David Chant, owner of Resist Gallery in Toronto, had enough of the cheap but disfunctional department store bikes. He decided to do something about it by "curating" a bike for the masses: the Beater Bike. Dave endeavoured to create an inexpensive bike that was still strong and practical for the urban experience. I went to its launch party at Dave's Gallery/Showroom.
These sturdy, steel bikes are assembled in Bulgaria and the frames come from China. Canadian tariffs are much lower on EU bikes compared to Chinese bikes: 15% versus 150%. Dave took the "Henry Ford approach of offering any colour the customer may want so long as it was army green. The costs are reduced by offering only one size, one colour, and two different frames: step-through and "regular".
The whole process started only 9 months ago, but was delayed by the unavailability of ships to Montreal due to the global recession. Despite the late launch Dave is confident that he'll sell them through the fall and chalk it up to a learning experience. Next year Dave is planning to offer an even more stripped down bike, possibly an "ugly" fixie or coaster brake with a front drum brake. He'll also be looking for bike stores to start stocking the Beater Bike.
Dave hopes to keep the price below the psychological level of $300, purportedly to better match the prices at Canadian Tire and Wal-mart. His bikes currently don't have an "official" warranty. Given that no large retail shop carries these bikes it's uncertain what kind of impact these bikes can have. It's likely that any bike shop that carries Beater Bikes will need to put a minimum mark-up of 30% which would put the price before taxes to above $400. Still a reasonable price, given what people get for it, but not at the level to overcome the North American psychological barrier of seeing bikes as play things.
Is Beater Bikes falling into the trap of people expecting to pay so little for an important form of transportation? What's the point of paying $300 for a bike if you have to spend $200 a year later to get an overhaul? One, you don't end up saving much money, and two, you're creating more trouble for yourself down the road. This is what some people call a BSO (bike-shaped object). Dave's heart is in the right place of wanting to draw people away from department stores, but he's not helping much to help people take bicycles as serious modes of transportation.
For now you can purchase the Beater Bike from his gallery, 284 College, or online.
Comments
luke (not verified)
Steel frame
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 00:01I was really excited about this, but I was hoping for an aluminum frame rather than steel. Is there any rust proofing included?
Dave Chant (not verified)
The wrong impression
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 01:20I apologize as I must have given you the wrong impression.
The general idea behind Beater Bikes is this that with modern manufacturing techniques a bike sub $300 bike can be a good decent bike. If you take all the material, engineering and energy that that goes into a department store bike and channel it into something useful, you can create a good bike that is by no means a "bike like object". Unfortunately 99% of the bikes in that price range are not concerned with usability but with fashion. Lets face it the knobby tires, faux shocks and the frame geometry on your average Supercycle is nothing more than fashion for marketing purposes.
Look around you today and see what marvels of manufacturing you can buy for sub $300. For instance, you can easily buy a really good digital camera that contains more technology, R&D and advanced manufacturing process than ever made it into the Apollo moon mission. From that point of view I think we should be able to pull off a combination of a few simple machines to create a reliable bike in the same price range.
God know I appreciate a highly tuned and engineer bike as much as the next road head. Sure if you're putting 40km on the bike a day you'd be nuts not to pony up for something that costs a little more. But sometimes, allot of the times, especially in the city, that's not what's needed. I think you just need to ask anyone that rides a real beater that question.
At the end of the day there is no way you can convice me that a really decent bike can't be built for under $300. And I'm happily up for the challenge.
Cheers...
d
herb
they are good bikes
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 09:15Dave, they are decent bikes and I wish you lots of success. I didn't mean to suggest these were bicycle-shaped objects, but simply that you are going after the customers drawn to cheap bikes. I was thinking aloud that this shouldn't be the main goal of the bike industry or advocates. We should emphasize just how cheap cycling is already compared to all other forms of transportation. Just imagine being able to spend $1200 a year on a new bicycle or gear! That's how much people spend on TTC passes. Or how about $7000 (equivalent of how much the average car owner spends)?
If someone intends to use a bicycle as their main form of transportation the initial cost of the bike pales in comparison, both to the alternatives and to the long term cost of maintaining the bike.
So while building a decent bike for under $300 is a worthy goal (so long as it doesn't exploit labour), I don't think it will result in a revolution in cycling (not that Dave suggested that). I'm not even sure it's really attainable given that the one reason department stores are able to keep the prices low on their bikes is because they get crappy bike assemblers and push bikes out the door that are often unsafe.
Once you include the mark-up and warranty of a bike store I think you'll find it hard to get it below $400. But it would be $400 well spent on your bike.
anthony
I'm going to check this out...
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 04:06...And take one for a test ride.
I think that this is a really cool idea!
I may even buy one! (or two!!)
anthony
My test ride on the Beater
Tue, 08/18/2009 - 16:45So I went down today, and I met Dave. Nice guy.
At 5'8" I found the double triangle frame just a bit too large for me. I couldn't comfortably stand over the top tube; there was no clearance between my sensitive bits and the top tube. I like having an inch or two of space there. Instead I tried the step through frame for my test ride.
The bike was comfortable. I rode in an upright position and was able to see clearly around me. The gears worked smoothly, the brakes were fine. Riding it felt exactly like an old Raleigh (or its equivalent) right after a tune up; which is to say that the ride is smooth, stable, and comfortable. It behaves exactly as advertised.
However, there are two shortcomings, but they would not prevent me from buying this bike; I'd just change these two things after I bought one. One is that supplied kickstand could be better, but a good kickstand is kinda expensive. The second shortcoming is only apparent if you'll be taking the bike north of Davenport; the gear ratios are close.
Not having one for an extended period, I can't comment on the paint durability, or on the longevity of the components used.
Except for lights, it's sold ready to use. You can't beat that for the price.
4.5 stars out of five.
Darren_S
Only half of a solution.
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 05:53Are not the other issues with "cheap bikes" ones that concern working conditions? Chinese factories that make bike frames engage in labour practices that we would never dream of here. Is this not what we constantly blast WalMart for in its product line up? Are high tariffs on Chinese bikes not trying, however indirectly, to address labour issues?
I think these would be the perfect fit if these bikes relied less on countries with poor labour records. On the other hand, maybe the Canadian industry has been so decimated by the cheap imports we will never see them operate again.
Wonder how hard it would be to 'reuse' bikes, a la CBN and Bike Pirates, on a bigger scale?
Don (not verified)
The Sturdy Bike
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 08:21I wish David well.
The bicycle reminds me of the time I ordered a Chinese 'Flying Pigeon' bike from one of Jane Jacobs' sons. At the time I believe he was working at the Karma Co-op which was on Dupont at the time. Several people ordered bikes and he assembled them. This would be c1969. I loved the bike. What a conversation piece too. Only available in black. Single speed - featured metal linkage for the brakes.
.
The cost was $50.00 - a bargain even then!
This model appears to have standard cable lines. Big improvement!
Svend
Good luck, David!
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 10:22Beater bike is a misnomer though, these look good - something you'd take care of.
There's a market for something basic yet not crap, a no frills quality machine.
I wouldn't want anything more stripped down, fenders and chainguards are essential to me.
Kevin Love
Nice bike
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 20:16Nice bike.
I would have designed it with a 3-speed internal gear hub, hub brakes and full chainguard. That would have made it much more reliable and useful. But perhaps that would have added too much cost.
Rantwick (not verified)
It's a good idea, but...
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 23:39Don't such bikes already exist in the form of the "Dutch City Bike"? Are they super expensive, or unavailable, or something? I agree those aren't beaters... in fact they are well thought out, reliable commuters. Well done.
luke (not verified)
A dutch bike in Canadian
Mon, 08/17/2009 - 00:55A dutch bike in Canadian dollars will start at about $800
Kevin Love
Yes, I own one. A city bike.
Mon, 08/17/2009 - 10:56Yes, I own one. A city bike. The Pashley Sovereign Roadster. A wonderful bike that gets me to work and all around Toronto. It is a bit pricy, but well worth it to me.
Here is an example of a basic Dutch bike, the Batavus Favoriet, on sale at Curbside Cycle on Bloor Street. See:
http://store.curbside.on.ca/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_158...
Note that it comes with, as standard equipment:
*Fenders
*Full chainguard
*Coatguard
*Rear rack
*3-speed internal hub gears
*Internal hub coaster brake
*Front and rear lights
*Tire pump
Batavus has an excellent reputation for quality. The brakes and gears are sealed in the hub and the full chainguard will keep winter road salt and crap off the chain. This means that this bike will require minimal maintenance, can be used 365 days of the year, and will last a lifetime.
Curbside is selling it for $850. The bike is made in The Netherlands; I presume a large amount of the price is due to Dutch manufacturing standards and labour costs. The "Beater" bike is made in Bulgaria with a Made-in-China frame. Hence the lower price, no warranty and unproven quality.
For transportation, all bikes are cheap. My Pashley was expensive for a bike at $1,400. But it is replacing a $30,000 car, so I saved big money. For transportation, an extra $400 is really peanuts. Less than four months TTC fares and it will last the rest of your life. In my will, I'm leaving my Pashley to my son.
gwailo (not verified)
Chinese bikes
Mon, 08/17/2009 - 11:19Some poster made a statement about chinese bikes and labour practices. Wonder if this poster has ever been to, or lived in China? Vastly different place, China, and a way different work ethic than here in Canada. In some ways, we've got it all wrong, blithely following the American Dream. Most workers in Chinese factories are very happy, productive people, which is more than can be said for some people here in Canada.
The billions of Chinese people that work in factories live sustainably, harmoniously, working long days, often living in dorms on their employer's property, and ride bikes or take buses when they need to travel. Since they live near where they work, there's no need for cars to commute, or extensive infrastructure to support millions of individuals travelling from suburb to workplace. And, because housing and meals are provided at their employer's expense, they have no need for saving money to pay mortgages, house insurance, buy furniture, appliances, etc. So you think penalizing these peoples' employers is the way to change them to follow your way of living?
Our manufacturing industries have been making unsustainable products for our own domestic consumption (General Motors, Ford, Honda making cars for our own market...hrrmph.) and our society relies on importing products we need (toilet paper, toothbrushes, buses, trains.) Perhaps if we started making the things we need instead of depending on others, we might change that which we are so quick to criticise.
Decent Chinese bikes include Three Rams, and Flying Pigeon. I had a Chinese Three Rams bike when I lived in China, and it was excellent, and only cost me 400 RMB, or about 60 CDN. I would have brought it back, but I already had two bikes here in Canada - made in Canada, by Rocky Mountain and Norco.
Ben
By chance
Mon, 08/17/2009 - 15:24Did you get paid .5 RMB to post that?
dash (not verified)
These look ripe for
Mon, 08/17/2009 - 14:00These look ripe for customization too. Upgrade here and there or some other additions to "make it yours". I like that they're nice and heavy too. I've got an ultra-lite ride, but I've always been wistful for the stability of the old heavy roadsters I used to ride.
Wonder how sturdy that paint job is. As with another reader, I'm concerned about rusting. A tougher than usual paint job would be nice.
PedalPowerPat
Ignorance is bliss.
Mon, 08/17/2009 - 20:15Try reading some books, start with No-Logo or anything to do with the actual horrid conditions these people work and live in.
I am always surprised when someone says something this dumb for the public to read.
Kevin Love
Happy, or else
Tue, 08/18/2009 - 17:16"Most workers in Chinese factories are very happy, productive people"
Because if they are not, the Communist dictatorship has ways of dealing with them. Just ask Xiao Qingshan or anyone else who dared stand up for exploited and oppressed workers.
PedalPowerPat
"the Communist dictatorship
Tue, 08/18/2009 - 21:26"the Communist dictatorship has ways of dealing with them."
The darkside of globalization... erm nevermind I think its all a darkside there is nothing good about globalization for regular folks / poor folks.
Globalization is just a economic vehicle for the wealthy to continue to be wealthy/get wealthier.
For some reason most people think it is a worthy system that deserves to continue to be our process of trade. The problem is it lacks regulation, conservatives were the champions of globalisation and so are they the champions of de-regulation (separating government from economic matters).
Globalization needs to be regulated so only worthy democratic nations with strong policies towards unions, human rights and a real wage get to interact on the global market. Until then it is a flawed system that rewards using slave labour.
P.S. This damn spell check is Americanized. It keeps trying to destroy my Canadian "u"'s.
jamesmallon (not verified)
Stick to the bike
Thu, 08/20/2009 - 21:20Keep your comments to the bike, please. Any bike under $500 is from China, so it is moot that an inexpensive bike comes from there.
I like this bike, and this price. I have more expensive bikes, but I will not park them outside! This I would, because it would piss me off less if stolen - though I would still double-lock it.
One can quibble with the gearing and other choices, but it looks pretty sound to me. A 3-speed internal has fewer gear-ratios, and a 7 or 8 speed internal would add maybe $100 to the cost. This bike is a better Kona Africa Bike.
However, in a two-gendered (and more), multi-ethnic, Toronto, one size cannot fit all! I am 6'2", and my friend is 4'11". We are not riding the same bike. This needs three sizes, at least. To simplify they can use just one frame style: sloping top-tube.
Kaiser (not verified)
whats wrong with a supercycle?
Wed, 08/26/2009 - 16:26knobby tires, faux shocks and the frame geometry my poor supercycle... : )
I have to admit the Beaters an easier ride then my "Burner".
vic
Supercycles
Wed, 08/26/2009 - 16:56There's a depressingly small number of bikes locked up at the bike rack at work, especially compared to the huge sea of paved outdoor parking and multiple levels of underground parking.
It's a rare occasion, but sometimes there are as many as five bikes in our bike rack. And most of them are Supercycles! One day last week I noticed that of the 5 bikes in the rack, mine was the only one that wasn't a Supercycle. None of them were the cheesy "full suspension" bikes or anything.... just standard "mountain bikes" or "hybrids".
Yup...they're generally crappy bikes...but hey, I'm glad to see them. It's a much nicer sight than our ugly parking lots.
dash (not verified)
The amount of super cycles we
Thu, 08/27/2009 - 13:31The amount of super cycles we see around is a huge hint that a lot of people just aren't willing to put out the big money required to get a quality bike. That dude selling the "beater bike" is totally filling a niche that all manufacturers should be. All the "good" brands should be offering an affordable, decent quality "beater bike".
Ben
most sorta do
Thu, 08/27/2009 - 14:10A lot of bike manufacturers, especially the midrange ones, have a low end hybrid in th $300 - $450 range, like this Norco Plateau. That's pretty affordable. It's not top-o'-the-line, but it won't fall apart on you either.
I do agree that there is probably some room at the bottom of the price scale for bicycle sales growth.
dash (not verified)
You know, I find it
Thu, 08/27/2009 - 15:15You know, I find it surprising that manufacturers don't really put much into advertising. If they got the word out there more, and used the opportunity to educate people on why a more expensive bike makes such a huge difference, they'd be making all kinds of cash and be able to produce even cheaper, quality entry level bikes.
Barry (not verified)
I'm always happy to see more
Sat, 08/29/2009 - 13:45I'm always happy to see more sources for good practical bikes, but I kinda think the beater bike is trying to answer a question that many LBS' have already answered. My LBS has a Schwinn that is basically the same bike for about $350 US and a slew of low end hybrids and cruisers for around similar prices. All of the are better bikes than could be had at Walmart. Move up to $500 or $600 and there are some really beautiful bikes available.
I think the real problem is most LBSs fail to court the people who just want something to ride from A to B. Also, those same people don't realize if the spend $400 at an LBS rather than $200 at Target, they will be much happier.
Point A to Point B (not verified)
Agreed
Sun, 08/30/2009 - 11:43These beater bikes look great, but similar bikes do exist already. Take Jamis' "Commuter" line:
http://www.jamisbikes.com/canada/thebikes/street/index.html
I ride one that I got for about $400 and it's fantastic. They are, however, difficult to buy in Toronto. There are only a couple places that sell them.
I would be happy to see something like this made in Canada. It would help reduce that carbon footprint even further.
Point A to Point B (not verified)
Chainguards
Sun, 08/30/2009 - 11:45These Jamis bikes don't have chainguards, though, unfortunately. Would you buy a car that required you to roll up your pantleg before driving? Ridiculous.