I feel like modern bike companies are just clueless, and the industry is collapsing as a result.
People don’t want “bike-shaped things”, they want bikes that are affordable, reliable, can be easily maintained, have universal parts, and work as you would expect. Anything else is going to be niche and not what these companies need to survive.
I want to see major brands bring back the spirit of cycling from the 90s. Where parts didn’t need manuals to maintain, and where you could swap things out without worrying too much about it.
Right to repair FTW
I’ve had simple, single-speed back-pedal braking bikes for more than twenty years as my primary transportation.
It’s not that I’m disinterested in other bikes but just don’t want to compromise on things you mentioned like maintainability.
I want a bike that will last for decades, even if it trades hands many times. I’ve bought a new bike in the past but my current daily ride is older than I am.
I’ve had simple, single-speed back-pedal braking bikes for more than twenty years as my primary transportation.
That reminds me… my e-scooter uses a front drum brake. Not very common, but ultra reliable!
Newer e-scooters use disk brakes, and while it could be argued that they offer better stopping power (not needed in something low-speed!), they are far more complicated to maintain.
A single-speed bike with a back-pedal braking system sounds like a dream for simplicity! I’m glad it works well for you 😀
Why are all of the “innovative” bikes fucking hideous?
