Quality bicycles.

[treesparrow]

Given that its seems likely that there will be an oil shortage or sharp price rise in the cost of oil in the near future (for whatever reason) now might be a prudent time to invest in a quality bicycle. Over the years I've owned about 12 different bikes -including folding and electric assist types- but for the last 4 years had a Kettler Country Tour (orginating from Germany) and this has performed the best.

Kettle model specifications vary slightly from country to country but the general commuting and touring type bikes usually have the following features:-

Light weight responsive aluminium frames
Dynamo lights
Adjustable handle bars
Sit up and beg riding position
Rear carrier (for panniers) - handlebar bags or baskets optionally available
Front suspension
Comfortable gel and sprung saddle (suspension saddle post on some models)
Puncture resistant tyres (tires)
Mud and chain guards

Touring bikes come with 24 derailleur gears -with lower gears to make steeper roads easier to climb. Kettler commuter or city bikes come with easy to use 7,8 or 9 hub gears(again depending on model). Good for changing to a low gear from a stationary position.

On my bike I've added a mirror and folding pedals (to make loading onto trains or cars slightly easier).

 

[Telperion]

Given that its seems likely that there will be an oil shortage or sharp price rise in the cost of oil in the near future (for whatever reason) now might be a prudent time to invest in a quality bicycle. Over the years I've owned about 12 different bikes -including folding and electric assist types- but for the last 4 years had a Kettler Country Tour (orginating from Germany) and this has performed the best.

Kettle model specifications vary slightly from country to country but the general commuting and touring type bikes usually have the following features:-

Light weight responsive aliminium frames
Dynamo lights
Adjustable handle bars
Sit up and beg riding position
Rear carrier (for panniers) - handlebar bags or baskets optionally available
Front suspension
Comfortable gel and sprung saddle (suspension saddle post on some models)
Puncture resistant tyres (tires)
Mud and chain guards

Touring bikes come with 24 derailleur gears -with lower gears to make steeper roads easier to climb. Kettler commuter or city bikes come with easy to use 7,8 or 9 hub gears(again depending on model). Good for changing to a low gear from a stationary position.

On my bike I've added a mirror and folding pedals (to make loading onto trains or cars slightly easier).

Agreed, and I must add, do not under any circumstances buy a bicycle from a large chain store like Walmart or Kmart - I bought my first new bike in some years from Kmart in October thinking I was saving a few dollars but the hassle wasn't worth it at all. Two weeks later the tire just kind of fell off and if I had been going fast at the time I could have been seriously jacked up. Kettler bikes and those in that same strata, or bikes made at local small business bike shops are worth the extra expense.