largetexas

Hello! I'm considering purchasing a Schindelhauer Fredrich as my daily commuter. Anyone have experience with these bikes? They're beautiful, but not cheap.


I'd usually tend to stay away from Aluminum frames, but the geometry on these bad boys seems steller, maybe enough to overcome the harshness of most Alu bikes. I'm riding in Houston, TX, so I need something fast (hardly any bike lanes here), but also don't want to feel beat up at the end of the day (I ride about 25 miles a day).

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Double0757

Sexy bike! Would love to ride it.

blakcloud

I think plump tires give you the best bang for the buck when it comes to comfort and with 37mm tires I wouldn't be worried about harshness. At first I thought the bike was a little pricey but when you start looking at all the bits and pieces, you can understand why the cost is up there. Things like the belt snubber, Supernova lighting system, Brooks, Tubus rack, ergo grips and pedals and of course the Center Track belt, it is a nice complete package. Even the Tektro brake lever with the built in bell adds something to this bike.

The only thing I would add is a ******** double leg kickstand (The one that starts with P and comes from Switzerland, that this website won't let me type out). To me the bike is outstanding. Shipping might be pricey.

NormanF

The only thing I would do is order a carbon fork. If its too expensive, definitely get a steel fork. The stock aluminum fork is what you do NOT want with an alloy frame.

It looks like a sweet commuter bike though.

fietsbob

German Bike? never seen them over here.. you importing it from there?.

the gates belt drive is what you want I guess ..

lots of others offer that.

Matariki

Nice complete package. I don't think I would be able to justify the expense for a daily commuter, though. Only one dealer in the US - Pembroke MA

gregjones

It looks like a good package, if that's what you're after. No aftermarket fit and jiggle problems.

With 37mm Marathons, I doubt that you could tell what the fork is made of. But then, you might be one of the maybe 7 people alive that could.

I hope you have a safe place to store it. Or park it next to a racin' Denali---they'll steal that first.

largetexas

Thanks, blakcloud and NormanF! I'm def considering plumper tires and a carbon fork. The kickstand sounds like a really great addition! The dealer also suggested a springier Brooks saddle to help with shock absorbing.

gregjones, that is one of my worries with this bike. It's a little too snazzy to leave chained to a pole (which is what I often do). I don't really know how to get around that, though. Maybe a heftier chain ;/

I'd have to import this baby through Los Angeles. Shipping is only about $185, but still. Are there any similar bikes that might be easier to test ride and buy here in the US? Any titanium or aluminum frames with belt drives and internal hubs you'd recommend?

Thanks!!

dynaryder

First,do you currently own a bike that fits you well? Because buying off the internet without being able to test ride can be a prob. If you have a bike that fits,and the geo on this one is similar/close,then fine,otherwise I would look for something at a shop that you can actually test ride.

As for that frame,although the fork is curved,and it's got decent width tires,I still don't see an alloy fork riding well with those frame tubes. C'dale's CAAD frames are alloy,but have shaped seatstays that really help. That bike has straight ones connecting to oddly shaped tubes. I'd really want a CF fork on that bike,but YMMV,I have CT issues and ride on crap roads.

Butterfield

I own a schindelhauer viktor, and happen to live in the Houston area. I absolutely love mine! I ride almost everyday, rain or shine, never felt beat up. As long as you get the right size, you will not be dissapointed!

im in the woodlands, if you are nearby and want to see mine.

PennyTheDog

I agree with this. As the tires get thinner the compliance of the frame and fork matter more. With 37mm tires the frame's compliance doesn't matter much, if at all.

Darth Lefty 

I feel like the sleek frame details (justifying the $$$$) are sort of pointless with all the gear hung off it. Like a Ferrari with a canoe rack.

Its name is apropos.

TransitBiker

Looks all good to me! I would reconsider that spring seat, though, as it could get irritatingly bouncy at speed.

- Andy

cobrabyte

I have a cuople sprung Brooks and don't find them to be bouncy at all. I think that may be a rider weight factor.

acidfast7

very strange bike.

not really a commuter.

has a track-style frame and gates drive both of which i don't like and demonstrate that it's not really designed for serious commuting. in addition to the fancy leather bits

best bang for the buck if you're doing an import:

vsf fahrradmanufaktur - Fahrrad, Trekking Rad, E-Bike, Pedelec, City Rad

don't forget to remove 19% from the above costs as you don't have to pay MwSt (VAT) on US imports.

tds101 

I'm partial to the Swobo Dixon myself. It's got a rock-solid frame, has an 8 speed Shimano Alfine IGH, and just needs a few minor additions (racks, fenders, and a choice of seat - all not too expensive, depending on what a person chooses) to be a nice commuter. I'f I'd have seen it before the other bikes I own I'd have popped for one myself,...

Nifty Fixie

I have one on order, should get it next week. I got one of the last 2013 White versions left in stock, a real head turner. Also went with the LightSKIN seat post. I will be riding at night when the hot summer days arrive and have found a perfect light that goes with the white paint scheme as well as a very nice bell when riding on congested paths. Both are top notch and a good match for the bike's quality and looks. They are not cheap but reasonable (no plastic anywhere, you get what you pay for). PM me if you want to know more about those items.

HardyWeinberg

Pletscher!

Butterfield

nice choice on the integrated lights. Those look sweet. I am riding mine several times a week in the woodlands texas. I absolutely love it.

The Pusher Man

First off (for all) - see my new alias, went through a name change via an account setup mistake, it was Nifty Fixie. It's looking like mine will arrive this Friday, can't wait and from what I've read it is a dream to ride as far as freewheel/fixies go.

Anyone who thinks belt drive is not "commuter friendly" probably hasn't ridden one, more efficient than a chain and without the headaches.

Butterfield

Hey pusher, tried to send you a PM but I don't post enough to qualify for the privlaedge...

did in you get it yet? I'm interested to hear your impressions.

heres a video I took of where I ride mine

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=H4rpb70S3aQ

bikemig 

If you're looking to spend that kind of money on a commuter ($2,400 for the bike plus shipping), you have a lot of choices. You could build a bike from a frame for that kind of a budget.

If you like to lock up your bike to a pole as you suggest, a bike this expensive may not be your best choice. That's my $.02 worth.

The Pusher Man

Butterfield, great vid - nice little paved walk you can ride on. Haven't gotten mine yet but I did get the shipping notice so with any luck by the end of the week! Btw, how are you finding the Viktor on grades and hills with the 60/22 belt? That is what I'm curious about.

bikemig, if you think the Viktor costs $2400 + shipping then you are a little high, they go for $2150 and that includes shipping.

Butterfield

I rode some pretty good hills when I first got it in 2012. Keep a good cadence and try to stay light on the pedals. Let the bike slow naturally to save as much energy for the final push over the top.

I live in Houston now, pretty flat. The only thing I like about houston is the paths by my house. I run 3 different loops of 10, 15, or. 20 miles. Saturday I came across two deer running toward me. They got to about 50 yards from me then turned and ran the other way down the path. I gave chase for about 300 yards and was right behind them. They cut a hard left in to the woods to get away. It was amazing.

The Pusher Man

Thanks for the tip on Viktor climbing, I'll keep that in mind. I have lots of wildlife in my area, I'm in the CA redwoods and see coyotes, dear, skunks etc all the time (state park). I wish the bike paths were a little smoother though, have to be on your toes as they aren't maintained that well. I have a question on tire width. I will probably have the same tires as you (Continental Grand Prix 700 x 28C, ISO 28-622), how wide are those in inches? - does 28C = 28mm width?