my german transporter.
So now that I am all semi moved in, I have some next ‘big’ purchases to make (when I get my next paycheck that is). The deemed November essentials are a bicycle and dresser drawers. I have already found two dressers on Amazon that will fit perfectly under my bed, so now my bicycle is the biggie. Here in Karlsruhe, they decided it was necessary to move our tram system underground. Thus, construction is omnipresent and the trams are unreliable as the schedules change frequently and stops shut down for digging. Right now, it takes me nearly 20 minutes to get to work when it would take five on a bicycle. Even though the weather is cooling down quite a bit, I much rather be getting places via bike these days.
I am willing to spend a little more on a bike to actually enjoy it. You see, in my life I’ve had two cheap bikes and I hated riding them, so I never did. Maybe I’m a bit of a bicycle diva, but this city is flat and fit for bike transport and I want to want to ride it. You will certainly see a few themes here as you look at hte bikes: 1) I like the color white and 2) I like the ‘trekking’ frame. All of these bikes are in the same price range, give or take 30 Euro.
Giant Sedona 2012
I rode a Giant last year and really loved it (minus the whole shoulder accident, which I’m pretty sure was not the bike’s fault). I actually did not realize how spoiled I was until I rode another bike for a bit this year and absolutely hated it.
Vermont Sapphire 3s
I mean it’s precious. It also only has 3 gears which I don’t know if I’m cool with?
Raleigh Urban 1
Always cool when it’s a brand you’ve heard of, right?
Nishiki Trekking Master 21s
It has a light and a back rack. Plus, you can’t go wrong with black. I legally have to get a light for whatever bike I get, so might as well start off with one. I will also definitely be adding a rack and/or basket to whatever bike I purchase.
Barracuda H700/s
Ain’t it purdy? This one’s been the biggest eye catcher for me thus far.
Do any of these catch your eye? Which would you pick?
#2 is sooooo pretty. Wouldn’t that be the coolest thing ever? And Karlsruhe doesn’t have any hills, so you’ll be good with it! =)
Nice taste!
First, I would consider my needs. If you are going to be transporting items on your bike, you must consider storage or some alternative means, such as a backpack?
Price also must be a consideration, I suppose? In that case, choose the least expensive option that fills your needs.
Third, the lack of incline in you area suggests you won’t have to fork over the extra $ for a light model & gears.
4th, and finally, it sounds like you may well spend a good deal of time on this item, so consider comfort. I never liked bending over and the female version was also easier to mount. Fenders also help keep your back dry on rainy, wet days.
Good luck, I know you will choose wisely.
Love you, miss you, proud of, and for, you!
Love always,
Daddio
Oops meant to add, in terms of comfort, I find wide tires to be less taxing as they absorb more vibration.
Again, love you, miss you, proud of, and for, you.
Love always,
Daddio
Those are all nice; the important thing is to find one that you enjoy riding on. A good squishy seat is critical.
I bought my bike at a Stadler here in town, and The Goog tells me there’s one by you also: Zweirad Stadler, Casterfeldstraße, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Deutschland. Stadler does a great job of making sure that any bike you buy is already decked out with critical accessories like reflectors, lamps, fenders, and such. And most of the bikes come with that nifty rack on the back that you can easily mount a basket to for shopping and such.
More importantly, Stadler lets you test ride the bikes, which is very very important- you have to be comfortable with your bike.
I ultimately wound up with an 8-speed Pegasus Solero : http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/538593_10150657475312151_692675087_n.jpg – even after six months, it’s still kind of glowy white.
I can’t wait to see what you decide!
Ooooh really like that one! I’m anxious to get my next paycheck so I can get super serious and actually purchase the new wheels. I’ve looked a lot at Pegasus, too. We shall see… excited nonetheless!
I love old school bikes so I’d probably go with the first or the second one, i’m really picky about my bikes too. And I actually don’t have one because well two reasons: one I’m scared of riding on the road and two, I know i’d want an expensive bike that was light weight and fun to ride and then it would probably be get stolen
i’m in love with #2!
i wish i could go anywhere with bike. sigh
Get a giant – those are great quality bikes.
I saw your comment on Kulturschock, and thought I’d come over and say hi since I’m also an ex-pat in Germany (English though, rather than America). And the first thing I see when I arrive here is that you’re living in Karlsruhe… me too! What a coincidence. I know what you mean about the trams at the moment… luckily I’m not reliant on them, but my boyfriend takes the tram to work and he never knows which ones are actually going to be running!
I would definitely go with #2. It’s super pretty and since Karlsruhe is all flat you might will be fine with only 3 gears. I just got back from Karlsruhe an hour ago and I totally understand that you don’t want to be dependent on the trams these days. I was late twice in the last 24 hours because they just skipped my stop without letting the passengers now. It was a little annoying but I still enjoyed my weekend in the city
I would totally pick the second bike. It is awesome!
I love the second one too. I’ve been looking at bikes and the most important element for me is that it’s light weight. I hope you find something that you absolutely love!