However, the weather was really nice this January (of course, it cooled way down to regular winter weather this week!). Combine this with the fact that (1) I'm trying to mix in a little more regular exercise, (2) we are toying with the idea of going carless depending on the graduate school equation and (3) some days Justin is kind enough to run my errands and it would be nice if he could have the car to do so that last week I ordered a Breezer Citizen.
Justin says it looks like a fancy China bike. In fact, it probably is much closer to a China bike than a mountain bike or a racing bike. Its in a class called "Commuter Bikes" and is fashioned off European bikes. It comes standard with a kickstand, a lighting system, a chain guard so my pants or skirt doesn't get dirty, fenders to keep the wet yuck away, enclosed gears (its a 3 speed), a back rack, and best of all a bell. The final selling point is that the girls bike (which has a U shaped frame which allows me to "walk through" and wear skirts) comes in several sizes and the small, 17", fits me great. Take a look! (I'll try and get a picture of me on mine sometime this week when Justin is around.)
3 comments:
I'm jealous that you got a new bike, but I can say that mine is better and Justin can attest to that. Go to www.xtracycle.com to see why. I like the idea of the 3 speed internal gear hub. I want to put an internal gear hub (probably) and 8 speed one on my xtracycle. They really are the more logical choice for a "bicycling lifestyle." They require little or no maintenance and work forever and best of all CAN BE SHIFTED WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR SOMETHING!!!!!!!!@
Bon Voyage
dan
I like your bike... always have. Maybe I'll get it for my next bike or get one to replace Justin's. My biggest problem with it is you may not remember my height, but I'm hardly a giant. At 5'1", most bikes are uncomfortable. Justin thinks the bike looks small until I'm on it! This height thing is especially ponient when you consider that I wear business clothes everyday right now. The step through U frame allows me to keep on my full length coat or a skirt without a problem. Since the ultimate goal is to wean myself off the car for going a whole 2 miles to work everyday, I wanted something slightly more "conventional", easy to maintain, and a joy to ride (read actually fit me).
So far, the internal gear hub seems great. 3 speeds are all I need in flat ohio. (I think 1 speed would actually do the trick around here.) If I like the bike and internal gear hubs enough, I might trade up. Check out the Breezer villager (7 speed) or the Uptown (8 speed) at http://www.breezerbikes.com/bikes.cfm .
Incidently, I don't see why you would buy a Breezer while in Europe as you have tons more choices. Not all of us are so lucky. For those of us stuck in the U.S., Breezers are a great off the shelf choice to commute in.
Good for you Nicolie, Great idea! I need to learn again. I tried it at Becca and Rick's and fell on my face. It wasn't as easy as learing to type again from high school days. It's probably been sixty years since riding one but I would like to learn because it is such good excercise. Maybe if I had one that fit me I could do it. Love you honey. Give my love to Justin too. xoxoxxoxo how do others change the way to let others post comments as 'other' like your blog does. Give them a hint. I woiuld like not to be Mom and Dad for my grandkids.
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