should make a Fat Frank/Big Apple in the 650B size. The current selection of MTB tires is just too limiting.

I really want to buy my husband one. He says he would never ride it, but he'd hang it on the wall and look at it. I still want to buy it for him and then nag him to ride it. I'm a good wife, yes?

My touring bike with racks and fenders weighs 45 pounds , but it's a tool for long distance travel...

FWIW, the Dutch seem to be buying bikes for the upwind part of the trip, with a electric booster motor in the wheel.