In just a few words, how has eastern europe been handed the "cultural torch" of progression?

TIA

visit

I don't think that the discussion in this thread can be very productive until we know how long the OP's commute will be. I used a dutch bike for a while when I lived in Europe, and for a <3 mile flat commute, there's really nothing better. You get on the bike with regular clothing and everything you need for your ride - lock, lights, basket - is already there. It's a lot like getting in a car as far as that goes. The ride is very relaxing, and the weight really doesn't matter over those distances. This is particularly handy if you want to make several stops along the way.

On the other hand, if you have a 10+ mile commute with hills or winds, you may want something lighter and faster.

My commute is honestly less than 3 miles round trip on totally flat terrain. It is very hot and humid where I live (Louisiana), however, and a lighter frame would be nice, as I'll definitely need to keep it indoors.

I'm quite torn between the dutchie and the via 3. I enjoy the way the dutchie looks so much more, but I'm afraid I just wouldn't be able to bring it on long all-day rides with my friends.

Forget about the hills, suppose your live on the top floor of an apartment building that has no elevator. What if you live on the third floor of a house that's situated at the crest of a mountain top, or any hilltop for that matter.

Nobody wants to go lugging the Dutchie City Bike, up any stairs, on a regular basis. Well, perhaps Arnold Swartzenegger or somebody, but that's about it!

For a flat 3 mile commute, any bike will be fine. For riding with your friends, get something similar to what they are riding. No sense in having a fast bike if your friends are slow and vice versa.

No thank you!

I see your taste in countries parallels your taste in bicycles, as well.

I don't have to, I've been there too. It's just been over ten years ago. From what I remember about Bucharest, Warsaw, and Sofia, three weeks seemed more like three years...*yaaawwwn*

I personally like the Via series, which I've stated before. There may be an alternative, if you're willing to go with aluminum. Specialized has a line of city/urban bikes under their Globe banner.

OP, If you'd like to mimic the old European stadsfiet, since you're American, then do it from where it's convenient. Right here within the USA, where you can actually discuss matters with people who live here and work a your friendly neigborhood local bike shop.

For example, there's the Giant Via, the Raleigh Classic Roadster, and the Jamis Beatnik.

The Jamis Beatnik comes in hi-tensile too, if you'd like it. Just place some black fenders and a nice black rack on it, and your right there in Amsterdam, with the rest of 'em!

The Jamis Beatnik ~ $425
www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/road/fixies/12_beatnik_bk.html

* This one comes in at just under 24 pounds...

Anyone who's capable of comprehending that which they've read and has been keeping up even casually with Bike Forums threads in the Commuting Forum, will have to admit that I often go to great lengths trying to find solutions for BF members with cycling problems. Usually, it's a newbie trying to locate a decent bicycle. I usually, give them several options.

I do my best to accommodate them? Have you attempted to help any BF members find solutions to any problems that they have needed to solve?

I love bicycles and everything associated with them. I also love the world cycling community. That includes Bike Forums. I also try to respect all of its members as best as I can, as well.

I'm trying my best to help the OP. He may or may want to purchase a hi tensile steel bicycle. I will not recommend a hi tensile steel bicycle without first informing the OP about its pros and cons.

There's no need to be discourteous or insulting. I only advise that which I think is best. Most times I either hit the bullseye on the head, other times I just hit the target. Occasionally, I fumble...

This is not one of those times, as you will soon see, as time unfolds, and the thread lengthens.

I really do enjoy helping people....