Comments on: Overview: WorkCycles City Bikes

By: Keith Messingschlager

Keith Messingschlager — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 04:38:21 +0000

Hi Henry,
How much would it cost for you to ship me two of the Bibia Snelbinders and I also need to replace the small black stem bolt cover. For shipping cost calculations, I am in Traverse City, Michigan 49684.

Thank you! ☺

By: Frits B

Frits B — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 12:27:41 +0000

Ha, Gr8 news .

By: henry

henry — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 21:00:45 +0000

Marsha,
No, the frame size has no influence on whether you can reach the ground at a give saddle to crank extension. It’s a function of the BB height and effective crank axle to seat angle. Many of the older women (usually shorter and less flexible) always step off their bikes when they stop at signals and elsewhere. When it’s time to continue they push off and step through with their right leg.

An Oma will not be better in this regard, and the smallest frame size is 49cm. A Fr8 will be better but it sounds like you don’t want one. In a few months the lighter, more compact Gr8 will be available and it will also be very low.

You can best order the bike from Adeline Adeline. Perhaps they would be willing to install a coaster brake rear wheel for you.

By: Marsha

Marsha — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:33:48 +0000

Thanks for your suggestions. Do you think the seat level/leg extension problem could be solved with a the next size up frame. Also, at my age, I do not begin a bike ride on the seat. It feels very awkward for me to do this. I begin with my right (the broken ankle) foot on the right pedal and then push and sit. I think leg extension is more important than beginning and ending sitting on the seat.

Also, would a Oma be better than a secret service for me? What are the advantages of the SS over the Oma?

Last question. Can I order a bike from you to send to me. I may want the coaster rear brake and the rolling front brake. Again, I am so old that I was always very comfortable with the coaster brake. Thanks. Marsha

By: henry

henry — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 06:52:56 +0000

Dan,
Yes, we’ve heard the same about Curbside and find it strange given the number of (frustrated) inquiries we get from Canada. Lots of people visit us in Amsterdam to pick up their bikes and then bring them home on the plane. We also send bikes all over the world by air freight. It’s not cheap but it’s also not crazy expensive. Just contact us at workcycles and we can help you.

By: henry

henry — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 06:50:10 +0000

Hi Keith,
We now have some much stronger and UV resistant straps (“snelbinders”). They cost just €5.50 but shipping them to the US will probably cost much more.

By: henry

henry — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 06:48:03 +0000

Marsha,
1. In Holland we sell the most bikes with handbrake front and coaster brake rear. For those accustomed to coaster brakes it’s a nice combination. The coaster allows you to brake while cycling with one hand (talking on phone, guiding child, signaling, carrying stuff…) and coaster brakes are basically maintenance free. On the other hand, many adults outside northern Europe aren’t comfortable with coaster brakes and the roller brake offers better braking and heat dissipation for hilly terrain.

2. The moon shape handlebar offers a slightly more athletic position, thus suitable for the Secret Service. We swap handlebars frequently. It’s easy.

3. The saddle height dilemma you describe is a common one, mainly for smaller riders. A lower bottom bracket (crank axle) helps but it can only be so low before causing ground clearance problems. The Fr8, designed for carrying heavy loads, has a very low BB. Even my 150cm mother in law can ride my own Fr8 comfortably. Pushing the saddle back on its rails to create a shallower seat angle helps but only if you can sit and pedal comfortably like that.
4. Yes, the Yepp Mini fits all of our bikes. In theory all of the front child seats have a limit of 15kg but it’s mostly a matter of whether the bike still handles properly and whether the parent is comfortable riding with the child in the seat. Also kids’ legs tend to get too long to fit between the handlebar and seat. Still lots of Dutch folks keeep ridin their kids in front seats until four or so because it’s just more fun, or because the seat is already on the bike.

By: Marsha

Marsha — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 21:22:27 +0000

Henry. I forgot to ask, can you put a Yepp child seat on the front handle bars of the Secret Service bike. Will this seat hold a child 31lbs. (2yr old) Do you need a square bent handlebar to put a child seat on or will a moon shape also hold a child seat?

By: Marsha

Marsha — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 21:05:05 +0000

Hi Henry. I am very confused. I tried the Secret Service bike today at Adeline Adeline. It was 45cm and had roller brakes front and rear.
1. What is the advantage of Roller brakes front and coaster brakes in the rear?
Also, I don’t remember the shape of the handlebars.
2. What is the advantage of moon shape vs. the bent shape.
Most importantly, on the 45cm frame, if the seat was at the right level for me to extend my legs, then I could not sit on the seat and put my one or two feet on the ground at a stop. Any suggestions? Thanks.

By: Keith Messingschlager

Keith Messingschlager — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:11:53 +0000

Hello Henry,

I am still enjoying lots of good utility and pleasure from my Workcycles Transport Double-Tube bicycle. I need to replace to Bibia rear carrier rubber straps though. The sun’s UV finally ate ‘em up. Do you have any replacements for sale? Price?

Thanks!
Keith