NormanF

And the discount is never a bad thing. $349.00 with free shipping and included air pump and assembly tools is already added value. It will cost more if people buy when the online store opens later in the year.

NormanF

Its for folks who want a simple bike that is fun to ride and they can go on day rides and on mild off road trails. We're not talking about a road bike or an MTB. When people's skills improve and they want more from a bike, they'll be ready to upgrade to one that better suits them.

VTBike

It's up to $374 now.

Jaeger99

Hmmmm. 7 speeds are supposedly way too many for most people, but I guess those very same "most people" fit perfectly well into just two frame sizes? My recent bike shopping experience suggests otherwise. I can hardly think of a single factor more important than fit for long term riding enjoyment. There may well be one, but it's not springing to mind. I guess if you happen to fit one of the two sizes that's great.

Anyway, this is the type of bike my wife would really love. I'll point it out to her in case she is of a mind to upgrade her cheap box store single speed cruiser at some point. Of course, at least she knows that one fits.

NormanF

I guess the interest has been tremendous. Usually new start-ups fold because the market just isn't there.

NormanF

The idea is to keep the price affordable. Is your wife's height within the bell curve? If so one of the sizes might fit. At the moment not taller riders but depending on the market, a third size could be offered in the future.

Jaeger99

I get the motivation to keep the costs down, but I don't accept that you can effectively size on a bell curve. There's a reason mainstream manufacturers offer multiple bike sizes - and that reason is not a marketing gimmick - it's that people in fact come in more than two sizes. A far more important factor, IMO, than belt versus chain.

gpo1956

Its always amusing to me that the people who are least likely to buy a product are usually the most vocal at trashing said product. This bike is oviously not intended for folks who prowl hardcore forums such as this or hang out at bike stores in their spandex bibs. Its not a mountain bike, its not a road bike and I doubt anyone is going to be doing Pike's Peak on it. To me, it looks like a pretty good deal on a good quality, no frills and fairly innovative bike for folks to ride around their or short commutes. Whats wrong with that?

Ozonation

Now THAT would be a great testimonial/marketing initiative!

dynaryder

Sorry,but I've got to flame you. You don't know what you're talking about. From the master:
Braking and Turning Your Bicycle

Unless you're someplace perfectly flat,riding a walking pace,you need a front brake. Bring one of these bikes to DC and ride it in the rain and you'll see what I mean. I've had two coaster bikes here,but both had a front brake as well.

Too bad they don't give the actual specs,or we could run them through Sheldon's calculator.

BTW,couple more points. 3spd is going to be limiting,but with the belt drive,if you want to change your gearing,not only do you have to change a pulley(and it's not like there's a huge variety),but you may also need to change the belt. Can't shorten/lengthen it like a chain. That belt + coaster + IGH is also going to mean that changing a flat on the rear is going to require tools and time.

I'm going to go ahead and post this bike:
Detroit Bikes

One size,one color,almost twice the price,but comes with accessories,has a front brake,and is made in USA.

VTBike

We'll, on their Kickstarter page they do make a vague and unsupported assertion that their braking system is special.

Here are is what they say: Fast forward to today and the foot brake in our three speed hub is very advanced, bringing you to a quick and safe stop.

peskypesky

I like the look of it.

Wanderer

A 7 or 11 spd IGH, would sure make a huge difference for their intended audience...............

NormanF

Sure, it would be nice to have more options. But sometimes "less is more" is a better philosophy, given the kind of people likely to buy this bike.

raqball

I think for what the bike is intended for that 3 speeds are plenty enough.

Plus the more options that get added, the higher the price. I think the way the bike sits now -v- it's price point -v- it's intended market is absolutely the perfect combo..

dynaryder

Yeah,a coaster brake is a coaster brake,you're still just grinding metal. Also,it doesn't matter what you have for a rear brake,it's still only providing about 30% of your stopping power.

FYI,years back there was a guy named Nick Dohan who raced for Honda in the 500GP(the TdF of motorcycle racing). He got hurt bad in a crash and messed up his right ankle to the point he couldn't work the rear brake pedal with it. So they put a second stubby lever on the handlebar with the front brake so he could use both with one hand. It was basically kludge,but he was cool with it because he hardly used the rear brake. This was a guy doing 200mph around a track on a motorcycle. If this guy was willing to accept a kludge for his rear brake(he needed both brakes to be legal to race),it says alot about how important the front is. As I said,try riding down a hill in the rain with only a rear brake and see how fun it is.

NormanF

The front fork allows one to install a front brake.

The bike is meant for riding on urban streets and mild country lanes. Its not marketed as a heavy duty MTB but as a bike appropriate for what casual users do - riding in the city and town. There, a foot brake is more than sufficient.

I've found it works well on a heavyweight cruiser bike which is a boat anchor. If you want more bike, no one is stopping people from upgrading when they're ready!

chikon2000

Has anyone had the opportunity to ride one of these bikes? There are not a lot of reviews out there, and it is an innovative concept.

NormanF

Hybrid bikes seldom get reviews. The company sells direct to consumers on its site, like Bikes Direct and Brooklyn Bicycle Company.

Its certainly rare to find a three speed belt drive bicycle at around $400.