The Big Commute: Interbike 2009

Posted by Kristin Carpenter Ogden on September 27, 2009

Christine Mattheis, Bicycling.com writer had an interesting article about her take-away for Interbike 2009: all about the commute. According to her article, bike brands aren’t just dabbling in the commuter scene, they are going full bore! And it isn’t just slapping a few bike parts together, shipping the thing and hoping it all stays together. Nope, these commuter bikes have their own *new* technology as Mattheis explains:

The first: the use of belt drives. The system replaces your chain with a strong polyurethane belt that never needs grease or maintenance, and supposedly never needs to be replaced.

I noticed them (electric bikes) at Interbike ‘08, but their presence seemed even greater at this year’s show. Most of the bikes I saw offer pedal assistance powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and reach top speeds of about 20 mph.

Mattheis was also caught by the commuter style. She explains that commuting isn’t all about the bike and the ride, it is how your clothing allows you to perform off the ride and in the office (or bar, or at dinner, or in the grocery store).

I also saw casual clothing from Shebeest. Most notably, the company has started producing stretchy denim capri pants with a removable chamois, and a higher waist to accommodate bending over the bike.

The style of the commuter/cruiser bikes can’t be understated either. In keeping with the bikes of the 1950’s, Ellsworth’s RIDE keeps the inventive lines and adds strong colors to show style and function; add on a few other commuter standards like saddle bags and fenders and you’re set for work, shopping or a night out.

So riders get ready to add to your quiver of bikes: commuter, cruiser and electric…