The owner of Beater Bikes contacted me:
To put it simply, I make brutally simple bikes that you look good riding. I try and make my bikes easy to use, low maintenance and inexpensive. I believe if I do that, people will want to ride them more.
He runs something called the Beater Test Pilot Program. The program consisted of him loaning his prototype bikes out to "test pilots" for at least a season.
I ask them to ride the bike hard, alot, or both and let me know of any problems when they return it. I actually do use what I learn to make the bikes better. It's an important part of the process. I'm trying to build an inexpensive bike that can last.
He's expanding the program in Washington and The Daily Rider (http://thedailyriderdc.com/) is going to help him distribute and keep track of the test bikes.
You can apply here.
ZOMG socialism!!1!
Posted by: MM | June 21, 2012 at 09:13 AM
Single speed step-through for $299. He may have just disrupted the US omafeits market!
(Seriously, if the bike is halfway decent build quality, that's a pretty good deal.)
Posted by: oboe | June 21, 2012 at 09:47 AM
A much better idea if they offer the bikes with 8-speed internal gear hub & front & rear hub breaks (basically like my bike) in order to keep them simple and robust.
Posted by: ken | June 21, 2012 at 10:34 AM
Hello,
We currently have on test pilot in the Toronto area testing a version with hub brakes. They could appear in future version. Unfortunately that does impact price significantly.
d
Posted by: Dave Chant | June 21, 2012 at 12:44 PM
Dave - that is great to know: when I changed my 1973 Schwinn Racer to be my dream urban commute bike in 2000 there were really no extant alternatives. The commute is only 5 miles each way, mild hills, but the old 3-speed intervals were horrible (1 and 3 virtually useless). The hub brakes, while acknowledged are not good for stopping on a dime when running at 30mph etc.... are very good for commuting, The minimum of cleaning, oiling the chain and adding hub grease or brake grease rarely makes such a bike is truly Beater Buff! Look forward to seeing them around.
Posted by: ken | June 21, 2012 at 02:12 PM
@Ken,
Those are nice, but cost between $200-$300 bucks for the hub alone. I think the point was to produce cheap "beater" bikes.
Posted by: oboe | June 21, 2012 at 02:35 PM
Sent them an e-mail. Bikes look ok,but really need a front brake of some sort for this area. Too many hills,too much traffic(car and ped). A simple sidepull wouldn't jack the price up bad,but would greatly increase safety.
Posted by: dynaryder | June 21, 2012 at 03:27 PM
@Oboe,
Didn't mean to omit the obvious. Indeed they are more expensive up front (don't know about over time) so I would just suggest they offer as option upgrades.
Posted by: ken | June 22, 2012 at 10:42 AM