The Linus Bike Test Ride

Over the weekend, I had a brief break from work and decided that I'd like to get out in some sun and continue the search for a city bike. I headed down to Mindful Bike expecting to find a variety of bicycles to try out. I was shocked to see how much their inventory had diminished since my last visit a few weeks ago, but I was also pleased to see it because it assures me (as I'm sure the owners) that there is, indeed, a need for this type of shop on the front range and in the metro area.

Bella Ciao Corvo Citta Donna
*Image from Bella Ciao

I had read about a week ago that Bella Ciao is being sold at Mindful Bike, and was already aware that they're selling a variety of other bikes. When I arrived the store was minimally stocked with Linus and Bobbin bicycles - nothing wrong with that at all, but just not the variety I was looking forward to seeing (and riding). I decided that the Linus bikes were a nice looking bunch on my last visit, but this time thought it was time for a test ride. I tried out the Mixte 3 version, as well as the Dutchi 3, expecting that they would ride much like Public Bikes. I didn't find that to be the case, however.

I am aware of several people who own Linus Bikes and really love them, so I expected that, at minimum, I would find them to be a definite contender for the city bike replacement. I love that their prices are in a more affordable range for many people, and the styling is very sleek so I fully expected to take off as soon as I started pedaling. Again, this was not really the case.

Linus Bike, Mixte 3
*Image from Linus Bike

Starting with the Mixte 3, the styling on this bike is quite nice. It really does have the look of a mid-century French bike that's been updated for the 21st century. It is not fully lugged (not that I would expect to see lugs on a sub-$700 bike), but the 8 speed version is partially lugged for a bit more money. I love that the Mixte 3 comes equipped with a 3-speed internal hub, rear rack and bell, making it pretty functional from the moment you ride out the door. The Mixte 3 comes in one size (49cm) which is intended to be a nice middle ground for everyone to be able to ride. Personally, I found it to be a bit stretched for my just shy of 5'4" height, and even just riding it a few blocks I began to feel a kind of pain/numbing in my lower elbows from the stretch. This could simply be personal preferences or incorrect set up for the test ride, as Sam also rode the mixte and didn't have the same sensation. Regardless, I don't think any cyclist would buy a bike that caused pain on such a short ride.

Linus Bike, Mixte 8
*Image from Linus Bike

As for the ride quality, I would say it rode okay. I left the test ride with a "meh" feeling - meaning that it is a functional bike, and a good price, but it just wasn't as fast or agile as I expected it to be. Had I never ridden or owned other city bikes, I'm sure it would be a fine selection, but even comparing it to our Public Bikes, I would choose those again any day over the Linus. The Linus almost felt as though I just couldn't pick up any speed, and the sleek looks did not correlate to a quick ride, which I found disappointing. Perhaps the Mixte 8 (unavailable on our visit) would ride differently? The two models are made of different grades of material (Mixte 3= hi tensile steel; Mixte 8=4130 chromoly), but I just don't see that making a huge difference in the feel of the ride. Though admittedly, I could be wrong.

Linus Bike, Dutchi 3
*Image from Linus Bike

The Dutchi 3 test ride, sadly, wasn't any better. In fact, I would say that if I had to choose between the two, I would opt for the mixte version over the loop frame version, even with the elbow pain. The differences in the ride were astounding to me. One of the big differences is that the Dutchi 3 model I rode had 26" wheels, rather than 700c, which caused a feeling of spinning rather than covering any ground. I am absolutely not a hill climber, and I purposefully took the bike up some fairly steep hills, but I never left 3rd gear. This tells me that the bike just isn't geared properly. It would be perfect if a person lived in a very hilly area, but on flat lands it was frustrating to just spin. The crank is also a 165, which I think added to this spinning feeling while riding. Perhaps a longer crank arm could help this? I should also say that the Dutchi model comes in two sizes: 43cm and 45cm. The larger model (unavailable on my visit) has 700c wheels, so perhaps it would've made enough of a difference to lessen the constantly spinning wheels.

Linus Bike, Dutchi 8
*Image from Linus Bike

The Dutchi 3 comes equipped similarly to the Mixte 3 model, but one thing I did prefer on the Dutchi 3 is that it comes standard with a chainguard. If a person is going to ride this in every day clothes (which would be its purpose for me), I find that a chainguard makes this much easier to do. The Dutchi also comes in an 8 speed version. Neither of these models are lugged, and the Dutchi 8 comes in the 45cm size only, having the 700c wheels. Again, it's difficult to have an opinion since I was unable to ride it, but I suspect that it could ride better with the larger wheels.

I left the shop after both test rides thinking that each bike is acceptable, but I don't believe they are something I would personally choose to purchase. Of course, as with any opinion on ride quality, there are factors to consider. I've owned Pashley's in the past that were much heavier and had a more solid feeling. These Linus Bikes were nothing like the Pashley models. I've also owned 70s step-through Raleigh's which were much quicker and racier in feel. Again, the Linus Bikes feel nothing like these either. As indicated above, I cannot even compare them to the Public Bike options, as those had a completely different feel as well. If you have the ability to test ride these for yourself, I would recommend doing so, as it will likely provide answers for personal ride style, wants, and needs. I would say they are worth trying out. After all, I've taken rides on bikes that others simply despised and absolutely loved them, and vice versa. As for me, I'm opting to remain city bike-less for the time being... so, the hunt continues.