Casual (cruiser or hybrid) bicycle recommendations?

[DKaz]

I might be looking to get a bicycle in the next month to make my commute to work a little bit faster. I found one I really like, the Opus Classico:




It's on sale for $399 at a local cycle shop in Mission, it's a 7 speed bicycle that I can describe as being a hybrid between a hybrid and a cruiser. Probably not good for long distances but I do not intend on riding long distances anyway, it's to ride from my place to Mission City Station and then from Waterfront to my work in the west end, as well as lunchtime rides around Stanley Park or to spots around downtown. It's really light, really stylish, it's a bicycle I can wear a business suit or everyday casual clothing while riding. I really love the brown leather accents on the handlebars and seat. It's Canadian built as well, a huge bonus, and for the price can't be beat. Oh did I mention how beautiful I think it looks?

There's also a 24 speed Cervin which is like the the Classico styling wise but will better hill climbing capabilities. I don't know about the price however.

Anyone have any other suggestions? Price is a huge factor, I could spend more than $400 but don't want to.

[DKaz]

Well I took the bicycle on the test ride, I really like it. Surprisingly easy to ride, it's geared low so I won't be going too fast on it but at the same time it will make hills a less daunting chore. I was able to keep it at 2nd of 7 gears up a good hill with a bit of effort (rises about 9m in 80m). This is totally the ultimate city bicycle for short distances (under 10km), but it is light and nimble enough that I can see it being good enough for further distances, will take a bit longer but it's easy to ride.

I'm just still deciding whether I really want it.

[squeezied]

You should try as many bicycles as you can. All those specs you see on the website won't mean too much. I guess you'd be fine with a hybrid/hybrid-cruiser if speed and distance isn't too much of a concern.

[Conrad Yablonski]

The lighter the better, if it suits and the price is right grab it, there's no better time to buy a bike than fall.

[worldwide]

not really my style but it seems like a decent ride for the price. I like how it only has a rear derailleur, single chain ring in the front. the aluminum frame will be lighter than a comparable cromo steel frame bike, but it will have a stiffer ride quality. it appears to only be offered in smaller frame sizes. how tall are you Dkaz?

the wheels are ok, Alex makes quality rims but formula hubs are so-so... not that I don't use em. pretty standard for a bike in that price range. the shimano components (brakes, derailleur etc) are also pretty standard for the price. none of this stuff gets any better until the 700 dollar range

if it were me buying the bike I would rip the newspaper rack off the back, no more chain guard, different handle bars, and switch up the tires for 700x28. that would be a clean ride

[DKaz]

I finally got a bike, no more using my wife's lol. (Barely kept up with cabotp and Metro-One on the first ride... heavy steel comfort frame with a 20 lb baby in the back lol), it's an older Nishiki road bike, pretty light bicycle for its age, as light as a modern lower end road bike, rides like new, got it from a guy who has a hobby of fixing up older bicycles, so it should be ready to go. I want to challenge myself to ride to work for an entire month... well maybe an entire week to start. lol.

[SFUVancouver]

Glad to hear you got yourself a bike. Make sure you get yourself a good lock too and a set of lights and you are good to go. Enjoy the ride!