I know, test-riding is so important! You never really know how a bicycle will fit your particular anatomy until you climb on it. Of the bikes here, I have been fortunate enough to look at and/or test the Gazelle, Batavus, Pashley, Velorbis, Soegreni, and Jorg & Olif. All have a different feel, construction and proportions!
I have seen them and they are beautiful. I also like your headbands -- I am a fan of headbands! I will make an accessories info page in the future and it will include these.
I'm forever the business woman, I guess, but since you've compiled this list, why not figure out how to become an affliate of some type. While you're at it, find a way to import some great European skirt guards. ;)
Anon 1:29 - I am by choice not a businesswoman, and I would find writing this blog less enjoyable if my freedom of expression were constricted by my affiliations with businesses. When I find a company in whose product I truly believe, I do not mind expressing this "for free", because I think that will be beneficial to my readers. And this way, I am also free to voice reservations about products without inhibitions.
Regarding skirt guards: As it happens, I may actually be offering some for sale through this blog. Stay tuned!
Trek has brought back the mixte 25 years since they disappeared, and it is just lovely in ivory and blue. With fenders, chain guard, 3-speed hub, front dynamo hub, and lights under the racks - could it possibly be the daughter of Marianne?
Re Azor, you asked for more information. I've added some clarifying information in a comment here: http://clevercycles.com/?p=1232#comment-337777 . Azor is about 10 years old as a company; it apparently swept up the ruins of some older firms. We (Clever Cycles) have been importing them along with Dutch Bike Seattle/Chicago since 2007. There are now more US dealers, linked from the exporter's site: http://www.workcycles.com/workbike/internet-resources-links-for-workbikes.html
See this video for a factory tour: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHmgHu_eRxg
One manufactory is definitely missing in your fine list. "WELTRAD Manufactur" from Germany. Great old school retro bikes from original construction plans out of the thirties. Pimped with proper parts of the 21th century. You can see more here: http://www.weltrad.de/en/index.html
Filigree did you every create any skirt guards for sale? I'm looking for one for my ladies 1942 CCM Rambler (28" Wheels) and I'm curious to see them. Cheers, Brooke (stream13@shaw.ca)
Pashley also make rather different bikes - the Pashley-Moulton TSR range, which they manufacture in partnership with the Moulton Bicycle company. Now they realy are "the most exclusive English bicycle manufacturer", with prices to match!
Pilen cykler from Sweden: sturdy hand-built bikes based on Swedish military designs from a small village in Southern Sweden. I own a 9-speed SuperLyx - a wonderful bike.
I am trying to decide between an Azor/WorkCycles Oma, a Gazelle Tour Populaire 8-speed (without the rod brakes), a Skeppshult or a Velorbis. Help!! Please! I live in Washington DC and need it for commuting 4.5 miles (each way) to work. My route has a long gradual hill, so I'm wondering if choosing the Velorbis or Skeppshult might be wiser, as my understanding is they're lighter. The WorkCycles was top of my list but some reviews I've read make it seem overly heavy and cumbersome. Bike will be outside all day but stored indoors at night.
This is very useful, thank you.
ReplyDeleteThey all look lovely! Wish I could test them. :)
I know, test-riding is so important! You never really know how a bicycle will fit your particular anatomy until you climb on it. Of the bikes here, I have been fortunate enough to look at and/or test the Gazelle, Batavus, Pashley, Velorbis, Soegreni, and Jorg & Olif. All have a different feel, construction and proportions!
ReplyDeleteCheck out CoutureCruiser.com for stylish bike basket liners that cinch into cute tote bags! 16 styles to choose from!
ReplyDeleteI have seen them and they are beautiful. I also like your headbands -- I am a fan of headbands! I will make an accessories info page in the future and it will include these.
ReplyDeleteVery nicely done!
ReplyDeleteHow about Kronan?
Ive just bought a Skeppshult bicycle from Velorution in London - I LOVE IT!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this review and all of the great info you've compiled here.
ReplyDeleteI need to know more about the Achielle. To me that is one beautiful bike.
I'm forever the business woman, I guess, but since you've compiled this list, why not figure out how to become an affliate of some type. While you're at it, find a way to import some great European skirt guards. ;)
ReplyDeleteAnon 1:29 - I am by choice not a businesswoman, and I would find writing this blog less enjoyable if my freedom of expression were constricted by my affiliations with businesses. When I find a company in whose product I truly believe, I do not mind expressing this "for free", because I think that will be beneficial to my readers. And this way, I am also free to voice reservations about products without inhibitions.
ReplyDeleteRegarding skirt guards: As it happens, I may actually be offering some for sale through this blog. Stay tuned!
Filigree, I hear you.
ReplyDeleteI am excited about the skirt guards, though! ;)
Trek has brought back the mixte 25 years since they disappeared, and it is just lovely in ivory and blue. With fenders, chain guard, 3-speed hub, front dynamo hub, and lights under the racks - could it possibly be the daughter of Marianne?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/urban/eco_design/bellevillewsd/
Add Viva from Denmark perhaps - www.vivabikes.com
ReplyDeleteBlánaid
irish cycle chic
Re Azor, you asked for more information. I've added some clarifying information in a comment here: http://clevercycles.com/?p=1232#comment-337777 . Azor is about 10 years old as a company; it apparently swept up the ruins of some older firms. We (Clever Cycles) have been importing them along with Dutch Bike Seattle/Chicago since 2007. There are now more US dealers, linked from the exporter's site: http://www.workcycles.com/workbike/internet-resources-links-for-workbikes.html
ReplyDeleteSee this video for a factory tour: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHmgHu_eRxg
thanks for blogging!
One manufactory is definitely missing in your fine list. "WELTRAD Manufactur" from Germany. Great old school retro bikes from original construction plans out of the thirties. Pimped with proper parts of the 21th century. You can see more here: http://www.weltrad.de/en/index.html
ReplyDeleteFiligree did you every create any skirt guards for sale? I'm looking for one for my ladies 1942 CCM Rambler (28" Wheels) and I'm curious to see them. Cheers, Brooke (stream13@shaw.ca)
ReplyDeleteMarvellous! Looking for a belgian-style bike for my wife - this page has given me some good leads!
ReplyDeletePashley also make rather different bikes - the Pashley-Moulton TSR range, which they manufacture in partnership with the Moulton Bicycle company. Now they realy are "the most exclusive English bicycle manufacturer", with prices to match!
ReplyDeletePilen cykler from Sweden: sturdy hand-built bikes based on Swedish military designs from a small village in Southern Sweden. I own a 9-speed SuperLyx - a wonderful bike.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pilencykel.se/site/en/node/8
I am trying to decide between an Azor/WorkCycles Oma, a Gazelle Tour Populaire 8-speed (without the rod brakes), a Skeppshult or a Velorbis. Help!! Please! I live in Washington DC and need it for commuting 4.5 miles (each way) to work. My route has a long gradual hill, so I'm wondering if choosing the Velorbis or Skeppshult might be wiser, as my understanding is they're lighter. The WorkCycles was top of my list but some reviews I've read make it seem overly heavy and cumbersome. Bike will be outside all day but stored indoors at night.
ReplyDelete