Yeah, I used to to 20 miles a day on mine occasionally. Apart from the fact that it has rod brakes that need advance notice of any stopping manoeuvres you might pull it was the perfect commuting tool.
It's big strong and heavy, which pummels London's crappy tarmac into submission, but the nice thin tyres and relaxed angles make it very light and easy to ride. The upright riding position gives you a clear view of the road over the tops of cars. The hub gear was brilliant for either getting up some scary momentum or spinning up steep hills, the sprung Brooks B67 is the most comfortable saddle ever, and the basket is great for picking up shopping on the way home. Plus the friction-free hub dynamo means you don't need to remember lights. No need for special shoes with the flat pedals, and no need for rolling your trousers up thanks to the full chaincase. (although the non-drive-side can catch on the BB lockring and the cotter pin on mine) The full mudguards mean you never got mud all over you either.
A fixed gear is faster and more fun but in my opinion a 'dutch' roadster beats either a road bike or a hybrid / mountain bike for city commuting.
Yeah, I used to to 20 miles a day on mine occasionally. Apart from the fact that it has rod brakes that need advance notice of any stopping manoeuvres you might pull it was the perfect commuting tool.
It's big strong and heavy, which pummels London's crappy tarmac into submission, but the nice thin tyres and relaxed angles make it very light and easy to ride. The upright riding position gives you a clear view of the road over the tops of cars. The hub gear was brilliant for either getting up some scary momentum or spinning up steep hills, the sprung Brooks B67 is the most comfortable saddle ever, and the basket is great for picking up shopping on the way home. Plus the friction-free hub dynamo means you don't need to remember lights. No need for special shoes with the flat pedals, and no need for rolling your trousers up thanks to the full chaincase. (although the non-drive-side can catch on the BB lockring and the cotter pin on mine) The full mudguards mean you never got mud all over you either.
A fixed gear is faster and more fun but in my opinion a 'dutch' roadster beats either a road bike or a hybrid / mountain bike for city commuting.