Can't afford gas? Try a 'commuter bike'
One up side of high gas prices is that many people are choosing alternate and more environmentally friendly means of transportation. bicycling is on that list. Sean Cole reports on a bicycle hand made for commuters.
One of one of Mike Flanigan's handmade bicycles, specially built for commuters. (antbikemike.wordpress.com/)
More on Jobs, Sustainability
Links
- Mike Flanigans bicycle blog
Mike Flanigans bicycle blog
TEXT OF STORY
Kai Ryssdal: There's some evidence commuting to work by bicycle is on the rise. A survey out from the advocacy group Bikes Belong says sales of what're called commuter bikes, those are bikes designed for short city trips, [is up]. There's some good reasons. Maybe it's a desire to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. Or maybe it's gas still at $3.75 a gallon, although you can drop a pretty penny on consumer bikes if you want to. Marketplace's Sean Cole got to ride one for nuthin'.
Sean Cole: Wow, I am once again in the saddle.
I hadn't ridden in years. But I had to try one of Mike Flanigan's bikes. Mike runs a one-man factory in Holliston, Mass., called Alternative Needs Transport, or ANT. Each bike takes him maybe a week to build. His waiting list is a year long.
Cole: My god, I really haven't ridden in so long this feels really strange.
Mike Flanigan: Well, they say you can never forget.
I'd actually never heard of a commuter bike. It just means a bike with fenders and a chain guard, upright handle bars, maybe a basket, definitely lights and a bell. [bell rings] In this case a special bell from Japan. You have to be up close to see how well made Mike's bikes are, and you might never guess the price. His base model runs $2900.
Flanigan: And actually mine is on the low end of the high end market.
Cole Really?
Flanigan: Oh yeah. People can spend upwards of $10,000 dollars for a bike.
Or as little as $400 to $1,000 for a factory-made commuter bike. But since Mike's bikes are handmade in America, they're gonna be pricier. Plus, he fits each one to the customer's height. He's been doing this for six years, long before there was so much interest in commuter bikes. He says it used to be that the big manufacturers would only dip their toe into the market now and then.
Flanigan: Like Specialized tried that in the early '90s, I think it was. They had a bike called the Globe. Very nice bike. Reasonable priced. Completely failed in the market. Gas was still cheap. Bicycles were still toys. It just, the market wasn't ready for it.
But last fall, he says, at an annual trade show called Interbike, a lot of the big brands were finally hawking bicycles built for commuting.
Richard Fries: It's not a matter of do they have it in their fleet, you know, it's sort of where they position it in their booth.
Richard Fries is development director for Bikes Belong, which did the survey we mentioned earlier. I caught him on his daily 15 mile ride to work. Like daily, daily.
Fries: Like January, I'm the guy out here.
Lots of Lycra, too. He owns a ton of bikes. He says for him it's like buying shoes. And right now he covets the Manolo Blahnik of bicycles, which is actually called a Bianchi Milano. But all that a lot of people really need to get around he says...
Fries: ...is the bike that Curious George had. You know what I mean? Fenders, chain guard, a little rack to strap your books onto. Does wheelies. Gets around town.
Cole: That's a commuter bike.
Fries: That's a commuter bike. Curious George had it dialed.
But when you really get into something -- anything, bikes, wine -- you develop a taste for the primo stuff, like a Mike Flanigan bike.
Susan Brady: Has an internal hub in the back, so that keeps the mud and stuff out of all the gears, like all the gears are inside that thing.
Susan Brady got one last fall and rides it almost an hour to her job in Cambridge, Mass., almost every day. She has another bike, which is cheaper and older, but this one's like kind of like a wedding ring. She says it symbolizes her commitment to cycling.
Brady: I mean, the cool thing about bikes is you can spend a little or spend a lot, and they're all gonna pretty much do the same thing.
Cole: That's what I'm wondering, why you would spend a lot.
Brady: Cause I thought I'm never gonna be able to buy a house, so I might as well buy a nice bike.
A nice bike with a really hard seat, I found out.
Flanigan: Well, the leather seats are hard when they're brand new, so you do have to break em in.
Cole: Uh huh. I also feel like my butt is a little hard.
Flanigan: Yeah, I think that's the biggest part of breakin' in a saddle is actually breakin' in your butt.
And seeing as my commute is like 10 feet from my bedroom to my office, that's not likely to happen any time soon.
In Boston, I'm Sean Cole for Marketplace.
Comments
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From Framingham, MA, 09/12/2008
It's kind of a shame that more than half of these posts are focusing on the price of the bike from ANT and how much you COULD spend on a commuter bike if you want, when that wasn't the focus of the story at all.
From Chesapeake, VA, 09/05/2008
As its been said before, everybody has a thing or two they don't mind putting money into. Stereos, Ipods, cameras, Blingy rims for the hoopty, booze, smokes. (none of which make you healthy)
Bikes get you to and from and make you healthier in the process.
Yeah Mike and ANT!
I want one of his cool bikes...even if I have to sell the super mondo bass speakers out of the lowrider civic....
From Fort Worth, TX, 09/01/2008
I own 3 of Mike's bikes, and ALL of them were custom made to fit me. I don't make a ton of money, due to the fact that I'm a bicycle mechanic, but I DO appreciate a custom fit, and beautiful craftsmanship.
Yes, it's a matter of perspective for sure, since one of the bikes is worth about 3200.00, and I drive a 1000.00 truck. But the truck only gets used to do things that the bike can't, like move fridges and the like.
Here in Ft. Worth, the bike is still viewed as either a have too option for the homeless/immigrant/dui person, or a toy for the wealthy. Myself and others have been trying to change that perception for years, and have finally started making a little headway. The bottom line is, cars will kill us all a lot faster than bikes will.
RIDE A BIKE!
From Chicago, IL, 09/01/2008
While it is great to hear Mike Flanigan getting some recognition, I found Stuart Klipper's questions somewhat uninformative and his attitude kind of nasty. (NPR should have sent a cyclist to meet Mike!)
There is a dynamic commuter & recreational cycling movement underway here in the U.S.. ANT Bikes are part of that movement, as are Rivendell, Vanilla, and numerous others. Most of these small companies pride themselves on offering bikes hand-crafted in the U.S., which is in contrast to the large bike companies that sell "affordable" bikes built primarily in developing nations (often from sub-par materials), bikes that are part of our throw-away society--if your $300 bike breaks then you get another...and another...
I understand that we all cannot afford a custom built bike, but don't knock people like Mike who are trying to make an honest living doing something they love, which not only contributes to the American economy, but also contributes to making environmentally sound transportation choices.
From Baltimore, MD, 08/28/2008
Obviously you're not going to start off buying a $3,000. I started commuting with a cheap used mountain bike, rode it for a while until I got a better feeling for what I wanted and needed in a bike, then upgraded to a new commuter bike from a larger manufacturer in the $300-700 range (Bianchi Milano) and in a few years I'll get over my penny pinching and buy a custom commuter bike from someone like Mike or a family/cargo bike like this http://clevercycles.com/store/?c=web2.68.
Like others I'm sorry that Marketplace (a show I love) sent someone who never rides to do this piece, but I'm also surprised at myself that I'm willing to spend $10-20K on a car that I rarely use but haven't yet been willing to put out $2+K for a bike that I'll ride every day. As I said above, the shift will come eventually.
I've seen too many articles about bike commuting with someone who hasn't ridden in years trying to bike every day for a week on a bike they're not familiar with and being amazed that it doesn't go well. Start gradually, get advice from other commuters, and you'll get in better shape and more comfortable/savvy riding in traffic.
From Near Philadelphia, PA, 08/23/2008
Simon Firth was too modest to tell you he built the bike that he commutes on. Ride what you like, ride what you can afford, support your LBS, support your bespoke builder, support your local thrift shop. Just ride.
This 'Mike's bikes are too expensive' argument goes nowhere. Everybody, unless you are some sort of monk, has a hobby/habit/sweet tooth or what-have-you that someone else can point to and say 'you can get one cheaper, I'd never spend that kind of coin.'
Also, not using this opportunity to pimp my blog.
From Mount Joy, PA, 08/22/2008
I think it is great that these quality bikes are being built, but if you ask around you will find that a lot of people have old bicycles sitting in their basements that they are not using. They are more than happy to let you reintroduce these bicycles back into the wild. I keep one for my ride to the station, one at work, and one as a spare. The locks & lights cost me more than the bikes themselves. Also I don't worry too much about them getting stolen.
From St. Paul, MO, 08/22/2008
Interesting story. What most people think is a "nice" bicycle is something that costs somewhere between $250 and $500. Our definition of a "nice" bicycle starts at $1000 and goes up from there. My husband and I own a store in St. Paul where we give away bicycles that we get from area recycling centers. People drop them off, we pick them up, fix them up, and give them away. A lot of our "customers" are homeless men who need the bicycle to get to job interviews because they can't afford the bus. They can't afford to buy even a cheap thrift store bicycle, so we give them one. We have heard from some of the social workers who assist these men that when one gets a bicycle, he gets a job, then gets an apartment, and gets off the street. Our work changes lives, one bicycle at a time. The need is great - we have 240 people on our waiting list. Bus fare is going to go up again - what will the poor do? Many turn to us to get bicycles. Bicycle commuting is on the rise among those who find it to be the most affordable option.
From Chicago, IL, 08/22/2008
I bought my high quality long distance bike in 1984 at an equivalent of $2500 present-day dollars, which puts it in the "expensive" category. I have now clocked more than 30,000 miles on it, and the bike will probably outlast me. We have to get away from the idea that everything has to be as cheap as possible. You get what you pay for.
From WY, 08/22/2008
When I was asked to answer some questions about my bike commuting for an upcoming story - - none of the questions (or answers) would have given any indication that the story would take this line. Doesn't matter, I ride (to and from work and around this small town) because it is quicker, easier and fun.
From washington, DC, 08/20/2008
ANT BIKES are beautiful machines! the comments were as clever as the story it is true these are expensive bicycle and for commuting... you can do the same thing on a beater from the thrift store or on one of these custom rigs hand built by Mike Flanigan the important thing is not what you ride but rather that you ride and for those who choose not to ride we that ride as that you respect our choice to ride -gwadzilla www.gwadzilla.blogspot.com a bicycle blog from washington dc and I just bought a bicycle that cost nearly as much as my last three bikes combined and of course... with no regrets
From Milwaukee, WI, 08/20/2008
Peter Wang: 'Let's not confuse "wants" and "needs".'
industrial civilization and the ideology of "business" is a confusion of manufactured wants and needs. get a clue. the whole infrastructure of civilization creates your "need" for a bike, ore extract, pollution, colonial subjugation for a land base, etc.. being philosophical with cliche is fun but its highly unintelligent to view life in a narrow lens.
From Houston, TX, 08/20/2008
I put 3500 miles a year on a bike that cost me $500 in 2005... no need for such a dreadfully expensive custom bike, of course we are all free to spend money on luxury items. Let's not confuse "wants" and "needs".
From Portland, OR, 08/20/2008
I have three handmade bikes, and all three put together cost about what my wife and I payed for our car (and not an expensive car; a Honda Civic.) That is before I add the cost of gas, insurance, and maintenance. It is all just a question of priorities.
From philadelphia, PA, 08/19/2008
I use my bike to commute but also to go to the store or the movies or on a picnic,I get the $$ back that I invested in my machine by riding it every day
From NJ, 08/19/2008
Getting a frame that fits is very important. I don't have any problems finding off the shelf manufactured bikes that are good enough, but a friend is about 6'7 and all leg and arm. Nothing fits her and $3k custom bikes are way out of her budget.
I
From Medford, OR, 08/19/2008
If you have ever seen a custom bike up close you would know why they are paying $10K and waiting a year for it to be built. The attention to detail is like fine artwork.
From Phoenix, AZ, 08/19/2008
This is an appropriate story for Marketplace to run. Most people will hear this story in their cars as they sit in traffic on the way home from work.
I distribute commuter cycles hand made in England by Pashley Cycles - pashley.co.uk . I have seen a shift in sales from the increase in gas prices and the green movement as well. People are changing their attitudes on how they commute and run errands. Bicycles are not toys anymore.
From CA, 08/19/2008
Thrift stores are pretty good places to find very inexpensive bikes. With a little fixing up (tubes, tires, brake pads, cables), I have little need for a pricey bike.
From Tucson, AZ, 08/19/2008
Great article and the question is very pertinent from the interviewer (why so expensive) because it is a question almost all new consumers have. Inexpensive or expensive. I hold no ill will. If they are on bicycles great and if they support the recycling of bicycles that is wonderful, less stuff in the landfill. Purchasing new, made to measure, bespoke bicycles? That is good for all of us who make those also. I compare the expense to a myriad of consumer products. Watches, cars, art, musical instruments, homes. The list goes on. From the low end to the high end they all serve to function at the core usage. Whether though, lets say in the case of a watch, you have a Timex or a Rolex or for that matter a 150k Patek Philippe. It is a personal choice. I for one am glad that all these exist. One is the practical, the other is the possible. Dave Bohm/Bohemian Bicycles
From Fallbrook, CA, 08/19/2008
I enjoyed the story as well. I am a member of the ANT Colony, I ride an ANT. I enjoy commuting to work. It gives me a chance to slowly gear up for the day, it is a great way to decompress on the way home, and I enjoy the scenery. I am fortunate I live about ten miles from work and the time difference from using a car is about 30 minutes, if I go slow. I also feel more connected to my neighbors and the community, as I ride by someone I give them a friendly ding ding from my bell and a smile. I spent the extra money on this bike because of the great quality and it is a way for me to vote economically in a cause I believe in. Also, I plan on having it for a while. For example I still have my $1,500 mountain bike that I bought in 1990, and the odometer reads many miles of healthy pleasure, reflection and connection with nature. My bike serves many purposes, commuting, riding with the kids or going for a nice recreational ride. Thanks Mike and to all the people in the industry and for the great programming on market place. Patrick Meehan
From Seattle, WA, 08/19/2008
Cool story, props to Mike (who builds great bikes, btw), but why send a reporter who doesn't ride and can't see why someone would spend this kind of money on a commuter? Would you send a reporter who didn't drive to review a new Porsche?
Some people like made-to-measure items and cool things handcrafted in America, some don't. It's a big world.
From Seattle, WA, 08/19/2008
Obviously one can commute on a much cheaper bike, but the story gets it right: there are, like fine wine, fine (and expensive) bikes out there that aren't carbon fiber Tour de France team machines.
As for the outrage I see at the extreme cost, are you equally outraged that some people drive Jaguars or Mercedes or Range Rovers?
Remember: a bike isn't an alternative to expensive gas; it's an alternative to destroying the world with your car.
From Sacramento, CA, 08/19/2008
Interesting article. A pricey commuting bike is only appropriate for those fortunate bicycle commuters who have a secure place to park their bike at work. More employers should encourage bicycle commuting (showers, lockers, secure parking.) Providing vehicle parking is costly: land, construction, lighting, security, insurance, etc. Yet employers routinely provide car parking for staff, while neglecting the needs of bicycle commuting employees.
There are many helpful web resources for prospective bicycle commuters, including my site: http://www.runmuki.com/commute/
Traffic at my site and related blog has tripled in the past year, according to Google Analytics. Many of my blogging friends report similar growth. Clearly higher gas prices are leading many motorists to reexamine their commute mode.
From Seattle, WA, 08/19/2008
I do use a relatively expensive bike as my commuter, but I have *very* secure storage for it. If I had to leave it at a regular outside bike rack I would probably get a cheap beater (or rather another.... my cheap beater *was* stolen earlier this year). It would be so sad to have not only such an expensive bike, but such a nice one taken.
From Holliston, MA, 08/19/2008
Thanks to everyone that listened to the program and made comments. Mark E is right you can build a used bike up for around $4/500 and I do encourage that...I just want people to ride instead of drive. You can also buy a new imported bike that is pretty nice for $400 to $900. as for Stuart's comments...I said up to $10K...not $20K. The most expensive commuter bike I have made is about $5K...I like to compare it to cars. You can buy a Chevy Aveo for $10K or you can buy an Escalade for $60K...goes to and from work just the same. You can buy a $20 watch [mine] or buy a Rolex for what? $2K...or even much more for a fancy watch, say about $10K...now that is crazy.
Mike Flanigan/ANT
From San Jose, CA, 08/19/2008
@Stuart
You can afford a really nice bike(s) if you don't need to own a car.
From Peoria, IL, 08/18/2008
As a bicycle mechanic, commuter, and National Outings leader for Sierra Club bicycle trips, I have a special interest in your story. I thought it was wonderful that you included quips about the geometry of the frames. And, the story helped me feel much better about my 21-year-old Brooks leather saddle (which everyone tells me I should replace with a newfangled ergonomic seat.)
However, perhaps due to lack of time, it seemed that you overlooked the surging interest in electric-assist bicycles as commuter alternatives. Do you intend to do any more pieces on alternative transportation? And, if so, what types of trends would you feature?
I always enjoy the marketplace stories. They are clever, well-conceived, and forthright. This is the first time I've ever commented on any of the stories. Thanks so much for your attention!
Mark Beiser
phone: 309 219-2453
(309-219-BIKE)
From East Palo Alto, CA, 08/18/2008
Great story focusing one independent American Frame builders, that somewhat ironically, seems to makes bikes that mostly look very retro European bikes. For the rest of us, who aren't able to shell out about $3,000 for a new commute bike, it is possible to retrofit and/or upgrade vintage bicycle frames for daily use. My own personal commuter is a 1980s Fuji Palisade road bike I completely rebuilt with new and used parts. It weighs just over 22 lbs. and cost less than $400 to rebuild. With all due respect to small independent bicycle frame builders, I wouldn't want to wait for an expensive "custom fitted" built frame I don't need because most fit adjustments can be made with the components. Mark
From minneapolis, MN, 08/18/2008
Upwards of 20 grand for a commuter bike??!!
Gimme a break -- who is paying that much? -- where are they commuting to and from? Fort Knox? Abu Dabai?
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