Now that bike commuting has gone mainstream, manufacturers are pumping all sorts of money into their design. Many booths at Interbike prominently feature sexy, decked out urban "commuters" for bicycle retailers to drool over.
For example, there is the Seven Cycles Custom Verve commuter:
This beauty is constructed out of Seven's Integrity 325 straight gauge titanium tubing, features disc brakes, 9-speed internal hub (but can be set up as a single-speed or derailleur bike), and has an eco-friendly look enhanced by Full Wood fenders by Rivercity Bicycles, Brooks honey leather saddle, cork grips and a custom titanium front rack made entirely out of recycled materials. Suggested use: hardcore commuter. Estimated price, as built, $4800 NOT including the front rack.
Chicago commuters, how would you like to ride something like this through Humboldt Park?
The bike is actually used for Seven's production manager. That Ti rack is a trip. A little rich for my blood, but it is a lovely bike.
Did you see Lynskey's cruiser bike? That thing rides nicer than my carbon road bike.
Posted by: Fritz | October 04, 2007 at 11:36 AM
They made the Ti rack out of "scrap" pieces left over from frame making. Because of the number of welds, and the custom headset attachment, they estimate it will cost about $2500. I don't think they're really too eager to make any more of them.
For the more budget conscious, Electra had a nice looking front rack that will be compatible with their Townies, and possibly other cruisers.
The Lynskey cruiser was pretty nice, but I didn't ride it.
Posted by: Justyna | October 04, 2007 at 02:06 PM