Norco City Glide

Norco City Glide 8

Norco is a major Canadian distributor, and also makes a number of good bikes. Unfortunately, they have few dealers for complete bikes in the United States, but there is probably a shop that can order one of these bikes in a major city. Canadians may be able to try one out in person, and get slightly better prices. They may also be found in the UK and Australia.

The City Glide 8 stands out with an 8-speed internal nexus hub, roller-brakes front and rear, and by including a double-kickstand and front fork spring, making it easy to load up a front basket or rear rack. It has a sensible geometry, with 72 degree angles sufficiently slack to get a toe down at stoplights. Unfortunately, the chainguard is not paired with a chainring, so snagged clothing is a slight possibility (though less risky than with most bikes), the gearing is set a little too high, and no lights are included. But at a suggested price of only US$ 665 , you should have a few dollars left to make those changes.

The women's version is less asthetically successful, to my taste, but has a nice front basket, instead of the rear rack, and otherwise has the same specifications:

Norco City Glide 8 W

These specifications and geometry are for the City Glide 8 (men's version), similar to the women's version:

Specifications:

Frame: 7005 Alloy City Glide Frame 

Fork: Chromoly with threaded steerer

Rims: 700c Double wall alloy - Black 

Tires: 700x37c Continental TownRIDE w/Breaker 

Spokes: Black Stainless w/brass nipples

Front hub: Shimano HG-IM40 Roller Brake hub 36hole 

Rear hub: Shimano SG-8R31VSA 8-speed IGH 36hole [Regular 8-speed, I believe, not "red band"]

Shifter: Shimano Revoshift SL-8S20 

Crankset: Alloy 44T - Black 

Bottom bracket: Cartridge BB

Rear Cog: Nexus 20T
Chain:  KMC Z610H
Pedals:  Alloy pedal with non-slip tread 

Front & rear brake:  Shimano BR-IM41 Roller Brake Front and Rear

Brake levers:  Ergonomic brake lever w/integrated bell 

Handlebar: Alloy city bar - Black

Grips: Cork grips - Dark Brown

Stem: Alloy quill stem - Black 

Headset: CH-903SW black threaded waterproof

Seat post:  Alloy - Black, average set-back

Saddle:  Norco City Comfort 

Chainguard:  Partial, without chainring [unfortunately]

Kickstand:  Dual-leg, fold-back

Fenders:  Powdercoated Alloy
Extras: Bell, Rear rack w/ low pannier hook, Front stabilizer spring [Women's has a basket instead of the rear rack]

Colors:  8: Army Green - 8W: Light Blue - 3:

Sizes:  S-18 / M-19 / L-21
Weight: 34 lbs claimed


The 3-speed version costs $140 less, or about $525, and are similarly equipped otherwise (but lacking a dual kickstand, and with calipers instead of rollerbrakes): 

Frame Geometry

FRAME SIZE	Seat Tube	Top Tube	Head-T Angle	Seat-T Angle	Head Tube	Fork Length	Chain stay	Front Center	BB Height	Wheel base
S-17	432	585	70	72	160	410	457	637	285	1087
M-19	583	600	70.5	71.5	180	410	457	641	285	1091
L-21	533	615	70.5	71.5	180	410	457	656	285	1106
WS-16	406	575	69.5	71.5	180	410	457	627	285	1078
WM-18.5	470	590	70.5	71.5	180	410	457	630	285	1081

The geometry is similar to a Breezer Uptown, with sloping top tubes, reasonably long chainstays, and moderate but not-too-low seat and head tube angles. The bike should be stable and easy to ride hands-free (based on the low amount of rake on the fork, and the slack head tube angle), and it should be relatively easy to get a toe on the ground at stoplights without hopping of the saddle, if you need to, without setting the saddle low.

The Norco City Glide also comes in a Shimano Altus 21-speed derailer version, for $370, lacking the kickstand and rack:

Norco City Glide (Derailer)

If you know a local shop in your city that stocks these bikes for test-rides, or if you have ridden a City Glide yourself, let us know in the comments.

Jamis Hudson 3

PUBLIC Bikes - Metro and Citizen

PUBLIC Metro

Available on November 18, 2010

PUBLIC, known for steel mixte bikes with 8-speed internal hubs for $890 (or 3 speeds for $750), plus shipping, has now come out with a pair of recession-priced city bikes. They have almost all the features of their pricier siblings, but save money with regular fenders and rims (instead of stylish powder-coating to match the frame), cheaper tires and tubes, a unicrown fork, and a 7-speed rear derailer instead of internal gearing. However, they includes just about everything else you would need, except for a rack or basket (matching ones are sold separately).

Here's what PUBLIC says about the Metro and Citizen:

• Comfortable: Steel tubing and accurate frame geometry make for a softer ride than with other materials. Seats are designed for normal clothing.
• Ergonomic: Upright handlebars keep you looking forward, not down. They're also kinder to your back. [The Metro is particularly upright, though the seat tube angle is steeper than on a "dutch" bike - BFTROU]
• Practical: Kickstands so you don't have to prop your bike up against a lamppost. And chain guards to keep grease off your fresh, clean clothes.
• Modern: The Shimano 7-speed rear derailleur and Revo twist shifter brings state-of-the-art technology to the shifting system. Changing gears is done with a simple twist of the wrist.
• Safe Braking: Powerful alloy brakes combine with lightweight alloy rims with machined brake surfaces for quick, safe and controlled stops. [Caliper brakes limit potential tire and fender width, and are less powerful than linear-pull cantilevers, but should be fine for most, and look nice - BFTROU]
• City Smart: 35 MM tires are wide enough to handle curbs and potholes but narrow enough for speed.
• Feet Friendly: Pedals designed wide enough to ride with boots, pumps, flip-flops, or anything in between.
• Durable: The Chromoly steel frame will last a lifetime, if cared for properly, and is guaranteed for life. [Don't leave it out in the rain to rust - BFTROU]
• Serviceabliity: Durable seven-speed Shimano derailleur can be maintained by any bike shop.

The loop-frame Metro is paired with a diamond-framed bike, called the Citizen, which also sports a 7-speed rear cassette and derailer. Besides the slightly different frame shape and geometry, the two bikes are very similar. And both are relatively affordable, at $495 (plus shipping). And until these bike are available, the previously reviewed Mixte and diamond-frame models are available with a $50 discount (free shipping), until Nov 16th.

PUBLIC Citizen

Components for Metro and Citizen

Frame: PUBLIC 4130 chromoly steel frame, with fender and rack braze-ons, integrated kickstand bracket
Fork: PUBLIC 4130 chromoly steel fork, with fender and rack braze-ons
Handlebar: Steel commuting bar, 25 deg back sweep, 590mm wide, 25mm rise, 25.4mm clamp
Stem: Forged alloy quill stem, 25 degree rise, 25.4mm clamp
Headset: 1" threaded steel
Grips: PUBLIC triangle grip, 125/90mm, closed end
Freewheel: Shimano 14-34 tooth Mega Range 7-speed freewheel
Crankset: Alloy crank set, 39 tooth chainring w/alloy outer chainring guard
Bottom bracket: Square taper BSA English threaded cartridge bottom bracket
Chain: KMC Z50, 1/2" x 3/32" rustproof
Pedals: PUBLIC Butterfly alloy platform pedal, with rubber pads, 9/16" axle, ball bearings
Front & rear brake: Alloy caliper brake, long reach (55-73mm), EN Standard brake pads
Shifter: Shimano 7-speed Revo Shift twist shifter
Brake levers: Alloy 4 finger caliper brake lever
Saddle: PUBLIC seat, 165mm wide, steel polished rails
Seat post: Alloy 27.2mm
Seat post clamp: Alloy 1 bolt
Tires: 700x35c, 30TPI, tan skin wall
Inner tubes: Schrader valve
Rims: Alloy, 32 hole, 700c, machined brake surface
Front hub: Alloy low flange 32 hole, nutted bolt-on axle
Rear hub: Alloy low flange 32 hole, nutted bolt-on axle
Spokes: Stainless steel 14G
Chainguard: Alloy chainguard
Kickstand: Alloy center mount
Fenders: Alloy full fender
Colors: Powdercoated in bright orange or dark green

I emailed PUBLIC Bikes to ask about the geometry of the new frames, and this is the table they sent me:

Metro Loop Frame Geometry

FRAME SIZE	Seat Tube mm	Top Tube mm	Head Tube Angle	Seat Tube Angle	Head Tube mm	Chain stay mm	BB Drop mm	Wheel base mm	Front Center mm
S: 4'10"-5'2"	45	535	70	74.5	200	450	70	1055	615
M: 5'2"-5'7"	50	560	71	73	230	450	70	1055	615
L: 5'7"-6'0"	55	590	71.5	72	260	450	70	1068	627

For comparison, here's the geometry of the M3 (Mixte) frame:

Mixte Frame Geometry

FRAME SIZE	Seat Tube mm	Top Tube mm	Head Tube Angle	Seat Tube Angle	Head Tube mm	Chain stay mm	BB Drop mm	Wheel base mm	Front Center mm
S: 4'11"-5'3"	46	535	70	74.5	110	450	70	1048	608
M: 5'3"-5'8"	51	560	71	73	140	450	70	1052	611
L: 5'8"-6'0"	56	590	71.5	72	170	450	70	1067	627

PUBLIC Metro with rear rack and front basket

Both the Mixte and the Metro have  standard Amercian hybrid seat tube and head tube angles, moderately long chainstays, a good bottom bracket drop (for a reasonable seat heights), and sensible top tube length and wheelbase. The Metro's loop frame provides a higher headtube, which will make it easier to set the handlebars higher for a more upright seating position, compared to the slightly lean-forward position encouraged by the Mixte's frame. Fortunately, the threaded quill stem gives you plenty of options for changing handlebar position to suit.

Hopefully PUBLIC will consider supplying the Metro loop frame with a 3-speed internal gear hub option, next year. It should only be a few dollars more than the 7-speed derailer, and would add to the bikes "Dutch-ness", and would also compete more directly with the Linus Dutchi.

PUBLIC Citizen with rear rack and basket

Raleigh Calispel i8 and Circa i8

We have mention Raleigh's bikes several times before, but these two models had previously escaped notice.

Raleigh USA sells two very similar bikes with 8 speed Shimano Nexus internal gear hubs. The Calispel i8 is marketed as a hybrid and has 700C (622 mm) wheels with moderately wide tires, while the Circa i8 is listed as a "comfort bike", with cushy 26" x 1.95" tires. Otherwise, the frame geometry, components and accessories are about the same, including an unfortunate lack of fenders, despite the inclusion of kickstands and ample chainguards.

But what's really worth mentioning on these bikes is the list price. Both are available for only $550 at REI and at local bike shops, about the lowest price for a bike with an 8-speed internal gear hub in the North American market. Considering that the hub alone is listed at $300 and generally costs over $200, these bikes are a steal, even after adding $50 to install a set of good-quality fenders.

Raleigh Calispel i8

Raleigh Calispel i8 (W) - Tan Metallic - 2011

The Calispel is the "hybrid", meaning 700c x 40 mm tires and a slightly sporty look to the aluminum frame.

Geometry is "relaxed", with a 70 degree headtube and 68 degree seattube, similar to those found on classic roadsters or "Dutch" bikes. Combined with a high headtube and swept-back handlebars, and reasonable bottom bracket height, this provides an upright seating position and the ability to put a foot down easily at traffic lights. The shallow headtube angle and low fork offset (40 mm) should make the steering very stable.

Components

SIZES:  M:15, 17, 19 W:13, 15, 17
FRAME:    Atomic 13 Aluminum Hybrid, w/EASE Comfort Geometry
FORK:    Aluminum
CRANKS:    Forged Aluminum 36t Chainring
BB:    Sealed Cartridge
SHIFTER:    Shimano SL-8S20 Nexus Revo 8spd
BR.LEVERS:    Tektro
BRAKES:    Tektro V-Brake
REAR COG:  Shimano 20t
RIMS:    Weinmann XC260 Double Wall
TIRES:    Kenda K-192 w/Kshield 700x40c
PEDALS:    Avenir Comfort Platform
HANDLEBAR:    Alloy Comfort Easy Reach
STEM:    Alloy Quill
SEATPOST:    Alloy Micro Adjust Bootless Suspension 27.2x350mm
SEAT:    Avenir Deluxe Comfort
HEADSET:    Threaded 1-1/8"
COLORS:    Tan Metallic (W); Brown Metallic (M)
SPOKES:    14g Stainless Steel
GRIPS:    Avenir Comfort
EXTRAS:    Rack and Fender Mounts, Water Bottle Mounts

Raleigh Calispel i8 (M) - Brown Metallic - 2011

Raleigh Circa i8

Raleigh Circa i8 (W) - Metallic Tan - 2011

The Circa has a slightly more laid-back look, with wider Kenda K841A w/Kshield 26x1.95 (47 mm) tires on shorter 26" (559 mm) wheels. Otherwise, the geometry and components are nearly identical, and the head tube and seat tube angles are still 70 and 68 degrees, respectively.

For shorter riders or those commuting on rougher roads the Circa would be a better option, but for most medium to tall riders the medium-width 700c tires on the Calispel may be preferable. I also happen to prefer the styling of the Calispel frame, but with these two bikes you get a choice.

Raleigh Circa i8 (M) - Metallic Black

Don't forget to check out our previous posts on other Bikes for the Rest of Us by Raleigh

The Detour Deluxe was previously reviewed. It has been updated this year and remains a good deal, at $800 for a bike with an Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal hub, dynamo-powered LED headlight, pannier rack and roller brakes.

The Raleigh brand, like Schwinn in the US, fell far from the days when it was the largest bicycle manufacturer in England, and I am not entirely sure who owns the brand today. But it appears the new owners have been putting a good deal of thought into their bikes for the last 4 years, and the East-Asian frames and components are the same you will find on a Trek or Specialized. And the price is right.

Giant Via 1

Giant Via 1

Giant Via 1 W (2011). Widely available, for about $550.

Giant has become, well, a giant among bike manufacturers. According to rumor, their Taiwanese factories also produce many frames and parts used by other brands. They got their start in the North American market making bikes on contract for Schwinn. Later, Giant decided to market it's own bikes, and has had a great deal of success in mountain, road and "hybrid" bikes.

In the last few years, Giant has also offered a few bikes more suitable for the rest of us, such as the Simple Seven and Seek 1 previously featured here. But until now Giant had not offered an upright ride with swept-back handlebars, internal hub gears, fenders and chainguard (all of which were standard on the old Schwinns, of course). Now comes the Via, which has all of these features, plus classic styling, with thin crome-moly steel tubing, curvy Mixte-style lateral stays (even on the "men's" diamond-frame model), and an elegant front basket or rear rack. 

Thanks to Taiwanese mass production, all this can be yours for under $550 with a Shimano Nexus 3-speed, or less than $500 with a SRAM derailler and 8 speed cassette. Giant has dealers in most cities, who can easily order these bikes (but good luck on finding one to test-ride).

It's a shame Giant does not offer a version of this bike with a 7-speed nexus hub, or a option to have both the front basket and rear rack installed. The chainguard may be too minimalist to fully protect your pants. But if an 8-speed derailleur or 3-speed hub, and retro steel Mixte styling are what your are looking for, this bike will be nearly as cheap as upgrading a vintage mixte, and much easier to order at your local bike shop.

Via 1 (Men's)

Specifications:

FRAME
Sizes	Mens: S(17), M(19), L(21), XL(23)  Womens: XS(14), S(16), M(18)
Color	Mens: Steel Silver/Chrome;   Womens: White/Light Green
Frame	4130 Butted CroMo Steel
Fork	4130 Butted CroMo Steel

COMPONENTS
Handlebar	Alloy, Mid Rise & Sweep, 25.4
Stem	Alloy, threadless
Seatpost	Alloy, 27.2
Saddle	High-Density Foam
Pedals	Alloy/Kraton Comfort Platform (Men or Women's specific)

DRIVETRAIN
Shifters	Shimano Revo, Twist
Brakes	Alloy, Dual Pivot
Brake Levers	Alloy, Full Finger
Cassette	Shimano 20T, 3-Speed Internal
Chain	KMC Z410RB 1/2 x 1/8, Rustproof
Crankset	Alloy 3-Piece, 44T
Bottom Bracket	Sealed Cartridge

WHEELS
Rims	Alloy, Double Wall
Hubs	[F] Alloy, [R] Shimano Nexus 3-Speed Internal, 32h
Spokes	Stainless Steel
Tires	Kenda Kwest w/ K-Shield, 700x32 [With puncture protection]

OTHER
"Extras"	Custom Alloy Rear Rack (Men's) or Front Basket with flower stem holder (Women's), Frame Mounted U-Lock Carrier, Fenders, Chainguard, Kickstand

Geometry

SIZE	HEAD ANGLE	SEAT ANGLE	TOP TUBE	HEAD TUBE	CHAIN STAY	WHEEL BASE	STANDOVER HEIGHT
Men's	Degrees	Degrees	Inches	Inches	Inches	Inches	Inches
S/17"	70.00	74.00	22.20	4.90	17.80	42.60	28.60
M/19"	71.00	73.00	23.00	5.50	17.80	42.60	29.00
L/21"	71.00	73.00	23.70	6.30	17.80	43.20	30.80
XL/23"	71.00	73.00	24.20	6.90	17.80	43.80	31.90

Women's	Degrees	Degrees	Inches	Inches	Inches	Inches	Inches
XS/14"	70.00	74.00	21.40	5.30	17.80	41.80	22.10
S/16"	71.00	73.50	22.05	6.10	17.80	41.85	22.70
M/18"	71.00	73.50	22.45	6.89	17.80	42.28	23.50

Via 1 W (women's step-thru)

This bike is just now available for sale, but if anyone owns one or has taken a test ride, please leave a comment.