Interbike 2007, the bicycle industry tradeshow, has just finished, and there has been much discussion about what the industry will be releasing in the coming year. As expected, there is a growing niche market for commuter or utility, with Quality Bicycle Parts leading the way with their Civia line. The Alfaline-equipped build (which, as far as I’m concerned, is quite a nice bike) will apparently retail for roughly $1000, and this upsets some people. Doug Fattic posted a message to the BOB mailing list praising QBP for producing the bike, as it is a fine commuter with everything a rider would need to commute year ’round (dynamo lights, full fenders, internal gearing, disc brakes). Some folks, however, don’t like the bike, saying that $1000 is a lot for a bike, and that a nice used bike can be found for under $300 and work just as well.

I am very much in Doug’s corner. First, not every city has a quality used bike shop. Pittsburgh lost PA Mountain Exchange many years ago, and while we have Free Ride, it’s unlikely that you can walk into Free Ride and find a “quality” used bike that doesn’t need a bit of love. Additionally, spending $1000 on a bicycle that would likely replace either a public transportation pass or a car is nothing. Keep in mind, the cost is front-loaded, so it seems like quite a bit of money. But consider, if you drive daily, the cost of gasoline, insurance, parking, and routine maintenance. Suddenly, $1000 isn’t much. In fact, assuming that bike will survive at least a few years of regular commuting (even with shop maintenance, which might add an additional $100 a year), you will clearly come out ahead.

One response pointed out that many companies (KHS and Kona, for example) are offering inexpensive “urban” commuters for under $500. Indeed. These bikes may be perfect for a year ’round commuter, and would be perfect for, say, a fair weather commuter, but they are less expensive than a Civia (or a Breezer) because they are not kitted as well. Say you spend $500 on one of these models. Most lack a rear rack and a lighting system. A dynamo system, if you build/rebuild your front wheel, will still cost at least $200, if not more. Add a rack, and the various costs (both tangible and intagible) of maintaining a derailleur’ed drivetrain, and you’re approaching $1000.

Again, this isn’t to say a bike like the KHS Urban X-Press isn’t a good buy for the average commuter. In fact, it is a very good buy. For under $400, you get a bike with a rack and fenders. But, consider this. In parts of Europe, specifically the Netherlands or Denmark, where a greater percentage of the urban population gets around by bicycle, the average classic Dutch city bike is nearly $700. Yes, that isn’t small change for most of us, but again, consider how the costs should be compared to driving or even paying for public transportation.

Posted on 3 October 2007