tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post5848555762621370213..comments2024-03-27T05:14:23.738-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: Beyond Mozie-ing Around: a Californian Dutch Bike Visits IrelandVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-51399715027027177012015-07-27T10:03:05.136-04:002015-07-27T10:03:05.136-04:00I've been stalking this bike for awhile. It ha...I've been stalking this bike for awhile. It has every feature I've wanted, but I had discounted it due to the price. You might all be interested (or thrilled!) to know that it's on MyHabit (Amazon flash sale site) for $686. All other Mozie models are there as well. At that price I figure, if I don't like the ride I can resell and maybe even make a little on it. Just had to share my excitement!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-78108403925592096552015-07-04T11:49:27.382-04:002015-07-04T11:49:27.382-04:00Never gave up the Raleigh DL1. The old Gazelle did...Never gave up the Raleigh DL1. The old Gazelle did move on, as it was intended to from the start. I own multiple bikes and some I get just to try them. Because, you know - I write about bicycles. <br /><br />As for old Irish men smoking pipes going uphill. Indeed, <a href="http://lovelybike.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/how-could-they.html" rel="nofollow">How could they!</a> Enjoy your weekend, hopefully on two wheels. <br />Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-57143976243873182015-07-04T10:13:10.522-04:002015-07-04T10:13:10.522-04:00I find all of this to be so Ironic. Having lived a...I find all of this to be so Ironic. Having lived all over the world, I saw more than not 70 year old Irish men on old rusty heavy no gear bikes going up hills, smoking a pipe, not breaking stride or even a sweat. I saw people in Asia with old heavy rusty bikes, loaded to the gills with cargo 6 foot high pedaling without a care in the world. The Netherlands lets not even go there, the people ride their heavy dutch bikes, cargo bikes with 3 and 4 kids on it, with groceries to boot, while holding an umbrella or reading a book as if they were lounging in a chair. Now why is that? It all boils down to "Just Ride". We're so caught up in weight, this that and the other that we forget to just ride and enjoy it. I own a Pashley, and I go up and down hills with no problems. I ride everyday, I feel which muscles my bike uses the most and in time with everyday riding my body gets in tune with the bicycle. I've been reading your blogs and saw where you had a Pash, sold it, got a raleigh and said that was the bike for you, only to give it up and get a gazelle and sing the praises out of it and give it up. Lol A bicycle is going to perform the way you want it to perform and some bicycles take a little time to build up to it and in that time you learn to love it and develop an affinity with it. Don't forget to just enjoy the ride and forget about all the nonsense such as geometry, angles, weight, chain case etc etc Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-69935998297460137982015-06-24T11:57:25.653-04:002015-06-24T11:57:25.653-04:00My wife's only bike is a dutch styled model so...My wife's only bike is a dutch styled model sold by bikesdirect.com, it was very, very inexpensive (less than $400, I think), it is not very heavy, and she loves it, finding it very comfortable and easy to ride. We live in Cambridge, where it's pretty flat, but we've ridden out to Walden pond several times and had no trouble. My only issue with it is that it doesn't fit onto a trunk-mount bike rack very easily!erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15459764573179565354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-87925637063121678032015-06-19T09:31:58.969-04:002015-06-19T09:31:58.969-04:00Riding a heavy bike with good bearings on level gr...Riding a heavy bike with good bearings on level ground is one of the most leisurely things in the world. Once the initial effort to get moving is spent you have a momentum that allows you to glide along in a way that a lighter bike does not allow.Simon.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04604488469108285983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-11430029329039996632015-06-17T08:08:50.073-04:002015-06-17T08:08:50.073-04:00Interesting bike, overall. Who cares if it's h...Interesting bike, overall. Who cares if it's heavy if it rides so well?<br />I am wondering about the price point and how they might get it down a little bit. The criticisms of fork, components etc seem well founded from here. I agree with V's point about the integrated lighting. <br /><br />Also, is it for certain that the Detroit folks will be making a limited-run of deluxe bikes to this pattern?I wonder what their features and price point will be, as well.Corey Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15381826721030941179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-91309222042922255702015-06-17T06:24:35.372-04:002015-06-17T06:24:35.372-04:00Sir. I am too old and tired to begrudge an old man...Sir. I am too old and tired to begrudge an old man his concern over my riding position, let alone to be a pinup. <br /><br />I can only hope it might bring you some comfort (though somehow I suspect not) to know that Every Bicycle Fitter I've ever encountered has told me my saddle is slightly too low, if finally approaching acceptable range. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-30981890418829573542015-06-16T18:52:08.577-04:002015-06-16T18:52:08.577-04:00Always remember: candy is empty calories. Always remember: candy is empty calories. GR Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01145811568384053426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-3708541656667446882015-06-15T13:53:12.787-04:002015-06-15T13:53:12.787-04:00I think that generalizing isn't a good way to ...I think that generalizing isn't a good way to decide something. Any category of bike will have poorly designed and built examples in them. What I think is good is if people have some advice on things and know what they're getting and what to look for. It is a shame that it's easiest to buy crap though.<br /><br />What do you think of roadsters? They're similar to opafiets type frames but still allows you to position yourself as if on a roadbike when wanting to go fast or to sit upright when you want to do that. I'm liking some of the recent bikes that North American companies are designing. European ideas but with North American brakes and parts. (Simcoe, Brooklyn, etc.) <br /><br />But of course you won't find these at Walmart or Canadian Tire and other department stores so many people won't even know about them.<br /><br /><br />Clark in Vancouvernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-29288756602880558902015-06-15T08:00:24.701-04:002015-06-15T08:00:24.701-04:00I paid much less for my upright 2014 Giant Via 2W ...I paid much less for my upright 2014 Giant Via 2W 7 spd in red. A gorgeous bike in cro-mo steel, with a partial chain guard and fenders. I added a Soma headlight with built-in reflector. I did opt for a softer saddle and lowered the handlebars, as we have a lot of hills. It rides nice for the type of bike it is, without front wobble. The bike weighs in the low 30s. I prefer derailleur bikes to internal hubs here as we don't get snow. I do have other bikes that take hills better.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-59271042843198330382015-06-14T20:19:59.894-04:002015-06-14T20:19:59.894-04:00I have a lighter bike with more appropriate gearin...I have a lighter bike with more appropriate gearing to be sure but it doesn't present the same challenges as the Pashley on the hilly terrain. : )gearedup2gohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07872944479199381150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-86236746462358618292015-06-14T13:59:22.544-04:002015-06-14T13:59:22.544-04:00Why not a bike that's in between - good for ut...Why not a bike that's in between - good for utility and carefree riding, but not so heavy or upright. Because riding a heavy bike will be anything but leisurely.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-91021757216723556352015-06-14T13:52:40.481-04:002015-06-14T13:52:40.481-04:00Totally agree with above. Also, it's one thin...Totally agree with above. Also, it's one thing to have a heavy vintage bike - precisely because it's vintage, has a certain look, ride quality, and aura. But to manufacture a new bike today that weighs 50 lb and is bolt upright, and is fairly expensive to boot? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-42665357254725877402015-06-14T11:33:28.617-04:002015-06-14T11:33:28.617-04:00I have a Pashley Princess Sovereign and I consider...I have a Pashley Princess Sovereign and I consider it as my playful, leisurely ride~much as one would consider their vintage convertible car as the perfect choice on a sunny day. I like to think of it as having a purpose~the right tool for the right job if you will. I also like to challenge convention and ride heavy steel bikes, though I do have a go-fast road bike. I've hoisted the Pashley onto my hitch mount bike rack and traveled to new locations to ride back country roads. Riding 20 miles or so on my Pashely on windy days is not an issue if I am motivated to accept that challenge. I live at the foot of the Ozarks so hills are part of the landscape and I like the try to chug up the hills on the loop frame bike. Is the Mozie aesthetically pleasing? Yes! Is it practical? It depends on your mind set. I think this bike can give the rider a nice ride and a break from the feel for the need of a hammer fest on a go fast type bike.gearedup2gohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07872944479199381150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-216268995268090032015-06-14T11:07:05.050-04:002015-06-14T11:07:05.050-04:00Well, to begin with the starting weight of a bike ...Well, to begin with the starting weight of a bike vs the loaded weight is something to consider. Starting a 27 lbs vs 50 lbs is quite a difference. A fifty pound bike carrying a small amount of cargo can quickly become closer to seventy. But it's not only that, it's the size of the bike if one has to maneuver it up and down or through doorways, etc. I may not be remembering correctly, but it seems you also complained a bit about weight and size of your Pashley and Raleigh when they were used a primary transportation bikes. <br /><br />As for your Soma friend the vintage Raleigh is quoted a bit smaller than a Dutch bike and while heavier than the Soma it's not up with there with the Mozie. It's also unknown what she paid for it and I gather it's a 'second' bike as opposed to a primary bike -- it has specific purposes, including its cool look, and probably did not coast fifteen hundred dollars!! My issue with the the Mozie is the price for the quality. I think it's aiming at a very small niche market and, sadly, that market includes the uninitiated with regard to what kind of bike might be best for them as they transition into cycling. I want folks to engage in and enjoy what cycling offers, where ever you are and whoever you are and feel that many bikes on the market are made by and for people who really don't cycle. If one wants to own and use a dozen bikes for very specific reasons, bless them, they're probably no stranger to bikes to begin with…and are aware of their strengths and limitations. I've too many stories of (women especially) being sold or choosing a bike which in their mind would be lovely to ride or be seen in (one was purchased specifically because of it's beautiful wicker front basket) and after a few attempts ditching the whole idea. Another missed opportunity for one to fall in love with cycling. Damn. <br /><br />Aluminum bikes should not be put in one bunch, just like Dutch bikes should not, there are different machines for different uses and different manufactures with different designs. A well thought out bike is the key. Around here aluminum seems to be the material of choice for new riders. Some is price, some is comfort, and no cobblestones to worry about ;) <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-669820100521952502015-06-14T08:27:14.467-04:002015-06-14T08:27:14.467-04:00That's 27 lb before adding cargo weight, not 5...That's 27 lb before adding cargo weight, not 50 lb plus stuff. Anyway, Somervillian covered this above, so won't repeat.<br />Also agree with above - Europe and America=different, and this is a Californian company, so Europeans are probably not the target customers.<br />Owning a bike and regularly riding it beyond a couple of miles here and there occasionally are different things.<br />Not a fan of aluminum, but that's what many people ride (ie hybrids). <br />Not everyone needs or will ride a 15lb road bike with handlebars xcm below saddle, but there is something to be said with respect to reasonable bike weight and positioning for efficiency. <br />Maybe the Mozie somehow works - if I had the opportunity to ride one, I would - but I think this is the wrong direction for a transportation/utility/all around type bike - there are better solutions to strive for.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-88712258570889668662015-06-14T07:31:05.347-04:002015-06-14T07:31:05.347-04:00No, especially when the battery dies.No, especially when the battery dies.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16916475081711086964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-7712940956605461872015-06-14T05:35:50.203-04:002015-06-14T05:35:50.203-04:00(Caveat: The electric assist won't exactly mak...(Caveat: The electric assist won't exactly make it lighter!)Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-81474961997783044172015-06-14T05:21:35.144-04:002015-06-14T05:21:35.144-04:00The Brompton's hypothetical weight is 27lb unl...The Brompton's hypothetical weight is 27lb unloaded. In practice, mine is more like 40lb on an average day. On days when I really use it as a cargo bike it easily becomes over 50lb. In that fully unfurled and loaded state I routinely carry it over curbs, onto trains, up stairs, etc - because honestly, that's just easier than taking the overloaded basket off and folding the bike, then carrying 2 awkwardly shaped objects separately. My experience of the Brompton's carry-weight then, is really not that different from bicycles such as the Raleigh DL1 (45lb; which I still own), Gazelle (45lb) and Pashley (50lb). <br /><br />The Soma and Rivendell mixtes are wonderful bikes. It nonetheless doesn’t follow that they’re the best bikes to get for absolutely everyone and that Dutch bikes are no good because these other bikes exist. Consider, for instance that the person whose Soma mixte I test rode for my review would later go on to buy a heavy vintage Raleigh 3-speed, which she seems to like at least as much as the mixte. There are benefits to the mixtes over the Dutch bikes, as well as vice-versa. It’s about finding the right bike for an individual’s use case scenario (which may or may not change over the years!). And in that sense it’s great that different options are available. <br /><br />The problem with aluminum bicycles is that people - in particular new riders - tend to find them uncomfortable. The ride quality over bumpy roads, or - god forbid - cobblestones, can be downright painful. The only aluminum city bike I’ve tried that seems to have solved this problem is the Urbana (reviewed here: http://bit.ly/1IToweK ) - albeit by means of using monstrous tires and a beefed up frame that cancelled out much of the weight-savings. I actually liked that bike quite a lot and reviewed it positively. Funny enough, its “ugliness” seemed to be an issue for many. Can’t win.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-65918849373397664442015-06-13T19:09:11.108-04:002015-06-13T19:09:11.108-04:00If the object of the exercise is to create pinup ...If the object of the exercise is to create pinup photos I'd have to agree that is perfect leg extension. If the object is to ride the bike, no.<br /><br />Pretty much all the trials and travails recounted on this blog correlate perfectly with a high saddle. From purely textual evidence I'd assumed that was the case. Since V has persisted so very long at this endeavour and has even made progress my guess had been a bit of moderation had occurred. The working fitters I know tell me the clients just will not accept anything but very high saddles, the ones who actually ride the bike and come back they try to talk down.<br /><br />So here we see a leg stretched about as far as it could go without daylight between shoe and pedal. Appears hyperextended even with the pedal at 4 o'clock. Leaving a possible power stroke from 1 o'clock to 3 o'clock. Not a lot to work with. Some few people succeed at pushing the pedal forward over the top of the stroke, it is not easy or common.<br /><br />A while back V was offered pointers on how to descend. Including photos of how to get one's butt back. Perfectly correct instructions. The way it is done. With a saddle that high it would just be impossible. The saddle would have to be located the far side of the backbone. I'm an old man, well aware of what would happen to me in a fall. I can and do descend at 60mph. If I somehow got stuck with a borrowed bike with a saddle that high and couldn't change it and had to get down a mountain road I would dismount and walk every turn. I'm not about to screw up my courage and steel my nerves and take risks. With a saddle that high I would walk.<br /><br />The recent accomplishment of riding out of the saddle would have been so much easier with a low saddle. When the fear of teetering in the unknown got strong how reassuring it might have been to return to the safety and security of the saddle. If sitting in the saddle itself is precarious that scheme doesn't work. No wonder you like long standing excursions. It's the best position you've got.<br /><br />Anyone who's been to the races has seen a racer grab a spare bike with a saddle 2, 3, or 5cm lower than what their own bike has. And it makes remarkably little difference. Races are finished and races are won with low saddles. if the spare bike has a high saddle there's either an instant adjustment or the racer has to abandon. Bikes simply can't be pushed hard with high saddles. They can't be powered and they certainly can't be handled. <br /><br />There always seems to be an "experienced roadie" in a nearby corner. This roadie has 50 years on proper road bikes. Before that I did 50 mile rides on my 3spd. The only person ever to adjust my saddle was Jimmy Walthour. I moved other rider saddles under his direction. Now we're talking combined experience of 100 years. Jimmy learned from his father Jimmy Sr., who was also an extraordinary rider. And now we are back to the birth of the sport. No further experience exists.<br /><br />This week an 82 year old friend of mine, a roadie, was hit-and-run. He was hit-and-run while out riding. He was hit-and-run by another roadie. Excuse me if I do not feel simply being a roadie entitles anyone to special status. <br /><br />I am quite aware the young ladies do not like the old men telling them how to ride. This old man would rather not see V crack her head open. Put the saddle down - a lot - and you might live long enough to ride me off your wheel.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-34393338612342172442015-06-13T16:37:44.460-04:002015-06-13T16:37:44.460-04:00Getting a lot of flack for praising this bike, but...Getting a lot of flack for praising this bike, but I'll say, there's something about a bomb-proof, utilitarian bicycle that transcends the passing trends. Find a way to improve upon that, as this bike seems to have done, and I think you've got a winner. My question is, where is it assembled? Domestic bikes warrant a steeper price.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16916475081711086964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-85721049791778704472015-06-13T16:28:45.816-04:002015-06-13T16:28:45.816-04:00Dutch bike too heavy? Make it electric-assist. Tha...Dutch bike too heavy? Make it electric-assist. That seems to be the trend around these parts. Though an omafiet is the rule, not ever the exception. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16916475081711086964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-70866128788488084282015-06-13T14:46:55.543-04:002015-06-13T14:46:55.543-04:00Hmm.
I have always thought it strange when geometr...Hmm.<br />I have always thought it strange when geometry wasn't a part of the specs when looking at bikes.<br />That the manufacturer didn't know should not be a surprise, but... damn.<br />Most bicycles are apparently not thought over, but just.. I don't know.. made.<br />Without any thought past "It might sell".<br />Same goes for components.<br />It is a strange state of affairs. One one hand, cheap bikes are far better - and cheaper - than 40 years ago. On the other hand there are very very few bikes that anyone has bothered to think through. Apart, of course from boutique handmade stuff.<br />We need good stuff for the people.<br />Ranting again, it seems :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-77182477437419719092015-06-13T14:41:50.122-04:002015-06-13T14:41:50.122-04:00In fairness to Dutch bikes, Gazelle in particular ...In fairness to Dutch bikes, Gazelle in particular has had for years a line of more lively handling bikes with steeper head tube angles, shorter wheelbases and 7-8 speed internal hubs that work pretty well in hilly, windy places--like Santa Fe, for example. I had one for awhile and found it more than adequate for around town use and loaded commuting. This bike looks more similar to the sporting version of upright Dutch bikes than it does to the more traditional version. msrwhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16405671873250914126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-52273783988545966702015-06-13T14:37:26.542-04:002015-06-13T14:37:26.542-04:00The Leisurist said: Now that I live in London, [.....The Leisurist said: Now that I live in London, [...] It’s the horrible traffic without space for cycling that makes riding this kind of bike more difficult [...] I suspect it's even worse in America. <br /><br />In fact, I daresay most American cities are less congested than London and considerably easier on the cyclist. Certainly those in the western part of the country have wide roads shared among fewer users. Here in southwestern Albuquerque, New Mexico, particularly on the newer Westside (of the Rio Grande, which bisects the city), the cycling infrastructure, and the tolerance of motorists for cyclists, is quite good. Even Washington, DC 30 years ago was not intolerable for an experienced urban cyclist.<br /><br />Mozie: I've heard others exclaim at the surprising nimbleness of their omafietses. Could this have something to do with the very slack seat tube angle, that puts the rider, even sitting bolt upright, sufficiently behind the bottom bracket?Bertin753https://www.blogger.com/profile/02860648732848589740noreply@blogger.com