[Nigal]

Just so we can keep the road dir's thread pure I thought I'd start a general thread.

I'm lusting after this beauty these days...



Comes complete with racks and lights. I love the look but actually hate the fact it's there "eco bike". I bet they could have knocked another $100 off the $650 price without the green selling angle.

[snowbird]

It looks like a custom made touring bike I saw. Except for the chainguard. That kind of gives it away as a 3 speed.

I'll agree it's pricy too. Especially for a steel bicycle. There's lots better available for a lot less.

[HandsomeRyan]

^ What bike is that? I can't read the logo.

[funetical]

Trek Belleville

[HandsomeRyan]

It's hot, very hot.

[Nigal]

Originally Posted by snowbird

I'll agree it's pricy too. Especially for a steel bicycle. There's lots better available for a lot less.

What comparable bikes are there? I liked the fact that everything has matching paint and it comes with lights and dyno hubs. Would be better if it was a seven speed too.

[BlazingPedals]

Three speed seems kind of lame, considering they could have easily put an 8-speed on it. Nice looking package, though.

[funetical]

I dig it. Reminds me of my Grandfathers Three speed. I always loved that bike.

[snowbird]

I'm suprised! The two manufacturers I checked, Diamondback and Giant don't even have a "touring" bike category. Fully dressed with fenders, lights & carriers.
This isn't even the same style, not much cheaper but a much better bicycle.
Giant Tran Send DX - Bicycles and gear for every type of riding - Diamondback, Fox, Giant, Haro, Felt
(sorry about that, couldn't make the link work)

Personally I'd look for an aluminum hydroformed frame for strength & lightness, 700mm rims, casette crank bearings, and trigger shifts for something over 20 speeds.
BTW all of which all of which this bike has. If I wanted lights & front carrier get them from nashbar.com. What I'm figuring out is that LED's are the way to go if they're 1/2 watt LED's or bigger. They're battery powered, no generator required.

But..it's not the classic touring style.

[Nigal]

Originally Posted by snowbird

Personally I'd look for an aluminum hydroformed frame for strength & lightness, 700mm rims, casette crank bearings, and trigger shifts for something over 20 speeds.

Oh they make them just like that. I call them a road bike. LOL! I much prefer a classic look than high performance. I have a $1,200 Giant road bike and it is simply a souless tool. But my old $300 Trek hybrid? Now that baby's got personality and soul.

While the belleville is only a three speed and I'd like it even more if it had a few more gears I don't think it's too few either. In reality I see little need for 20+ gears.