Buying Advice: Bobbin Brownie or Birdie or Pinnacle Californium

r1180m

I am a new commuter and would like some advice. I am lost in the technical analysis over "what matters" when getting a first decent commuter bike that still makes me feel comfortable. I've narrowed it down to models that have gear range, light weight, and dutch style i prefer, and I've made a table!
Here is a little about me and the bikes I'm considering. Hoping I can get some supportive advice and empathy from the experienced ones out there! I'm lost about which tires and gears matter and what will make a difference.

Models considering but open to others:
https://www.evanscycles.com/search?text=brownie+luxe
https://www.evanscycles.com/search?text=birdie+luxe
https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-ca ... e-EV275610

My comparison sheet:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5zH2r ... sp=sharing

Help! What would you recommend? What is the difference between Bobbin Birdie Luxe, Bobbin Brownie Luxe, or Pinnacle Californium 1? I have these models on order with test rides pending. Have ridden two of the 4 so far.Am I missing another model? or is anything obvious of what I should get based on specs alone?

Commute: 8 miles out of london, some road, mostly cycle paths or mixed used sidewalks along highway, many bumps, cracks, curbs, and pot holes along the route, 3 heavy strong incline ramps along way to go over highway bridges and over ramps

Other uses: weekends use to pick up shopping and also take for leisurely park rides and picnics

Riding style and experience:
not an "aggressive stance" rider; don't need to be a speed demon just need to get their safely and comfortably; grew up with dutch style cruisers in coastal area with no gears; so far been using a hybrid bike borrowed with 21 gears - get back aches from leaning forward, i do make use of the full gear range to get over the peaks of the bridges/ramps; have neck problems so "sit up" style is more comfortable; I like to see wide visibility

Preferences:
low weight
21 gears (am i crazy to think i need 21 instead of 8? what is the real difference?)
dutch style posture
low step
i will use pannier and basket
Aesthetically inclined toward retro bikes
comfort wise would like not to feel as many bumps as i do on current hybrid

reformedfatty

Honestly I cringe at the idea of commuting 8 miles on that sort of bike, so my first suggestion would be visit a physio and see what can be done to solve your backache and neck problems, however, moving on from that, none of those are what could be described as light weight, and I don't think there are any truly low weight options for this bit of the market - just less heavy than the alternatives.

The only other one I'd throw in the mix is this https://www.decathlon.co.uk/elops-920-c ... 53686.html

hub gearing will be easier on maintenance, although you will have bigger steps between the gears - which really answers your question on whats the difference between number of gears - the range doesn't vary much, it's just how big a difference there is between each gear.

For this kind of bike.. my choice would probably be based on looks

r1180m

reformedfatty wrote:

The only other one I'd throw in the mix is this https://www.decathlon.co.uk/elops-920-c ... 53686.html

Thanks for throwing this into the mix! Actually has 3 of the things I liked on other models that were discounted...really low step through, dynamo lighting (which I planned to add to whatever I got), and a key built in.

Thanks! Will consider it!

....as for the long commute on that style...what is the reason that people don't go far on those bikes? b/c you can't go as quickly? i am so used to that style from coastal days I don't understand the difference. What am I going to regret that I don't know now about going 8 miles in that position?

arthur_scrimshaw

r1180m wrote:

reformedfatty wrote:

The only other one I'd throw in the mix is this https://www.decathlon.co.uk/elops-920-c ... 53686.html

Thanks for throwing this into the mix! Actually has 3 of the things I liked on other models that were discounted...really low step through, dynamo lighting (which I planned to add to whatever I got), and a key built in.

Thanks! Will consider it!

....as for the long commute on that style...what is the reason that people don't go far on those bikes? b/c you can't go as quickly? i am so used to that style from coastal days I don't understand the difference. What am I going to regret that I don't know now about going 8 miles in that position?

Nothing necessarily wrong with the position, I've done my commute (20 mile round trip) on my shopping bike (Genesis Smithfield) quite a few times, it just takes longer and it's harder work. If you don't mind that - go for it.

The Rookie

r1180m wrote:

....as for the long commute on that style...what is the reason that people don't go far on those bikes? b/c you can't go as quickly? i am so used to that style from coastal days I don't understand the difference. What am I going to regret that I don't know now about going 8 miles in that position?

Dutch style are not built for speed, expect an 8mph average at best, so 8 miles will take about an hour, on a sportier Hybrid that can drop to 30-40 minutes.

Also the riding position puts a lot more weight on your arris and its harder to lift off the saddle for lumps and bumps so you either expect a rougher ride or to slow down further.