tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902677.post1266085418311271807..comments2024-03-19T01:35:10.559-04:00Comments on *: TangentJonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547640380443175482noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902677.post-8741054567942913382008-03-25T21:11:00.000-04:002008-03-25T21:11:00.000-04:00Hey Sarah,No, I'm not looking for a "granny bike" ...Hey Sarah,<BR/><BR/>No, I'm not looking for a "granny bike" at all. What I'd really like, if you see the original Jorg&Olif link, is a type of classic continental European bicycle, known as a "Dutch shopping bicycle" or a "Utility bike" or an "Urban or city Bike". Well, Different in aesthetics and purpose from a granny bike, or at least the link you put up. Many bikes in Europe have huge baskets for carrying goods and extra seats for multiple riders, I don't think it's just a Mom thing. I guess I should say that the trail-a-bike is a neat product, but too "American Mom" for me, I'd like something different, more simple, less complicated. <BR/><BR/>I get your logic with Noah and peddling. I think because the tailer is essentially riding a bike minus steering, he would get very frustrated that he can't lead or "Drive". If I strap him into a bike seat, I take the idea of being in control out of his head, therefore avoiding a power struggle, and as I remember from being a kid, sitting up high, with the wind in your hair, can be lots of fun!Laurenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05093968853372697053noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902677.post-91875926367380316472008-03-25T20:08:00.000-04:002008-03-25T20:08:00.000-04:00Hate to break it to you, chickie, but a granny bik...Hate to break it to you, chickie, but a granny bike w/ a basket and a bike seat is pretty "mommy" too :)<BR/><BR/>I do understand what you mean about aesthetic - I just thought Noah might be more likely to be satisfied if he was actually DOing rather than just riding...Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10127954206218934557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902677.post-77143144950608336402008-03-25T19:49:00.000-04:002008-03-25T19:49:00.000-04:00Jeremy, I remember the pictures of Logan on the Ti...Jeremy, I remember the pictures of Logan on the Tiger, AWESOME! I remember my Dad teaching me to ride without training wheels, it's such freedom. I bet Logan will do great, take pictures! Go Logan! :)<BR/><BR/>Hi Sarah, those trail-a-bike's are neat. I still kind of want to have a more "minimalist" bike, the trail-a-bike is a little too "Mommy" for me, and since Noah is already a huge back seat driver, I think sitting on half a bike "almost" biking, would really frustrate him. I think it's all or nothing with Noah. I'd like him to ride along side on trike or bike, but somedays, it's good to strap him in and go I'd think.<BR/><BR/>Meagan has an interesting bike. I kind of like this Schwinn: http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/bikes_detail.php?id=1027<BR/>But I still try to hunt down a Dutch bike in the U.S. Some way, somehow!<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the comments guys!Laurenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05093968853372697053noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902677.post-10681430182456763162008-03-25T19:24:00.000-04:002008-03-25T19:24:00.000-04:00This is it I think -http://www.schwinnbike.com/pro...This is it I think -<BR/>http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/bikes_detail.php?id=1028Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10127954206218934557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902677.post-51564317213655290882008-03-25T19:23:00.000-04:002008-03-25T19:23:00.000-04:00If he's biking well, you might consider getting a ...If he's biking well, you might consider getting a trail-a-bike and letting him pedal along behind you rather than sitting.<BR/><BR/>My sister has a Schwinn - not sure what but one of those granny bike-looking things.Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10127954206218934557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902677.post-404739671231106702008-03-25T17:56:00.000-04:002008-03-25T17:56:00.000-04:00Logan's first bike was a Schwinn Tiger AL - it's a...Logan's first bike was a Schwinn Tiger AL - it's an awesome bike, and I think this summer, we're going to get those training wheels off finally (we bought it towards the end of the summer last year, but he was getting the hang of it by fall).Jeremyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02876860243053889114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902677.post-56198301454434120742008-03-25T17:37:00.000-04:002008-03-25T17:37:00.000-04:00Ha! Safety-Schmafety!I know trailers are "safer", ...Ha! Safety-Schmafety!<BR/>I know trailers are "safer", but I also think post 1980's Americans are alarmists. So, I will "take my chances" with a seat. I know, my brother and I are lucky to get out of our bike seats alive.<BR/><BR/>Yeah, Noah is a kick-ass bike rider. I wanted to buy him a "big boy" bike this year and I might, but he has this retro radio flyer trike that's great and he loves zooming around on it. You're right though, family bike rides would be fun. What was Logan's first bike? <BR/>Thanks again J.!Laurenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05093968853372697053noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902677.post-69110201453982407392008-03-25T16:55:00.000-04:002008-03-25T16:55:00.000-04:00No prob. The only reason I brought up the trailer ...No prob. <BR/><BR/>The only reason I brought up the trailer is because they have a better safety record than bike seats on a bicycle. <BR/><BR/>But hey, Europeans don't give a crap about safety, do they? Why should you! (in a non-sarcastic voice fyi)<BR/><BR/>Question - does Noah have a bike yet? He's at the right age, it might be fun to take up biking as a family activity.Jeremyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02876860243053889114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902677.post-91165479845530064552008-03-25T15:48:00.001-04:002008-03-25T15:48:00.001-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Laurenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05093968853372697053noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902677.post-2113876303098054792008-03-25T15:48:00.000-04:002008-03-25T15:48:00.000-04:00Thanks Jeremy! You know, I did look at the Schwin...Thanks Jeremy! You know, I did look at the Schwinn cruisers last night. No doubt VERY cool bikes, but at first they struck me as "too American-retro-beachy" and not European-minimal, but, that said, on your suggestion, I looked again just now. I do like the coffee/cream bike and the Sid/Nancy. Ok, they are officially on my list, thanks!<BR/><BR/>About the trailers...yeah, not for me. good idea though. We actually have one that my stepsister loaned us. Noah seems to be the only kid who hates sitting in there. He doesn't like to "chill" and sit, that's why a bike seat, up where he can see all of the action, might work better. I know they carry a lot too.<BR/>Call me a poser, but, I think it would be fun to replicate the "European version" of the urban utility bike as much as possible. So that means a bug dorky basket and a bike seat.<BR/>Thanks again, I really appreciate your input. I might write with some questions.Laurenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05093968853372697053noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902677.post-36718227609998233342008-03-25T15:36:00.000-04:002008-03-25T15:36:00.000-04:00Seriously, if you need any help, lemme know. I don...Seriously, if you need any help, lemme know. <BR/><BR/>I don't discuss it much, but bicycles are one of my passions.<BR/><BR/>You should check these out:<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/bikes_category.php?id=136" REL="nofollow">Schwinn Cruisers</A><BR/><BR/>Those "urban" bikes are what used to be known as "hybrid" bikes, which were sort of a cross between cruisers and mountain bikes. They were made to be light and maneuver quickly in traffic.<BR/><BR/>If utility is what you're after, any cruiser bike will offer that up. And instead of a child seat for the bike, have you seen those awesome trailers they have? Those are way cool, kids love them and if you want to go grocery shopping, you can haul back just as much as you would in your car.Jeremyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02876860243053889114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902677.post-30712746813137686982008-03-25T15:00:00.000-04:002008-03-25T15:00:00.000-04:00Hey Jeremy,Thanks, thanks and thanks! Good advice....Hey Jeremy,<BR/><BR/>Thanks, thanks and thanks! Good advice. Yes, I did look around for domestic dealers of Jorg&Olif bikes and other Dutch or European brands. Honestly, I haven't found anything out there yet. I did like you said, take a look at American bikes, there is a quickly emerging genre called "city bikes" or "urban bikes" that are very close to the ones I like. So far, the domestic bicycle that I think most fits my bill is one of Gary Fisher's "Simple City Bikes". They're pricey though.<BR/>You are so right about trying the bikes on first, which I will do. Thank you a ton for the offer of help putting the final touches on the bike together. I might just take you up! I know you're a pro. :)<BR/>I originally just thought I wanted a neat, vintage bike, but Jon made me realize that I needed a bicycle that wasn't super heavy and frustrating to ride, and one that was new and sturdy enough to carry Noah and I, plus a large basket of groceries or some pannier bags on the back.<BR/>Thanks a bunch, lots to consider huh? I will keep you posted!<BR/>(Did you see that site with all the photos of people riding in Amsterdam? Looks like fun!)Laurenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05093968853372697053noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9902677.post-56214358065689505322008-03-25T14:37:00.000-04:002008-03-25T14:37:00.000-04:00Those are beautiful bikes, they are really built f...Those are beautiful bikes, they are really built for commuting and they last ages. There is a reason their single and three-speed designs haven't changed much over the history of the bike.<BR/><BR/>I would say research if there is a U.S. distributor, it might save on shipping charges. If you need someone to help assemble the bike, well, I have a garage full of bike tools that will get the job done.<BR/><BR/>However, playing the devil's advocate, have you looked into U.S. made bikes as well? Companies like Schwinn and Trek manufacture "cruiser" bikes (as they're known in the U.S.) and you can get one for about half the price, or spend the same amount and get twice as much for your money. <BR/><BR/>They look very much the same, they have all the bells, whistles, lights and storage capabilities, but they also have all the latest technology on them - they probably weigh half of what the other bike would be, and they'll last just as long.<BR/><BR/>But what it comes down to is what "feels" right for you, so if you have a chance to test one out, I'd say go for it. You probably wouldn't want to go through ordering one and shipping it just to find out you don't like how it feels. Oh, and if there is even the slightest of hills around you, I would suggest the three-speed version.<BR/><BR/>I'm not beyond spending $750 on a well-made bicycle. I paid twice that for my mountain bike, so it would be hypocritical for me to say go with a less expensive bike, but just make sure you're comfortable with the bike you're getting.Jeremyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02876860243053889114noreply@blogger.com