Originally Posted by
mirfi
Geepig,
The 'euro' folders are usually good.
What is disappointing is the new cheap folders with rear cassettes and their comically low and tight gear inches. Cassette range of 12-25 and the crank is 44. End up with a gear inch range of 32-68.
Which is fine if you only want to go 5 mph with your friends who are jogging. But not for riding with your big wheeled friends.
I've documented my gearing upgrades on the Downtube and Bikesdirect Mini Velo upgrade thread.
Half the fun of these bikes is working on them. As hobbies go, it's not all that expensive. Plus you get to ride them.
Mirfi
Sometimes I think the difference is that in the past they were generally made to be ridden, while today they tend to be a fashion statement with a check list of features - great for Instagramming but in need of upgrades for more serious use.
I live some way from my garage, and for three seasons of the year I have one of my bikes locked and ready to go outside our block - so I get to ride there and back as well.