Comments on Bike Jax: Finding Some Local Style Over Speed

nestliving in 5 points are now selling abici, a re...

2009-04-10T21:28:00.000-04:00

nestliving in 5 points are now selling abici, a retro styled Italian built commuter bike. the display models should be in the store in May. you can see the line by clicking on the link below:

http://www.nest-living.com/collections/abici-bicycle

So, Matt...you're a lover of bacon, too, and I'm g...

2008-07-23T08:46:00.000-04:00

So, Matt...you're a lover of bacon, too, and I'm guessing you're also a reader of HTATBL, right? ;)

Linda, your comments are right on the money. Howev...

2008-07-21T13:28:00.000-04:00

Linda, your comments are right on the money. However the majority of newbie commuters have neither the skill, knowledge or desire to deal with finding, repairing or restoring an older bike.
Let's get them on a bike and riding. And for their second bike we'll ease them into the recycling of products and anti-consumerism club. We don't want to force too much green goodness on them and take the chance of scaring them off. (smile)

Hey Ghost, Thanks for the compliment. It took a lot of time and effort to put this list together. But I happily did it in the hopes that if enough people inquire about these bikes. Our LBS's will start to get it. And that just maybe they will start to order and keep city bikes in stock.

That Schwinn Collegiate is the most fun bike I have ever owned. I make up reasons to go places so I can ride it. There is no greater pleasure than throwing my leg over that bike, putting on my ipod and listening to some freshly loaded Morbid Anal Fog while cruising along the St. Johns River.

Wordnerdy. Yes, no love for the Townie. All models with exception of the 21 are missing fenders and a kick stand. And the second reason is the total lack of style with the Townie. The riding position is more of a laid back cruiser position than an upright one. And for my aesthetics, those bikes just don't make the grade.

No love for the Electra Townie Commuter? Every tim...

2008-07-20T21:29:00.000-04:00

No love for the Electra Townie Commuter? Every time I have to stop, I wish I had gone with "flat foot technology." Because I don't like waiting at intersections on my tippy-toes.

Nice job. I'm now considering a scooter for longer rides, like Jax or Orlando, and maybe for the frigid winter months. Just thinkin'. I have a bit of saving to do first, plus all that research ... and completion of a motorcycle class. But I think I'd be precious on a Vespa. Who needs speed anymore? I'd take US 1; you know I hate 95 as it is.

Great roundup of urban commuters, and a great idea...

2008-07-20T17:16:00.000-04:00

Great roundup of urban commuters, and a great idea to track down the various local dealers of those bikes!

My, that's a beautiful old Schwinn you've got at the end of the article, too. I, too, am a big fan of breathing new life into an old bike, whether it is "recycled", as Linda suggests, or is just one that's been languishing in the garage for years.

I would like to leave a thought about using recycl...

2008-07-20T10:07:00.000-04:00

I would like to leave a thought about using recycled bikes as commuter bikes. If you are having trouble with price of a new commuter bike, I suggest that there are used bikes available which could serve your purpose.

If you are willing to drive south to Gainesville, a real bike mecca, you have a greater chance of buying a decent ride on a used bike. I bought a used Raleigh three speed from a bike shop several years ago, got some upgrades to tires, and a new seat for about a third of the cost of a new bike.

I was advised to check used bikes after graduation and before fall session starts up.

Local dealers here in Jax don't make money on used bikes and don't want to mess with them. Maybe that will change someday if we get more people commuting. Anyway, think about recycling a cycle.