We saw the Brooklyn Bicycle Co. range last year during the trade show rounds and were interested in their well put-together package at a great price level. Following up with them, it looks like things just keep getting better. Same price, but with some across-the-board improvements to spec since we last talked to them.
Join us across the break for more breakdown and pics if the bikes…
Brooklyn Bicycle Co. tells us they have “grown up a bit, to say the least” over that past few years. They have made some pretty big changes based on customer demand and dealer feedback, not the least of which is new branding. Previously Brooklyn Cruiser when we saw them at Interbike last year, they’ve renamed themselves Brooklyn Bicycle Co. to better reflect their growing offerings. They have expanded out from the cruiser idea to more of a solid quality simple city bike, like their carry over Bedford base model.
“Over the past few years, Grant Petersen of Rivendell (he’s on their advisory board) has been instrumental in getting our bikes to where they need to be, and early feedback on these new models and enhancements is that we nailed the combination of quality and price point.”
So what’s new for 2014?
- new BKC branding respects the growth on the company
- while new metal headbadges show the new name
- new lightweight 4130 CroMO steel main frame tube sets for all bikes
- a step up to sealed bearing for better hub durability
- move to freewheels for all bikes (no more coaster brakes)
- long-reach dual pivot brakes for better stopping power
- new aluminum cranks to help shed weight
- downtube water bottle bosses on the diamond frames
- now standard 700c wheels across all models
- all new stainless steel bolts and other hardware to survive life in the city
- new weather sealed aluminum headsets, to minimize maintenance needs
The new step-through framed Franklin joins the Bedford (which returns as a single toptube frame, dropping the second tube) as their basic affordable city bikes, with full coverage, painted-to-match fenders and chain guards. Both are now available as $399 single speeds or for $489 with Shimano Acera 7-speed derailleurs.
The Willow and Diggs models also carry over from last year. The step-through Willow and double toptube Diggs add 3 ($579) or 7 ($749) speed Nexus internally geared hubs and aluminum rear racks to the mix. In addition to the chain guards; a full coverage painted-to-match steel chain guard for the Willow and an aluminum chainring guard on the Diggs, these two also upgrade to smoother riding lugged crown forks.
Sizing is limited, at just 2 sizes for each style. Brooklyn Bicycle Co. feels that with the target city bike style the bikes should suit a wide range of riders (5’5”-6’5” for the diamond and 4’11”-6’2” for step-through frames.) They are also not featherweights, at about 28 pounds complete on average, but that sounds about right for a sturdy bike to survive a tough urban life, but still be fun to ride.
Brooklyn Bicycle Co. bikes are stocked at several bike shops in the NYC area, but can also be ordered online, then delivered and assembled at partnering independent bike shops across the country through their innovative Buy & Ride Program.
