Tag: Commuter Bike

High-end “Commuter Bike”

When we think of a commuter bike we think of something that you don’t mind locking up all day while you’re at your desk. We think of something that can take a beating, something that you ride to work and back but a bike that likely sits next to something at home that you ride on the weekends or after work.

Needless to say the Rizoma 77/011 is not such a bike. This carbon fiber commuting bike is a high-end bicycle from Italy and it evokes style, functionality and design. Priced at $4,700 it features custom components including an interchangeable rear cog that allows it to be ridden as either a single-speed or fixie. It utilizes the Gates Carbon-Drive belt system instead of a traditional chain, so no worries about grease on the legs.

Because at this price the Rizoma 77/011 is a bike you might opt to ride in an Italian suit. Video after the jump

Concept Ride – the MiniMum

Small concept bikes apparently on some designers’ minds. Last week we heard about the Bicymple, a small chainless bike. This week we were treated to word on the MiniMum, from Omer Sagiv, a city bike that is crafted from aluminum tubes and which uses a wire cable support with flexible tension to add stability.

The MiniMum used a back pedal break along with a Kevlar belt instead of the chain to reduce maintenance on this city commuter. It is reportedly fixed gear, so we’re not sure how that will manage in traffic, and since this bike doesn’t appear to fold we’re not sure if many office buildings would actually allow riders to bring it in. Continue reading Concept Ride – the MiniMum

SKS Updates Fender with CAB Plastic

(Click image for closer view)

It’s not a standard option. But fenders are useful for commuter bikes where the riders need to arrive clean, without mud splatter up their backsides. The add-on shields clothes to a certain degree. SKS has a new fender, the Commuter II Fender, which will replace its existing Commuter Fender.

One big change in the new Commuter II Fender is the use of CAB plastic instead of PET plastic, which SKS previously used. CAB plastic (cellulose acetate butyrate) is wood-based. It produces a glossy surface that is permanently weather and UV-resistant. The material produces a flexible product that stands up to years of use in all kinds of weather conditions.

Alternatively, PET plastic (polyethylene terephtalate) is derived from the family of polyesters. The material is flexible and glossy when new, but breaks down after years of hard use.

While CAB plastic is the primary material, the mudguards are produced with two different plastic materials in a sandwich with aluminum foils.

SKS says Commuter II Fenders have several advantages to additional advantages. Commuter II features two points of fixation for extra stability. It uses 3.1 Stainless V-Stay that’s more secure. Commuter II offers significantly extended coverage on both front and rear over the old style SKS Commuter.

SKS Metaplast Official Website

Quirky New Bike: Modus

In just 24-hours a new bike was created with the input of people on the internet. The “Quirky Moneyball Project” was a collaboration between crowd source invention company Quirky and Columbia Pictures in promotion of the new film Moneyball.

You might think that the promotion would be to build a better bat or baseball cleats. The challenge for Quirky however, was to develop and build a new bicycle in just 24 hours. The collaboration included input from the Quirky design team with the healp of Oakland A’s fans, film enthusiasts and the Quirky global community.

Video after the jump

Continue reading Quirky New Bike: Modus

The Devil is in the Details From Handsome Bicycles

If you’ve never had love at first sight when looking at a bike, check out the Devil from Handsome Bicycles. The best part is that this isn’t just another major bike maker’s attempt to make a unique styled bike for the masses. Of course, the details are actually in the Devil with this sweet looking ride, which thanks to a 73-degree head and seat angle also offers a nice ride as well.

For 2010 the Devil line now includes a new “martini olive” color. And like a well-made martini (stirred not shaken), this one promises to be smooth and steady from beginning to end. It has a longish top tube combined with a medium-low 70mm bottom bracket drop, and a fork that is a neutral 45mm trail measurement. It is a fully customizable frame that can be built up as a city commuter, touring, single speed or just regular knock around bike for those who know that two wheels is a great way to get around. It offers traditional, forward-facing rear dropouts that will allow for derailleurs, internal-geared hubs or even single-speed transmission, so in a word this bike is truly “customizable.”

Additionally, the frameset is also sold naked, but with 2010 decal sheets included, so whether you like your bikes to have a minimalist look or want to trick it out you’ll get to start with a blank slate that will ensure no two are exactly the same.

The Handsome Devil should easily live up to its name, and it is currently available in 52-, 55- and 58-cm sizes (measured from center of the bottom bracket to the top of the seattube).

Handsome Devil Bicycles Product Page