Electra Ticino Single Speed – $449.99 vs. Felt Cafe 3 Speed – $449.99
Here’s the deal. I need a bike. And I’m hoping you guys can help me pick one out. Those two that you see above are the pair I’m strongly considering. They’ve got just about everything I want:
- Fenders to keep the splash level down
- A chain guard. I’ve bike greased too many pant cuffs in my day
- Cognac leather seat and handgrips (I’m a sucker for that detail on bikes)
- Both $150 less than the undeniably slick Gary Fisher Simple City 3.
I’m hardly ever in a rush when on two wheels. But I’m going to use it most days of the week outside of winter. My current ride is an old, heavy as hell cruiser that has seen better days. I want something a little more sleek and less portly.
On a few of my normal routes I do encounter a few steep hills. So the three speed on the Felt would be nice, but not necessary by any means. I dig the “putty” color on that one too. The slimmer lines on the Electra Ticino are appealing, and I’m a bit addicted to the color gray.
Your turn. If you’re picking one to ride, which one would you go with?
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All three bikes you reference are sweet, you can’t really go wrong, though I would suggest a test ride before making a decision.
That said, I LOVE the Fisher Simple City 3. If it is strictly the price guiding your decision here are two options:
1. http://villagecycle.com/product/10-gary-fisher-simple-city-3-49172-1.htm
2. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280628742499
Vintage Schwinn Stingray all the way.
Go for a Vintage Schwinn Stingray. All the way.
Joe, bikes are to me what clothes are to you. Either the Felt or Electra would be good bikes – I’d go for the Felt, personally, and swap out that lame rubber/foam saddle for a Brooks B-66 (http://www.brooksengland.com/en/Shop_ProductPage.aspx?cat=saddles+-+city+%26+heavy+duty&prod=B66).
However, if it were me, I’d spend a little more and get the Masi Soulville and add a chainguard for $20: http://www.brooksengland.com/en/Shop_ProductPage.aspx?cat=saddles+-+city+%26+heavy+duty&prod=B66. Yummmmmmm.
Oops. Masi link is http://www.masibikes.com/soulville/soulville-7spd/
I vote Electra. It looks more classic.
I vote for the Electra. But don’t watch the movie.
+1 for test ride, but go single speed if you can. Lower maintenance and much more fun. Plus, the Ticino is steel to the Felt’s aluminum frame.
Steel beater frame converted to fixed gear.
And you’re no card carrying dandy unless you’re sporting a velocipede.
Another option: Linus Bikes. Low-priced and made in Asia, like both the options above. But smaller company with more style. My wife loves hers.
http://www.linusbike.com/
Otherwise, used Schwinn Suburban or Collegiate from craigslist. But you’ll have to be patient.
Another option: Linus Bikes. Low-priced and made in Asia, like both the options above. But smaller company with more style. My wife loves hers.
http://www.linusbike.com/
Otherwise, used Schwinn Suburban or Collegiate from craigslist. But you’ll have to be patient.
Dandy is one thing I’ll never be known as: http://dappered.com/2010/08/dont-be-a-dandy-the-difference-between-style-and-fashion/ But the velocipede… have seen one in action recently. That was… bizarre.
Holy God that bike looks amazing.
I’d go for the Masi as well.
I do like this one more than the 7 speed, however. http://www.masibikes.com/soulville/soulville-ss/
It’s the $300 extra that’s the hitch though.
I’m not a bike expert, but I ride a Linus bike: http://www.linusbike.com/models/ and it works excellent along with a nice simple, throwback style.
I’d walk for a few more months and go for a Pashley Roadster – you get what you pay for and the workmanship is lovely (the chainguard full, the saddle bliss), and you’ll still be pedalling it along in 20 years with almost zero maintenance. Saving in the long run!
Get the Ticino 1 and mod it with an Alfine 8 speed hub and matching wheel set with Shimano 105 hub in front, or generator if you like. I am doing this mod and love the ride and comfort of the Electra, and yes, I test rode the Simple City 8 and the Ticino is lighter and more maneuverable. Plus it looks like an old school ride.