Pacific IF Mode Folding Bike

The Pacific IF (integrated folding) Mode bike is a sleek combination of efficiency and artistry. Designed by the same people who brought us the Strida bike, the IF Mode features a svelte look without all the clutter of a traditional folding bike. Pacific Cycles has created this bike with the reluctant commuter or reluctant folding bike commuter in mind by eliminating a few of those tiny annoyances that can come with commuting on a standard bike. But if you like to turn heads, the Pacific IF Mode is up for the job.

Pacific IF Mode Folding Bike

The drive train is completely covered, which means no more chain grease on your pants and no more skirt caught in the chain. The unique Swiss Schlumpf 2 gear drive system is located inside the bottom bracket and you shift by tapping a side button with your heel- left side when you need to tackle a hill, right side when you need to giddy up. With full-sized wheels and an S-shaped frame to absorb shocks, the IF Mode is made to ride like a regular bike. The bike folds quickly and easily and doesn’t have all that unsightly chaos of bike parts that other folding bikes seem to have. At 27 pounds it’s not the lightest commuter you can find, but it can roll on the wheels while folded, like a suitcase. Pacific Cycles has some nice demo videos on YouTube, but we were partial to this one from NYCeWheels:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Pacific Cycles has succeeded in creating a functional, efficient folding bike that would be great for apartment dwellers, on a college campus, or just tooling around town. The IF Mode folding bike does come with a hefty price tag of $2,500, but this may seem modest in comparison to those surging gas prices.

For more see Pacific Cycles and NYCeWheels.

The Best Women's Commuter Bikes: GT Aerostream

If you’re looking for a ride to work that shrinks your carbon footprint and your rear end, picking up a commuter bike is a perfect choice. With space to hold your pocket book, briefcase or even your groceries, commuter bikes work as hard as you do. Here is a rundown of the best women’s commuter bikes.

For more great commuter bike’s, check out Justin’s Review of the best commuter bikes.

Electra Townie Euro 8D Step-Through Commuter Bike

The Best Women's Commuter Bikes: Electra Townie Euro 8D Women's Bike

In the biking world, few names are as associated with quality as Electra. The Euro 8D Step-Through Commuter Bike is no exception. With a lower center of gravity to increase a woman’s comfort and ability for full leg extension, eight speeds and linear-pull brakes for smooth braking, this bike offers the ultimate in comfort and smooth handling. Plus, the attached alloy rear rack with strap allows for increased hauling capabilities.

In Town Bicycles calls the Townie 8D “a smart bike” because of its practical luggage rack, “light responsive ride,” and jazzy fenders.

Biketopia, where this commuter received a 5-star rating, describes the Euro as “fully-equipped for all daily adventures.”

This bike is available at REI in Cadet Blue for $599.00

Schwinn Meridian Adult 3-Wheel Commuter Bike

The Best Women's Commuter Bikes: Schwinn Meridian Adult 3-Wheel Bike

If you’re looking for something to spice up your daily commute, the Schwinn Meridian Adult 3-Wheel Commuter Bike might be just the ticket. The super-squishy spring saddle, upright handlebars and reliable brakes make this bike a comfortable way to travel. The folding rear basket is ideal for bringing all the essentials with you.

Amazon reviewers, who gave this ride nearly five stars, rave about this bike, praising its style, comfort, sturdiness and ability to stop on a dime. This Schwinn, according to Sears reviewers, who gave it a full five stars, is also particularly well suited for anyone with disabilities, dizziness, injuries or special needs.

This bike is available at Sears for $299.99.

Giant Twist Freedom Commuter Bike

The new Giant Twist commuter bike from Giant features their “hybrid technology”. Basically, the bike intelligently adjusts to your pedaling power, making for a very smooth ride (you can read about all the details in this PDF).

The Giant Twist has two lithium-ion battery EnergyPaks for extended range. Giant says the charge lasts up to 70 miles in Economy mode, and the bike take four hours to recharge.

The entire range of Giant Electric Bikes are available from Bob’s Bicycles. They range in price from $1624 to $2,249.

The Sonoma Women’s Chainless Drive Evolution Urban Commuter Bicycle

The Best Women's Commuter Bikes: Sonoma Women's Chainless Urban Commuter Bicycle

For the ultimate in stress-free commutes, Sonoma created the Sonoma Women’s Chainless Urban Commuter so you never have to worry about a broken chain or tangled, grease-stained pant legs. The chainless feature makes for a quieter ride, while a satin seat, shock-absorbing fork and smooth handgrips create a comfortable experience no matter where you’re going. For picking up groceries or transporting necessities to work or school, the carrying rack is essential.

Discount Hybrid Bikes Reviews reports that this bike delivers “beauty,” “comfort” and “substance,” so you can get yourself — and your things — where you need to go in style.

This bike is available from Amazon for $389.49.

The Jango 7.0 Medium Commuter Bike by Topeak

The Best Women's Commuter Bikes: Jango 7.0 Medium Women's Commuter Bike by Topeak

For the woman who needs a smooth ride that can transport her and her necessities, the Jango 7.0 Medium Commuter Bike by Topeak is the ideal choice. This bike not only features an aluminum frame specially designed to ensure a woman’s comfort but also numerous different attachments to meet any busy woman’s needs. Topeak offers racks, bags, fenders and lights, many of which clip on and off without the use of tools, so you can be ready to go in a snap.

This bike is available at Amazon for $699.97.

Now that the e-bike market is maturing in the U.S., I think we’ll be seeing some sophisticated electric bikes released this year. Here are three intriguing e-bikes that have become available so far:

The Eneloop E-Bike by Sanyo

Eneloop E-Bike

Sanyo has introduced an electric bike called the Eneloop. This pedal-assist bike has a barely noticeable 250 watt motor that is designed to help the rider pedal without effort. It has a step-through frame and large tires — recalling classic three-speed Dutch bikes.

The bike also has regenerative braking that charges the battery. When you use the rear brake lever while riding downhill (over 5 mph) and you’ll start to recharge the battery.

This bike sells for $2300, which is a nice price for a bike of this type. The electric motor integration looks to be first-rate.

Available from Amazon.

Kalkhoff Electric Bikes

Kalkhoff E-Bike

A company called Greenlight Bikes has started importing Kalkhoff e-bikes into the U.S. from Germany. Kalkhoff bikes are well known in Europe as great commuter bikes. They use a center-mounted motor that applies power directly to the drive train. They also come with features commuters need on a daily basis including a powerful lighting system, great fenders, chain guards and solid racks.

The bikes are priced from $2500 to $3400, depending on sizes and configurations.

OHM Electric Bikes

Ohm 2010 Electric Bike

Based in British Columbia, OHM Cycles specializes in high-end electric bicycles. They’ve updated their bikes for 2010. The bikes feature 37V 10Ah lithium-magnesium batteries, regenerative braking and 350W BionX motors. Another nice feature is an LCD command console that displays speed, remaining battery charge, and level of assistance or regeneration.

Price ranges from $3300 to $3800.

Available from OHM Cycles.

If you are interested in carrying cargo on your bike you should consider a dedicated “cargo bike” or “utility bike”. These bikes are great for transporting luggage while commuting, touring or running errands.

Cargo bikes feature a long wheel base for more space on the rear luggage rack. They usually have a strong frame and wheels to carry more weight on and around the rear wheel.

Cargo bikes offer better handling than bike equipped with bike trailers or panniers (side saddles for bikes) — they do not fall over as easily because they have a low center of gravity.

Some owners even use them to carry large pieces of furniture around town. Check out this video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here’s a round-up of some of the cargo carrying bikes available today:

The Kona Ute Cargo Bike

The Kona Ute cargo bike was recently introduced into the market by the Kona (based in Washington). It received a lot of press attention, and with good reason, because it is a fine cargo bike.

The Ute features a huge rack which is capable of carrying four panniers, and a couple of passengers. This bike’s geometry is designed to make carrying groceries on your bike a breeze. It has an extended utility frame made out of butted 7005 aluminum for heavy load-carrying ability. It also comes with some nice additions like fenders and quality handlebar grips.

Here’s a in-depth review of this bike from BikeHugger.

The Ute Cargo Bike sells for about $899 from REI.

Link: Kona Ute

The Xtracycle + Surly’s Big Dummy

Surly Big Dummy Longtail Commuter Bicycle

An Xtracycle FreeRadical system is a frame extender that moves your rear wheel further back and increases the stowage capacity of your bicycle. Basically, it transforms your bike into a longtail or cargo bike. The Xtracycle also comes with racks and straps for securing the extra cargo onto your bike. Because it is permanently affixed to your bicycle, it allows you to spontaneously buy groceries, or pick up twenty library books, when you may have left the panniers or trailer at home with a conventional system.

The Xtracycle system costs about $489. It’s available from Jenson USA.

There’s also a longbike called the Big Dummy that is specifically design to work with an Xtracycle (see below).

The Surly Big Dummy Cargo Bike

The Big Dummy cargo bike by Surly was specifically design to integrate with the Xtracycle system. The Surly company has a reputation for building very strong bicycles, and this one is no exception. It also has long wheel base and a low center of gravity to keep you from tipping over when carrying loads. See a detailed review here by Commute By Bike.

The Big Dummy sells for $2400 to $2600. It’s available from Amazon and Jenson USA.

Link: Surly Big Dummy

The Yuba Mundo

Yuba is a German company that specializes in making longtail utility bikes like the Mundo. This bicycle has a large, integrated cargo platform for easy loading. The bike’s frame is built with steel, and it features reinforced rims, axles, cranks, with cargo-strength tires. Velovision Magazine (which covers commuter and cargo bikes) recently reviewed this bike, and they described it thus:

A heavy-duty hauler which can carry loads and people in a way that was previously simply beyond a normal bike.

Amazingly, the Mundo bike can carry up to 440 lbs of cargo, or up to three passengers. It comes in two models: 1-speed and 6-speed. It sells for about $900.

Link: Yuba

The Bilenky

Russ Roca has posted a great review of the Bilenky cargo bike on his Bike Commuters site. After 300 miles of test riding, he says the Bilenky is better than the Xtracycle or LongJohn cargo bikes. Here’s his summary:

Compared to a Bakfiets and LongJohn, I prefer the Bilenky for many reasons. One of them is weight. I think my Bilenky weighs in at about 45lbs. A Bakfiets with a box is about 90lbs. Not sure about the Long John, but I am almost positive it’s more than 45lbs. The Bilenky is also made to take a derailleur system (or can be customized to whatever you want). The Bakfiets is limited to an 8spd internal. Most Long Johns are 3spd. I think the biggest advantage of the Bilenky is the ride geometry. My setup is relatively upright but not Dutch upright and also allows me to stretch out by changing hand positioning. The Bakfiets and Long John, from what I have seen and read are pretty upright and can be a bit cramped.

Link: Bilenky

Bakfiets

A bakfiets is a cargo bike from the Netherlands that has a large trough or box at the front, traditionally for transporting goods. Bakfiets can carry up to 175 pounds in the cargo area alone, which includes seating for two small children. Companies like Clever Cycles are making these bikes available in the U.S. There’s a blog about them here.

The sales of commuters bikes in the U.S. have grown quickly in the last couple years. Commuter bikes are those that include features useful for commuting to work or around town — like fenders, chain guards, storage racks, comfortable seats, lights and puncture-resistant tires. You may also be interested our reviews of folding bikes and electric commuter bikes and women’s commuter bikes.

Update: See our article Best Commuters Bikes For 2011.

Let’s take a look at some the best commuter bikes of 2010:

Raleigh Detour Deluxe 2010 Commuter Bike

The Detour Deluxe is designed specifically for commuters — it comes standard with a rack, fenders, a headlight and a comfortable seat. The aluminum frame is lightweight but strong enough to carry cargo around town.

The Basta Pilot light system is a nice addition for the commuter. Both the headlight and taillight is powered by the generator in the hub of the bike. The lights can be set to automatic. When you hit a dark patch the lights will automatically flip on and when you come out into the light again they’ll turn back off.

The Raleigh Detour Deluxe Commuter Bike is available from REI for around $740.

Electra Townie Euro 24D Commuter Bike

The Electra Townie Euro is a comfortable bike with many practical features for commuters.

It includes dynamo-powered halogen headlight, a battery-powered LED rear light, kickstand and an alloy rear rack with strap.

The bike’s geometry places pedals well ahead of the seatpost, resulting in leg movement that many people find more stable than other designs.

The tires have a Kevlar puncture-resistant casing and reflective sidewalls. Nice!

It’s available from REI for $700.

Giant Twist Freedom Commuter Bike

The new Giant Twist commuter bike from Giant features their “hybrid technology”. Basically, the bike intelligently adjusts to your pedaling power, making for a very smooth ride (you can read about all the details in this PDF).

The Giant Twist has two lithium-ion battery EnergyPaks for extended range. Giant says the charge lasts up to 70 miles in Economy mode, and the bike take four hours to recharge.

The entire range of Giant Electric Bikes are available from Bob’s Bicycles. They range in price from $1624 to $2,249.

Schwinn World Avenue One Commuter Bike

The Schwinn World Avenue is an affordable commuter bike that is built for comfortable urban riding. It has a large saddle, and a seat post with built-in suspension. The World Avenue also comes with Planet Bike fenders and rear carrier, a full chain guard, a kickstand and a bell.

The World Avenue is priced around $500 from Amazon.

Huffy Commuter Bike

If you’re looking for an inexpensive commuter bike, Huffy sell this commuter bike under $150. The bike comes standard with fenders and a rear rack. However, at this price level, bike components tend to be cheaply made, so owners may find that they need to pay for repairs and replacements quite soon. But if you are on a budget, and need an entry-level commuter bike, you might consider this one.

The Huffy Commuter bike is available from Sears for about $180.

The Kona Ute Cargo Bike

The Kona Ute is a good choice if you’ll be carrying cargo around town.

The Ute features a huge rack which is capable of carrying four panniers. This bike’s geometry is designed to make carrying groceries on your bike a breeze. It has an extended utility frame made out of butted 7005 aluminum for heavy load-carrying ability. It also comes with some nice additions like fenders and quality handlebar grips.

The Ute is available at Bike Sale.

Felt Cafe 8 Deluxe Commuter Bike

The Felt Cafe 8 Deluxe is a lightweight commuter bike, that Felt describes as “a real-world answer to bicycle commuting and any local store runs.” It’s priced around $600.

Biria Lite 3 Speed Trekking and Commuter Bike

Biria bikes are designed in Germany. The Biria Trekking Lite is a quality commuter bike for under $500.

This three-speed bike has Shimano Nexus internal gear hub. This means there is no external derailleur for shifting — it’s all internal for low maintenance and ease-of-use. The Trekking Lite includes a chainguard, kickstand, rack and fenders.

It’s available from BikeMania for $490.

More Commuter Bikes

You can also find a good range of commuter bikes at the Commuter Bike Store.