Valerie was kind enough to demonstrate some of the features of this bike:
- Gates carbon belt drive
- Shimano 3 speed hub
- Efficient and smooth rolling 700 x 47 tires
- Women's model (shown) has a front basket for Valerie to store her pom poms. This front basket has a collapsible frame which is cheaper to ship (lowers dealer cost)
- Men's model has rear racks and panniers.
- Unique rear triangle design eliminates the usual bolt off triangle used in other belt drive designs.
- Lightweight aluminum frame is stiffer, less clunky and lighter than your standard beach cruiser. Valerie let me ride her bicycle and I can report that it indeed provides a very nice and smooth ride.
...And here's another photo of Valerie on the GT Aerostream:
Your mileage may vary.
Valerie also tells me that REI is now selling this bike and absolutely loves it.
Outstanding review! I hadn't noticed how much improved the bike made her. But wow!, what a difference! Well done!
ReplyDelete"Valerie let me ride her bicycle and I can report that it indeed provides a very nice and smooth ride."
ReplyDeleteI bet she does...
I'd notice the bicycle if the model weren't hot like napalm!
You are so funny! I'd better get one of those bikes, I'm looking a bit bedraggled lately.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, that's a great looking bike, and less parts to rust compared to older 3-speeds. I wonder if the basket can be purchased separately?
Huh, what bike?
ReplyDeleteOh wait, now I see it.
"provides a very nice and smooth ride."
ReplyDeleteDid you mean a "swoopy" ride? I imagine that comes from the exaggerated fork rake.
Wait a minute! Are you saying that if I ride that bike I'll look like Valerie? 'Cause right now I look too much like the other model, you know, the Elvis impersonator in spandex.
ReplyDeleteOh, the horror!