Pashley - is this bike too heavy?
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2009
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Pashley - is this bike too heavy?
https://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:
https://www.bikefix.co.uk/index.php?u..._sgl_id=32#a13
?
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:
https://www.bikefix.co.uk/index.php?u..._sgl_id=32#a13
?
#2
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.
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.
#3
Retro-nerd
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Morningside - Atlanta
Bikes: 1991 Serotta Colorado II, 1986 Vitus 979, 1971 Juene Classic, 2008 Surly Crosscheck, 1956 Riva Sport
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."

The Eroica in Italy...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3M9w9fC7tg
Pashley bikes have been used in the Eroica. Including the "Guvnor."

The Eroica in Italy...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3M9w9fC7tg
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Would you like a dream with that?
Last edited by georgiaboy; 07-08-09 at 05:09 PM.
#4
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:
https://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2009/...-was-made.html
https://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2009/...r-cycling.html
https://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2009/...nd-basket.html
https://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2009/...spectator.html
Hope this helps!
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:
https://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2009/...-was-made.html
https://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2009/...r-cycling.html
https://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2009/...nd-basket.html
https://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2009/...spectator.html
Hope this helps!
Last edited by Veloria; 08-03-09 at 08:28 PM.
#5
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,486
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From: PNW - Victoria, BC
Bikes: 2002 Litespeed Vortex - 2007 Trek Madone 5.9 - 2004 Redline Conquest Pro - Specialized S-Works Festina Team Model - 93 Cannondale M 800 Beast of the East
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.
#7
Ditto...
#8
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.
Last edited by Veloria; 08-04-09 at 04:49 PM.
#9
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: PNW - Victoria, BC
Bikes: 2002 Litespeed Vortex - 2007 Trek Madone 5.9 - 2004 Redline Conquest Pro - Specialized S-Works Festina Team Model - 93 Cannondale M 800 Beast of the East
Who ever said a bike had to be practical?
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.
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.
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 882
Likes: 1
From: Suburbia, Ontario
Bikes: Specialized FSR
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.
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.
#11
I did 70km on this bike this summer https://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.
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.
#12
I did 70km on this bike this summer https://i277.photobucket.com/albums/k...s/Bilde081.jpg Absolutely no problem...
#14
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.
#15
#17
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.
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.
#18
#19
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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!
#22
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From: PNW - Victoria, BC
Bikes: 2002 Litespeed Vortex - 2007 Trek Madone 5.9 - 2004 Redline Conquest Pro - Specialized S-Works Festina Team Model - 93 Cannondale M 800 Beast of the East
I still want one.
#23
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,737
Likes: 10
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.
#24
Free and Self-Reliant
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 180
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From: Seattle, WA
Bikes: Retrovelo Paula, 3 Speed Brompton, Rivendell Cheviot
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?
#25
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From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
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.
FWIW, the Dutch seem to be buying bikes for the upwind part of the trip, with a electric booster motor in the wheel.






