My Five Favorite Bicycles

By Bill -
Photo by Rob Mandolene.
The way I see it, smart city men see the bicycle like other men might see a hot little convertible coupe. It gets you where you need to go with style, ease, open air and flair. And like the convertible, the smart city bike is a serious investment when you consider the essential components of craftsmanship and style. And unlike the car, the bike doesn’t require continual lifetime expenses like insurance, gas and parking*. That important difference can justify spending more on a fabulous bike since it’s a one-time investment with minimal subsequent expenses for maintenance. Aside from blown tires, cable adjustments and other minor touch-ups over the years, the only real required accessory is a good lock. (Go Kryptonite on that one.)
Below are five bikes available as of this writing that offer a lifetime of timeless, classic and stylish city bicycling. They come in a range of prices, from just under $600 to over $3,500. The higher-ticket bikes may seem over-the-top, but when you consider that the bike is a one-time investment and that some specialized racing bikes cost much more for very limited usability, a $3,500 bicycle that you will have forever and can ride virtually anytime might seem more reasonable.
Here’s the rundown…
The Driggs 3 by Brooklyn Cruiser
Brooklyn Cruiser Driggs-3 2013
This bad boy from Brooklyn Cruiser is my current ride. With the signature double-top steel frame, front and rear fenders, a chain guard, rear rack, three speeds and leather saddle and grips, it comes packed with all the features I need.
  • Custom steel frame with Brooklyn Cruiser’s signature double top tube, rear carrier & down tube braze-ons
  • Custom steel fork
  • Heavy gauge chainguard, full front & rear fenders, rear carrier color matched to frame
  • Shimano NEXUS internal 3-speed hub with integrated coaster brake
  • Shimano NEXUS Revo 3-speed shifter
  • Alloy city pedals
  • Front hand brake and integrated coaster brake
  • Pre-conditioned genuine leather grips
  • Leather touring saddle with dual coil springs
  • Kenda West Cream tires
  • Double-walled alloy rims with stainless steel spokes
  • Frame in 52cm or 58cm
  • 32 lbs.
Available in black (pictured), ivory or tangerine. $579

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