Pimp Ride

Posted by Elizabeth

I have a love-hate relationship with owning a bicycle in New York City.

On one hand, I love the idea of hopping on a bike and riding all over the city until I don’t feel like it anymore. I also love the thought of not having to rent one every time the feeling grabs me.

On the other hand, I hate that I have nowhere to store a bike -- except in my apartment. So if it’s something I’m going to look at every day (and, of course use), I have to love it through and through.

I‘ve found two that I adore and can’t decide on which one.

The first is Trek’s Soho 3.0

The second is Jorg&Olif’s Scout

What do you think?

Comments

[emily]

Go with the scout. Th handlebars are more upright so you won't kill your back. I just got a Schwinn cruiser (really old school) and it is way more comfortable to ride than mountain bike-esque bikes.

[bussbuss]

i got a trek from that bike shop on lafayette a few years ago for about $400 (i think it was the previous year's model).

anyway, i love it! it's comfy and light (i'm small -- and more importantly weak) and never had a problem carrying up to my loft. i'd definitley recommend it!

[Amy]

I love the Jorg & Olif Scout bike, it is fun and very practical. If you usually use a water bottle you may want to think about buying an attachable water bottle holder.

[Shannel]

Go with the scout it's so lovely and classically styled. You should also check out The Simple City by Gary Fisher.

[abbey]

I have a scout and it is amazing. With it's steel frame it can take a beating and is really comfortable to ride. The upright style lets you see the road with no neck straining. I could ride this bike for days. The built in lights, fenders, and chain guard allow no excuses to not ride this bike. Don't worry about it being heavy, you can handle it. It's not a racing bike but I'm usually not in the mood for a race. If you do get it, be ready for stares and compliments, this bike is a looker!

[Eunice]

if you're worried about getting your bicycle stolen, get a used, slightly beaten-up bike. It's not hard to convert it to a hybrid bike-- just ask for the hybrid bike tires and adjust the seatpost and handlebars, add a rack and fenders and presto, you have a city bike. it might be more cost-efficient that way.

if you are really worried about getting your new bicycle stolen, get both a U lock and a rope lock, lock both wheels (they're easy to steal) to whatever bike rack is there. Also, the Breezer comes with a rear tire lock that makes it very, very difficult for someone to run off with your bike (it stops the rear wheel from spinning, and it prevents rear wheel theft as well, so you'd have to lock only the front wheel to the bike rack.)

Oh, and I highly recommend bringing your bicycles inside, not because of security, but because of dirt and moisture that will rust/clog up chain.

I highly recommend an internal hub-- they're not that difficult to take care of, especially if you let a bike shop handle it, and they last for a VERY long time (I've seen a 1940s bike with an internal hub that was still good to ride).

also, consider what you'll wear when you ride. If you wear lots of long slacks, you might want a chain guard so you don't have to roll your pants all the time. if you don't mind rolling your pants cuffs, that's fine. There are also bikes with skirt guards if you wear long, flowing skirts.

Disclaimer: I've had a Breezer Uptown 8 for 3 years and wouldn't ride anything else, and I haven't had to fix anything other than the chain guard, but then again, I haven't tried the bikes you're talking about.

For some bicycle inspiration, try Copenhagen Cycle Chic.

[Laura Sitkin]

Aesthetically speaking, #2

[christine Ricks]

i just recently bought a trek. 7500 hybrid version - love, love, love it! It's a blast to ride and not too heavy to tow around if you need to. Comfy seat, more upright than a 10speed. I would definitely test any bike you're considering. I found a huge difference in each bike I tried out. I live in a more mountainous area but I'm sure a little bit of a hill in NYC might not be so enjoyable with just 3 speeds.

[Jennifer J.]

I'd go with the Scout. Yes, it's going to be a bit heavier than the Trek, but it's so much more stylish and an all around better constructed bike.

The Scout has a coaster brake and an internally geared hub which will stand up to NYC style riding much better than a hybrid style bike like that Trek. The downside is that when you do eventually need repairs it will be slightly more complicated. You could easily do most of the work on the Trek yourself, but if you don't have the inclination to work on your own bike and will just take it to a bike shop for repairs then this wouldn't be an issue anyway.

I'd definitely get the Scout, and spring for the 3 speed version.

[Carrie]

Well, if we're just talking visuals, my favorite bike has to be a Kronan, particularly the step-through models: http://www.kronan.com/Cykel

[ann]

Personally I think the Trek is actually handsomer than the Scout. Also, have you checked out Giant? I have one and really like it, and I test rode a bunch before I picked it.

[ann]

Personally I think the Trek is actually handsomer than the Scout. Also, have you checked out Giant? I have one and really like it, and I test rode a bunch before I picked it.

[Krissy]

These are a little expensive, but have you seen them?
http://www.designpublic.com/shop/strida

[Alexis Jensen]

The scout is the prettier one to look at.

[Alexis Jensen]

The scout is the prettier one to look at.

[Elizabeth]

Thanks for the help! I did test drive the Trek Soho, and really liked it. It seems to be the more performance oriented of the two bikes (but again, haven't tried the Jorg & Olif yet). The Soho actually comes with that stainless steel commuter coffee mug, too, which I thought was kinda hilarious, yet helpful, at the time. I'll check out the Brompton, Breezer, and Trek Lime.
And then we'll have to talk security. I'd be scared to leave either bike on the street for 20 minutes.

[ariana]

The scout is good-looking but will as the commenter above noted be quite heavy. I have a dutch city bike and it's a beauty but I wouldn't want to lug it up any stairs!

The folding bikes really are great, Brompton is very good as is Tikit. They are much easier to take on public transport, and can even be stashed under the table at a restaurant!

Here's a link if you want to take a look at one,
http://clevercycles.com/store/?c=web2.69
good luck with your search!

[Gilby]

Test ride them if you haven't yet--comfort is key in buying a bike. The Scout is cute, and the chainguard will keep your pant leg clean, but it is made of hi-tensile steel (read: heavy as sin). If you'll have to lug it up stairs or hoist it onto a wall storage hook, I'd suggest the Trek.

[megan]

The Scout is gorgeous. I would definitely have no problem hanging it on my wall.

[Romy Hecht]

I would try a different one: breezer. I love it, beautiful and perfect for someone (like me) who is not a bike fanatic. Try also a Bern helmet to match.

[montse]

I would buy a Brompton. They are expensive but you can fold them in 30 seconds and take them to your office or tuck them in any place.

[azzurra]

I love the first one!& thanks for this post, I'll be bike shopping very soon too & I needed somewhere to start from:)

[lori]

Maybe it's too much of a cruiser for NY, but I love the Trek Lime! Good looking, easy rider and storage to boot!