There are few commuting options more efficient than a two-wheeler. Still, there are almost infinite options when it comes to commuter bicycles, bicycle scooters (newish), and the like. With options aplenty, here are our picks for the commuter in you or the commuter in your life (read: awesome gifts!). No matter what you wind up with, be sure to support your local shop with a tune up and accessory purchases.
If you’re considering the options, consider these:
Classic, stylish, and practical
For the ultimate in classic bicycle simplicity, check out Bowery Lane bicycles ($599). The company offers a local, handmade bicycle at a very reasonable price — it’s worth mentioning here that this baby arrives at your door practically pre-assembled (lazier and safer!) and includes sustainable cork grips. The Bowery Laners also boast a hand-built, Made in the USA steel frame and signature wood box for a picnic, pair of sixers, or rain-gear. You can lock this beauty most anywhere due to the bolt-on wheels and seat post (no quick release means less chance of theft). Hold the paint, M’am, with the Raw finish that shows off the big brass welds through the clearcoat. Most shops will check your handiwork free of charge, just ask them to check that your handlebars, headset, and pedals are tight. Low gearing and alloy wheels keep you comfy on most terrain and be sure to ding-a-ling at passersby with a friendly, albeit toothy, grin.
Bicycle Scooters are like Rock-n-Roll
Think one part blues and one part country — this offers the goods from two very distinct worlds. The A2B ($2,500) is remarkable. Old bicycle-scooter combos — and electric bicycles — were notoriously terrible, heavy, and prone to breakdown. Thankfully, that’s old news. The A2B has a super-lite lithium ion battery (think laptop) that plugs right into the wall and goes 20 miles per charge. You can extend that to 40 by purchasing a second battery (which are removable with a lock cylinder) or using your peds to pedal like a regular bicycle. Super-tough tires are both flat-resistant and long lasting. Full suspension rides like a D-R-E-A-M.
Folding bicycles make the Jetsons look like the Flintstones
Live in a city where you might want to hop on a bus, train, or (cough) taxi if the weather or circumstances dictate? No problemo. If you’re worried about the occasional theft (attention urbanites), this takes care of that too since you can probably fit ‘er folded up under your desk if you had to. The Dahon Eco 3 ($379) has just the right balance of gears, weight, simplicity, performance, comfort and gadgetry to fold up in 15 seconds or less.
With all these options, we recommend picking up a helmet, lock, rain gear, and a supplemental rear flasher (blinking red light that saves your life from cars, buses, and trucks that can’t see you).
