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An overview of the city bikes tested
(Click here to go to the individual test)
What a wonderful task: putting together a selection of products, focusing on cool, original design, lifestyle, beautiful materials and superb craftsmanship! Or so I thought. The subsequent disillusionment, however, was considerable. When sifting through the latest organic city bike models, one either came across ‘old favourites’ – in terms of design language – or rather sober pragmatism. Apparently, the development departments have been focusing more on e-bikes in recent years, which are consistently stylish and modern. Particularly among manufacturers producing large and very large volumes, city bikes in particular seem to have been somewhat neglected of late.
Time for the specialists
In a way, it’s also satisfying to find the design gems we’d been hoping for not amongst the big names, but amongst the labels that prefer to nibble at the cake rather than polish it off. What made all their bikes so special that we wanted to feature them here varied quite a bit. What is, or what does ‘beautiful’ mean, in the context of a city bike, and how much design is acceptable without compromising functionality? After all, a city bike isn’t a showpiece.
The test line-up features a colourful selection ranging from folding bikes to lightweight cornering machines and comfortable workhorses. They all share three key features: a relatively upright riding position and easy-to-maintain in-hub gears define them as typical city bikes; furthermore, they are all quite clean in design – that is to say, they feature clear, uncluttered lines with as few struts or attachments as possible protruding from their minimalist silhouette. This design trend is currently evident in many products, from the iPod to the interiors of electric cars and minimalist living room suites.
Timo Dillenberger, Test Editor: Because of the strikingly high number of “wows” from complete strangers, we’ve included this factor in our assessment for the first time. Admittedly, it’s a bit subjective; our ‘wow-meter’ is only meant to give an impression of just how enthusiastically people reacted to each model.
City bikes: appearance, function and the StVZO
Such a clean look and sleek design naturally come at a price – literally, but even more so in a figurative sense. Minimalist luggage racks, such as the one on the Koga, simply cannot support the loads of a touring luggage rack. The same applies to the stylish front racks mounted on the fork. Even if they can hold 15 kilos, the handling becomes so unpredictable from five kilos upwards that there’s no room for a big shop – more like a bag of bread rolls or an office rucksack. The sticking point is lighting: whilst retrofitting battery-powered lights is now legal, reflectors all round should still be fitted as standard. One city bike we received for review doesn’t even have a front brake, in the interests of a clean, uncluttered look.
It is up to the buyer of the City bike to decide whether, when faced with the inevitable compromise, they prioritise safety or aesthetics. The Schindelhauer Gustav, in its special colour edition, demonstrates that it is possible to combine a stylish, modern look, practicality and good riding characteristics. The frame, which looks solid, particularly in its understated paint finish, has such clean lines that the attachments are barely noticeable. And the integrated front rack has only a minimal effect on steering behaviour, as it is fixed to the frame and does not pivot with the handlebars. Speaking of integration: Koga and Urwahn combine design and anti-theft protection in their lights! The rear light consists of LEDs recessed into the seat post, whilst the front lights and daytime running lights are also recessed into the city bike; this deters thieves and prevents damage from ‘parking knocks’ – and looks spectacular too!
Well, look at that!
Let’s be honest: as well as enjoying the stylish look, surely no cyclist would mind if passers-by and fellow cyclists gave them a friendly look or a wave. This happened to us remarkably often during our test rides – just like with a VW Beetle or a VW camper van. People simply enjoy seeing such lovely vehicles, whether they have four or two wheels. It doesn’t make you a show-off; you’re simply adding a beautiful sight to eco-friendly city transport – a bike that’s also practical, fast, comfortable and manoeuvrable. For some, this – and the pride they take in their city bike – might even motivate them to cycle more often instead of getting into their car. What a great added bonus!
The 8 city bikes in the test: design gems for the city
Gazelle Van Stael
Key details about the City bike
- Model: Gazelle Van Stael
- Price: 899 euros >> available here
- Weight: 15 kg
- Frame set/sizes*: Socketed steel frame with 1-inch tubes, rigid steel fork, sizes 49 (mid only), 54, 59 and 64 (high only) cm
- Variants/options: as a ‘High-step’ with a horizontal top tube and a ‘Mid-Step’ with a trapezoidal frame in blue-green, grey, dark blue and dark green
- Drive/Brakes: 7-speed Shimano Nexus gear hub with chain, 44:19 gear ratio, machined cranks / Tektro caliper brakes with retro levers
- Facilities: High-profile rims with Continental SportContact II tyres (622 x 28) in cream white, a Brooks leather saddle and Slender leather grips, metal mudguards, a chain guard and a side stand
- Maximum total weight/payload: 130 kg/27 kg and 25 kg (both optional)
- Development: 3.14–7.72 m
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Minimalist, classic design, brilliant paintwork, incredibly agile and comfortable
- Minus: Long gear ratios, poor braking performance in the rain, tyres not very comfortable
Conclusion on the Gazelle Van Stael
So Gazelle isn’t just about Dutch bikes! The Van Stael pays homage to the brand’s sporting heritage. The colour scheme supplied complements the minimalist design extremely well, particularly the leather grips and the slim brake levers; the bell had to be moved to the stem for aesthetic reasons. The narrow tyres roll and accelerate brilliantly; the slightly offset handlebars allow for an almost upright riding position, yet the Van Stael is more inclined to zip along sportily than to cruise, partly because the gear ratios are really long. The head tube and seat tube are quite steep, which makes this city bike wonderfully agile. A wonderfully cosy look meets a speed-oriented, incredibly stylish and affordable package.
Koga Supermetro
Key details about this city bike
- Model: Koga Supermetro
- Price: 1,849 euros >> available here
- Weight: 15.5 kg
- Frame set/sizes: Flat-welded aluminium frame set made from hydroformed tubes (6061 alloy), with integrated steering angle limiter and Koga Light Design / diamond frame in M/L/XL, mixed frame in S/M/L
- Variants/options: as a low-step model in a limited edition, without StVZO-compliant equipment
- Drive/Brakes: Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub gear system with Alfine 8 shift levers, Gates Carbondrive with a gear ratio of 46:22, eccentric bottom bracket / Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc brakes, 160 mm
- Facilities: Koga Urban luggage rack, Conti Contact Urban 40-622 tyres on double-walled rims, ART-certified frame lock, Ergo pedals
- Maximum total weight/payload: 130 kg/25 kg (top)
- Development: 2.45–7.50 m
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Top-quality lighting system including daytime running lights, low-maintenance Gates belt, excellent brakes, durable paintwork, and a discreet 25-kg carrier
- Minus: Relatively heavy
Conclusion on the Koga Supermetro
The sensible choice in this test, yet the bike boasts so many visual and technical highlights. Just look at the spectacularly shaped tubes – particularly the head tube with its integrated light, brake lines and gear cable – not to mention the superb welds and the hammered-finish paintwork: it’s all as if cast from a single mould! You sit in an upright position, typical of a city bike, so you have to shift down at traffic lights to accelerate. Once you’ve got some momentum, the bike handles very steadily and feels light, even with a bit of luggage on the rack; from 13–15 kilos, this makes the ride feel only slightly spongy. The frame itself is brutally stiff; it’s a good thing the tyres cushion the bumps a bit. An all-rounder with a touch of understatement.
Retrovelo Louis Duo 26"
Key details about the City bike
- Model: Retrovelo Louis Duo 26"
- Price: 2,880 euros
- Weight: 17.5 kg
- Frame set/sizes: CroMo frame, partially butted with a detachable rear triangle for belt drive, 3-plate head tube fork, Ahead headset / one size fits all
- Variants/options: All colours and designs (surcharge for powder coating), all gearboxes available, as a 28-inch version with narrow tyres
- Drive/Brakes: Schlumpf-Haberstock crankset with 2-speed derailleur and chain drive, eccentric bottom bracket, primary gear ratio 36:18 / SRAM AVID BB7 mechanical disc brakes, 160 mm, Avid 2-finger brake levers
- Facilities: Brooks leather saddle, cork ergonomic grips, Schwalbe Big Apple tyres (60 x 559) with reflective strips, Shimano Alfine hub dynamo
- Max. total weight/payload: 130 kg / 20 kg (top)
- Development: 2.16–3.56 m
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Extensive customisation options, a supremely comfortable tyre-saddle-handlebar combination, superbly finished, with plenty of accessories in the same colour as the bike
- Minus: Not very dynamic, heavy, not cheap
Conclusion on the Retrovelo Louis Duo 26"
Cruising through the city at a leisurely pace – that’s what this Louis is all about. This particular model, that is, because using the online configurator you could just as easily build it to be sportier, even with a Rohloff hub. Without top speed, there’s no cause for criticism of the mechanical brakes or the mediocre straight-line stability caused by the rearward curve of the handlebars, which creates an incredibly comfortable riding position. You wouldn’t want to be shifting gears much when you’re this relaxed anyway – that’s what the 2-speed automatic transmission is for; so hills or steep gradients are hardly an option. The harmonious, consistent design is reminiscent of a 1940s army motorbike, and the bike is just as robust from fork to rear rack. Given the price, though, you really have to be a big fan of its original, super-cool look.
Schindelhauer Gustav Moonlight Rose Edition
Key details about the Citybike
- Model: Schindelhauer Gustav Moonlight Rose Edition
- Price: 1,750 euros
- Weight: 15.3 kg
- Frame set/sizes: Aluminium frame set (6061-T6 alloy), Aero-Shape tube set, triple-butted, forged dropouts with slide-lock system, concealed opening for straps / Sizes 45, 50, 55 cm
- Variants/options: also available in deep sea blue, mineral grey, ash grey and petrol blue
- Drive/Brakes: Shimano Nexus 8-speed gear hub with Alfine Rapidfire shifter, Gates Carbon Drive – S150, primary gear ratio 46:26 / Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brake, 160 mm
- Facilities: Conti Contact Urban in 50 x 584, Shimano DH-T400 hub dynamo, Busch & Müller Lumotec Eyc N Plus front light and ILU jr. rear light
- Maximum total weight/payload: 130 kg/15 kg (front) / – (rear, optional)
- Development: 2.01–6.17 m
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Great metalwork, well-thought-out features all round, a fully-fledged front rack that’s ultra-practical, robust and looks brilliant
- Minus: Belt tension is difficult to adjust
Conclusion on the Schindelhauer Gustav Moonlight Rose Edition
No wonder Gustav has already swept the board at all the design awards! Not only is the bike a real eye-catcher in its special colour, it’s also incredibly versatile. Briefcase, parcel, shopping basket – almost anything can be secured in an instant on the rack, which is firmly bolted to the head tube; the fact that it doesn’t turn with the handlebars is only slightly disorienting at first. Thanks to the thick, high-profile tyres, neither the load nor the rider is jolted about, even though the fork and frame are wonderfully stiff. Their shape isn’t just a design feature. The fittings are deliberately kept understated – Gustav is the star! The weight and handling are pretty good for a bike designed to carry loads. Sorry, competition – this bike’s right up there with the best – and it’s affordable too!
Veloretti Caféchaser
Key details about the City Bike
- Model: Veloretti Caféchaser
- Price: 472.50 euros
- Weight: 14.0 kg
- Frame set/sizes: Oversize aluminium frame, crossed seat stays, steel threaded fork / sizes 57 and 61 cm, powder-coated
- Variants/options: Available in Blue Yonder, Black Sabbath and Gun Metal Grey; a 3-speed in-hub gear version is also available, with or without a freewheel, and front and rear rim brakes can be added as optional extras
- Drive/Brakes: Single-speed hub, chain drive, gear ratio 44:18 / internal coaster brake, NO front brake on the test bike, available as an optional extra
- Facilities: High-profile aluminium rims, chain guard in the same colour as the frame, centre stand, Axa battery-powered rear light, 622 x 37 tyres, chain tensioner included
- Maximum total weight/payload: 120 kg / – (rear), 15 kg (front)
- Development: 5.37 m
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Extremely clean appearance, great paintwork, sturdy rims, body panels in the same colour as the frame
- Minus: Only compliant with the StVZO when fitted with accessories; suitable for flat terrain only; front rack is unstable
Conclusion on the Veloretti Caféchaser
Let’s get one thing straight: a bike with a brake on the rear wheel only is perfectly legal in the Netherlands! But even though you’ll never be travelling fast on a Caféchaser with its elegant understatement, you really should – legal or not – have a front brake fitted. Despite its subtle colour, the fantastic powder-coated finish shimmers so stylishly in the sun that this original bike really cuts a fine figure, even with its technically simple design. With over 5 metres per crank revolution, acceleration takes a while, but 3-speed hubs are also available! For us, this is a better option than the front rack, which was far too ‘flexible’, even with just a camera bag. Here, minimalists can get a unique, affordable designer bike for very little money.
Turbine Diamond Custom
Key details about the Citybike
- Model: Turbine Diamond Custom
- Price: 2,079 euros
- Weight: 14.7 kg
- Frame set/sizes: Steel frame and rigid fork made from 25CroMo4, double-butted, rear triangle designed to accommodate a belt drive, 6-year guarantee
- Variants/options: Sizes: 44, 48, 52, 55, 59, 62 cm in 210 colours, custom build, frame shapes: diamond, mixte, curved
- Drive/Brakes: Shimano Alfine 8-speed with Rapidfire shifter, Gates belt with a gear ratio of 42:18 / Shimano Deore V-brake
- Facilities: Schwalbe G-One RS 35-622 tyres, Jagwire external cables, Busch & Müller IQ-XS LED headlight, Brooks Slender leather grips and saddle, 36-hole double-eyelet aluminium hollow-section rims, hub dynamo
- Maximum total weight/payload: 140 kg / 15 kg (front), – (rear, optional)
- Development: 1.58 to 9.5 m
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Potentially long-lasting, highly customisable design including choice of colour, stylish ‘natural’ tyre sidewalls, many German parts suppliers
- Minus: Cables and wires laid outdoors, price
Conclusion on the Turbine Diamond Custom
Manufacturer Thomas Willing calls the style ‘neoretro’ – that sums it up perfectly! Apart from the high-quality 25CrMo4 tubing, it’s a very simple frame that can be ordered in 250 colours and with a selection of components that’s just about manageable. Its versatility is no doubt also down to the slightly sporty riding position and the cables and wires routed entirely externally; these would probably stand out on a grey frame, but the melon yellow outshines even the chrome and was a real crowd-puller! The 8-speed Alfine shifts superbly and reliably, and has the widest range of use in the test. As practical as the Supermetro, more personalised than Louis, sportier than Gustav, and more expensive than Van Stael.
Urwahn City Fox
Key details about the City bike
- Model: Urwahn City Fox
- Price: 3,999 euros >> available here
- Weight: 13.5 kg
- Frame set/sizes: CrMo steel, 3D-printed using the SLM process, wall thicknesses up to 0.9 mm, aluminium fork with tapered Ahead steerer tube, internal cable routing / Sizes: 52, 54, 56, 58, 60
- Variants/options: Design in asphalt, concrete, cobalt, oxide, gold
- Drive/Brakes: Shimano Alfine 11-speed hub gear, Rapidfire shifter, Gates toothed belt with 46 (front) / 22 (rear) teeth / Shimano BL-MT200 hydraulic disc brake 160 mm, Urwahn CT1-CR1 crankset 160 or 170 mm
- Facilities: Lightskin lighting integration (handlebars/seat post), SON Schmidt SL 28 hub dynamo, ergonomic grips, Continental Grand Prix Urban 35-622
- Maximum total weight/payload: 120 kg/20 kg (rear), 10 kg (front, optional)
- Development: 2.41–4.5 m
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Unique geometry without a seat stay, fully compliant with the StVZO, low-maintenance, maximum integration of attachments
- Minus: Limited range of translations, expensive
Conclusion on the ‘Stadtfuchs’ myth
With this frame design straight out of the printer, Urwahn has created a sort of signature design. Despite the lack of a seat tube, the frame is beautifully stiff; the wheels are ultra-agile for a city bike; the Stadtfuchs is really fast and offers a perfect balance between manoeuvrability and stability. Admittedly, the gear ratios only go up to around 42 and are suitable for gentle hills, but that should be enough for the vast majority of riders. The riding position is more like that of a trekking bike, which suits the handling; if you’re wearing tight trousers and a jacket, the fabric might feel a bit tight. Urwahn takes integration to the extreme, and thanks to the black reflective strips on the Contis, the bike is fully road-legal. A designer piece for fast commuters with light luggage.
Vello Speedster Titanium
Key details about the Citybike
- Model: Vello Speedster Titanium
- Price: 2,990 euros
- Weight: 13.1 kg
- Frame set/sizes: Titanium frame for 20", rigid aluminium fork / one frame size, for taller riders with an extra-long seat tube and stem
- Variants/options: A total of 10 models made from steel or titanium, with derailleur or internal gear hubs, with or without a rear motor, available with flat handlebars or drop handlebars, with optional front and rear luggage racks
- Drive/Brakes: Shimano 105 10-speed groupset with Microshift STI levers (shifters integrated into the brake levers), mechanical disc brakes with 160 mm rotors
- Facilities: Brooks leather saddle, Orion battery-powered lights (including reflector), Schwalbe One Tube Type Performance 28-451 tyres, folding pedals, side stand
- Maximum total weight/payload: 125 kg / –
- Development: 2.71–7.89 m
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Titanium doesn’t rust; can be stowed away under the desk to prevent theft; manoeuvrable; excellent ride quality; wide gear ratio range
- Minus: Excessively long runs, long ‘folding times’
Conclusion on the Vello Speedster Titan
The elegant titanium and leather finish immediately reveal the bike’s class; when folded, it even fits into sports convertibles, the folding mechanisms are well thought out, and the whole bike feels high-quality and durable. Thanks to its short wheelbase and stem, as well as a steep steering angle, it feels a bit twitchy at first, but after a short period of getting used to it, it’s record-breakingly manoeuvrable – and accelerates superbly despite weighing 13 kilos! In terms of riding dynamics, it’s hardly any different from a 1990s road bike, even outperforming the original Brompton in this respect. The version with in-hub gears wasn’t available for testing, but it makes sense, as the derailleur is vulnerable when the bike is low to the ground; for light off-road use, there’s a gravel version. A rather ingenious solution for train and cycle commuters.
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Barbara Merz-Weigandt
Editor-in-Chief