Fake fixed gear
I guess this is for people who want the clean look of a fixed gear but don’t want to rely on sheer leg power to skid their way to a stop. Or it’s for those who just like to coast. Granted you don’t get that “connected” feel that you do with a fixed gear or a big wheel and you can’t pedal backwards and do cool fixie tricks, but I think the coaster brake has enough nostalgia points for me to make this post.
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from the website: “Why is the bike called Osobike?
Because the first three letters make the shape of a bike”
hmmm… this seems like suspicious reasoning to me.
i gotta say though, props for all silver bits, simple color, steel.
points taken away for lack of room for bigger tires, lack of fender braze-ons, (what would either hurt? there arnt any brakes to worry about for clearance, and fender braze ons cost pennies.
almost a super rad bike. drop bars might be a nice option.
I’m actually working on a coaster brake 700c wheel bike like this. Using that rad old Raleigh frame…I think the spacing is perfect. I thought I was the only one who would appreciate riding this setup on a bike. I’d like to see the marketing numbers on the sales of this thing…demographics and all that. Who do you figure this is aimed at? Weirdos like me?
Rob
I highly recommend reading the review section of the website. I guess I found out who they are targeting.
hehe
Rob
I’m glad you all are looking at the bike. The Osobike is for people who like to ride their bike instead of operate it. I think there are a lot of people out there that just don’t want to be messing with adjusting gears, derailers and brakes. There are also people who like the trendy fixie look but would like to have a brake. The reviews were taped, then I wrote down what they said. I need to get a few more from some students. If any of you are really interested in the Osobike, be sure and fill out the preorder form so I can keep You posted.
Shane Stock
Osobike founder.
holy crap, a post from an authentic bike retail.
kudos.
I think the bike is a great idea too.
only a few of us nut jobs would rather have the fixie in the real world.
I even set the bike with 7 gears down on the way to work on friday, crossing the greasy cobbles and tram tracks.
no harm done, but I am a professional.
-cory
I don’t remember what it’s like riding a coaster brake, is stopping smooth or does it just lock up the rear wheel and you skid to a stop?
Stopping is smooth as long as you ease into it. If you are not careful and put too much pressure you will skid, especially with the thinner tire. Also if the brake is several years old and all the grease inside the hub has dried out, your stopping will be more abrupt. Note that coaster brakes can be maintained and serviced although they rarely need it.
Shane
i like how shane only responds to positive things. no comments on tire clearance or fender braze ons.
Unfortunately, it seems that Shimano is the only company still making a respectable coaster hub these days. Although I seem to remember Sturmey Archer doing one that was good, perhaps with internal speeds. When it comes to coaster hubs, I think the Suntour version is way better though ( I still ride them ). I can “feather” my coaster hubs to control a manual without it locking up and dropping the front wheel. I still would like to hear some feedback from an experienced rider, who this bike should be aimed at. Also, perhaps dropping the “So simple, it’s unique” phrase would be good. Remember that for a long time ( read: almost 100 years ) bikes were single speeds with a single brake.
I guess our lack of positive vibes chased Shane away. I think the bike is cool…but if I were back in the shop selling a bike to an inexperienced rider, I’d sell them a SUN cruiser. Which is so simple and unique according to Shane’s criteria. I would sell this bike to the emo fixie hipster who has already sunk $8000 into his/her current ride and just found the perfect used Goodwill bandana for tying around the toptube of another bike to cruise town on. The bike is white so it would match any color bandana they came up with. It’s Perfect! Also, I would use the coaster brake as a selling point for them to use this as a fixie skidding practice bike.
Rob
Johnson,
The tire clearance is 1 1/2″ so the tires would have to be smaller than that. I have never tried to put fenders on a bike becuase I hate them, but from the fenders I have seen on line, it looks like they attach a the wheel axils and at the brake holes, so if you really want fenders you could probably find some to work.
Jinx,
No you didn’t chase me away. I am pretty thick skinned so you can say whatever and I probably won’t get offended. To tell you the truth I am having a hard time remembering where things are posted because people are making comments on the Osobike on several forums all over the internet. Happy biking you all.
Shane