Utility bikes

The utility for which a bicycle serves is subjective to the user, but the ability of a bike to be versatile and meet many needs is at the core of the concept of utility bikes as a mode of transportation. Comfort, ease of use and maintenance as well as the ability to conveniently carry loads and to minimize the effects of weather are common features of utility bikes. Below are a few examples of utility bikes in various configurations.

The bicycle above is a Breezer Villager with a Shimano Nexus 7-speed internal rear hub. This bicycle is well equipped for urban riding and designed to keep its rider comfortable, visible, safe and relatively clean and dry, while being able to carry a variety of loads with a minimum of maintenance and expense. Although similar in appearance to the balloon-tire bike below, this model is much lighter and has some features that did not exist in the past. The removable basket is a nice addition, enabling a rider to take the basket into a market to shop.

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This is a 1947 Schwinn heavy duty balloon-tire bicycle with a one-speed coaster-brake rear hub. This model is typical of many standard bikes sold in the US from the 1890s through the 1960s. Notice that it features a number of similar basic traits to the purpose-built utility bike shown above. This example, although over 60 years old, is in fine working condition and can do virtually all the same things that a modern utility bicycle may do. It is possible with some luck to find a bike like this for not a lot of money, but a prospective buyer would do well to maintain a critical eye because some parts for a bike this old are difficult to replace.

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This is a 2001 Surly Cross-Check cyclocross/road bike that has been re-equipped to be a utility bike. The frame allowed for the use of fenders and wider tires, making it a good candidate for conversion. This bike is quite versatile and has been used for tasks ranging from commuting to trail riding to light touring. A feature that this bike shares with the vast majority of bikes built in the past 10 to 15 years is a 1 1/8 inch threadless headset, stem and fork steerer. Parts for this system are readily available, but a shortcoming is the lack of simple stem height adjustability. To raise the bar a significant amount, a higher angle stem must be fitted. The older system of quill stems is preferable because of more convenient adjustability.

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This is a 1989 Titan 1/2 Trac mountain bike that has been re-equipped to be a utility bike. Although the frame was somewhat unusual with raised chainstays, it is of quality steel and very sturdy, making it a good candidate for conversion. This bike is very comfortable and stable, and tows a loaded trailer well. The fenders were made from discarded car license plates and not only work very well, but are also very reflective for night riding. This bike was assembled with a bare minimum of expense from a donated frame (thanks, Chris), but due to high original quality and ongoing maintenance, is as functional and precise in operation as a new bike.

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