Rode one of those Linus roadsters the other day
03-23-12, 06:27 PM
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Rode one of those Linus roadsters the other day
Went down to Kensington Market to look at getting some bike accessories and ended up taking a test ride on a Roadster 8
It's an 8 speed Linus and it goes like stink over everything.
Never thought I'd be into this style of riding, I'm more of a weekend roadie, but I can't remember the last time I was so giddy from a bike ride. Consider me a convert...
Anyway I bought one in stone grey, should be arriving in a few weeks, and from then on will be blasting me to work every day:
It's an 8 speed Linus and it goes like stink over everything.
Never thought I'd be into this style of riding, I'm more of a weekend roadie, but I can't remember the last time I was so giddy from a bike ride. Consider me a convert...
Anyway I bought one in stone grey, should be arriving in a few weeks, and from then on will be blasting me to work every day:
03-24-12, 01:22 AM
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Velocommuter Commando
03-24-12, 03:37 PM
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I also liked the "hop-on-and-go" factor...and it sure does "go", like a cat on fire. I can't wait until I start bombing downtown on this baby....it's going to be an adrenalin rush that'll go great with my morning brew (that would be coffee, of course).
03-24-12, 07:14 PM
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incazzare.
Personally, for about the same price I think the Public Bikes (https://publicbikes.com/) are a lot nicer. And for a lot cheaper, the Bikes Direct city bikes are nearly as nice (https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/city_bikes.htm).
But that's not to say the Linus is a bad bike, and I'm sure you will enjoy it.
But that's not to say the Linus is a bad bike, and I'm sure you will enjoy it.
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03-28-12, 07:54 AM
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I wanted to supplement my two commuter bikes with a bike I can ride on the weekend with my girlfriend, without being hunched over. She is a casual rider so I thought an upright style bike would make things more comfortable for me on those slow speed jaunts. So off to Curbside (a local Linus dealer in Toronto) and took one for a ride. First I think the bike is beautiful, especially the cream colour, very classic. The bike is a little heavy, close to 30 pounds but with metal fenders, kickstand and 4130 you kind of have to expect that. Once you are on the bike, the weight doesn't seem to be a big factor. Maybe if you had to carry it up a flight of stairs it would be a problem.
The ride of the bike was quite smooth, no doubt from the big 32c tires and the steel frame. The brakes were the biggest surprise for me as they had great stopping power, which I didn't expect. Unfortunately the Nexus hub was not adjusted properly and every shift was a mis-shift or spinning in circles and going no where. I can't believe they let the bike go out like that. But the Nexus hub gets great reviews so I wasn't concerned about that.
The reason I didn't buy the bike is that I felt that the medium was too small and the large too big. I am 5' 8" and it just felt a little too cramped for me. I am willing to concede that maybe the medium bike is just fine but I am not use to having an upright bike like this. The swept back handlebars came close to my knees which was unnerving. Maybe I would get use to it in time or change out the bar to something straight across would work.
The second reason is I thought I could get that same upright position I am looking for in a Brompton Folder. The Linus is a little expensive for what you get and though the Brompton is twice the money, it may be more versatile. There is the possibility that I will buy both, because you can never have too many bikes. The more I look at the Linus Roadster 8, the more I want one, it is just a great looking bike. I need to go back and test ride it again.
The ride of the bike was quite smooth, no doubt from the big 32c tires and the steel frame. The brakes were the biggest surprise for me as they had great stopping power, which I didn't expect. Unfortunately the Nexus hub was not adjusted properly and every shift was a mis-shift or spinning in circles and going no where. I can't believe they let the bike go out like that. But the Nexus hub gets great reviews so I wasn't concerned about that.
The reason I didn't buy the bike is that I felt that the medium was too small and the large too big. I am 5' 8" and it just felt a little too cramped for me. I am willing to concede that maybe the medium bike is just fine but I am not use to having an upright bike like this. The swept back handlebars came close to my knees which was unnerving. Maybe I would get use to it in time or change out the bar to something straight across would work.
The second reason is I thought I could get that same upright position I am looking for in a Brompton Folder. The Linus is a little expensive for what you get and though the Brompton is twice the money, it may be more versatile. There is the possibility that I will buy both, because you can never have too many bikes. The more I look at the Linus Roadster 8, the more I want one, it is just a great looking bike. I need to go back and test ride it again.
03-28-12, 09:52 AM
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Gratulations, RoboChrist!
I grabbed a Globe Live 3 (before stupid Specialized acquired them and then cancelled the Live bikes) and I was afraid the novelty would wear off. But it's been almost two years, and I still really enjoy riding it.
Peace & safe riding!
You going to put clipless pedals on it?
I grabbed a Globe Live 3 (before stupid Specialized acquired them and then cancelled the Live bikes) and I was afraid the novelty would wear off. But it's been almost two years, and I still really enjoy riding it.
Peace & safe riding!
You going to put clipless pedals on it?
03-28-12, 09:57 AM
#12
incazzare.
Ha! The dogs seem to be enjoying the ride! Maybe I should try that with my cat? 
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03-28-12, 10:05 AM
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Kitties ain't into bikes, motorbikes, or pickup trucks like doggies are.
03-29-12, 09:00 PM
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I really like the Linus too. BicycleTimes journal did a very favorable review on it. I finally decided on the Novara Gotham (spendy but my rebate & 20% off coupon sealed the deal) and what a ride!
The new bikes that look back to the old English 3 speed for utility and comfort, but that use new technology are really nice. The Gotham has IGH, belt drive, dyno hub/lights and disc brakes.
I know you'll love your new ride!!
The new bikes that look back to the old English 3 speed for utility and comfort, but that use new technology are really nice. The Gotham has IGH, belt drive, dyno hub/lights and disc brakes.
I know you'll love your new ride!!
Last edited by KLW2; 03-29-12 at 09:04 PM.
03-30-12, 10:53 AM
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03-30-12, 03:05 PM
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For some other more dressy shoes, take a look at Quoc Pham and the Specialized 74 Road
Last edited by jcmkk3; 03-30-12 at 03:09 PM.
03-30-12, 04:24 PM
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I was in love with the mixte for a while, Linus make some classy looking bikes. Good choice for a new ride.
03-30-12, 05:13 PM
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They appear to be these shoes.
For some other more dressy shoes, take a look at Quoc Pham and the Specialized 74 Road
For some other more dressy shoes, take a look at Quoc Pham and the Specialized 74 Road
03-30-12, 05:31 PM
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That's a beauty. Gotta love the eye candy at Bikes on Wheels in Kensington. But really, you could ride that thing in a suit (if that's the kind of thing you wear to work!).
04-01-12, 12:47 PM
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I wanted to supplement my two commuter bikes with a bike I can ride on the weekend with my girlfriend, without being hunched over. She is a casual rider so I thought an upright style bike would make things more comfortable for me on those slow speed jaunts. So off to Curbside (a local Linus dealer in Toronto) and took one for a ride. First I think the bike is beautiful, especially the cream colour, very classic. The bike is a little heavy, close to 30 pounds but with metal fenders, kickstand and 4130 you kind of have to expect that. Once you are on the bike, the weight doesn't seem to be a big factor. Maybe if you had to carry it up a flight of stairs it would be a problem.
The ride of the bike was quite smooth, no doubt from the big 32c tires and the steel frame. The brakes were the biggest surprise for me as they had great stopping power, which I didn't expect. Unfortunately the Nexus hub was not adjusted properly and every shift was a mis-shift or spinning in circles and going no where. I can't believe they let the bike go out like that. But the Nexus hub gets great reviews so I wasn't concerned about that.
The reason I didn't buy the bike is that I felt that the medium was too small and the large too big. I am 5' 8" and it just felt a little too cramped for me. I am willing to concede that maybe the medium bike is just fine but I am not use to having an upright bike like this. The swept back handlebars came close to my knees which was unnerving. Maybe I would get use to it in time or change out the bar to something straight across would work.
The second reason is I thought I could get that same upright position I am looking for in a Brompton Folder. The Linus is a little expensive for what you get and though the Brompton is twice the money, it may be more versatile. There is the possibility that I will buy both, because you can never have too many bikes. The more I look at the Linus Roadster 8, the more I want one, it is just a great looking bike. I need to go back and test ride it again.
The ride of the bike was quite smooth, no doubt from the big 32c tires and the steel frame. The brakes were the biggest surprise for me as they had great stopping power, which I didn't expect. Unfortunately the Nexus hub was not adjusted properly and every shift was a mis-shift or spinning in circles and going no where. I can't believe they let the bike go out like that. But the Nexus hub gets great reviews so I wasn't concerned about that.
The reason I didn't buy the bike is that I felt that the medium was too small and the large too big. I am 5' 8" and it just felt a little too cramped for me. I am willing to concede that maybe the medium bike is just fine but I am not use to having an upright bike like this. The swept back handlebars came close to my knees which was unnerving. Maybe I would get use to it in time or change out the bar to something straight across would work.
The second reason is I thought I could get that same upright position I am looking for in a Brompton Folder. The Linus is a little expensive for what you get and though the Brompton is twice the money, it may be more versatile. There is the possibility that I will buy both, because you can never have too many bikes. The more I look at the Linus Roadster 8, the more I want one, it is just a great looking bike. I need to go back and test ride it again.
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