Linus Rambler 7 vs. Biria Citibike 8

[tdntx]

Hello all,

I'm getting backing into biking after many years and looking for a decent affordable ride for my short commute (3 miles each way) and occasional errands, city riding, etc.

I like the vintage style urban bikes and prefer fenders (therefore not really looking at hybrids), multi-speed (therefore no fixed gear bikes), and generally upright riding position. Most of these bikes are a little on the heavy side but as long as it's not a tank (like our Divvy bikes) I will be happy.

Based on what I can find in my area I've narrowed it down to 2 bikes and I'm asking for feedback and experience with either of these.

LINUS RAMBLER 7
https://www.linusbike.com/products/rambler-7?variant=11585252612

BIRIA CITIBIKE 8
https://biria.com/bike/700c-men-8-speed

Both bikes are similarly priced ($450-500) and most of the specs are comparable. What would you buy and why?

Also, I'm 6' tall, 220 lbs. The Linus is available in a 58cm frame and the Biria only up to 55cm. Do you think I would find the 55 too small?

Some other bikes that were on my short list that I cannot find locally to test ride are:

Reid Vintage Roadster
https://www.reidbikes.com/product/bikes/vintage-cruisers/gents-roadster/

6KU Men's Odyssey
https://www.6ku.com/products/6ku-8-speed-city-bike

Both of these are lower priced roadster style bikes...

Fuji Nichibei Collection Sagres
http://www.fujibikes.com/usa/bikes/city/nichibei-collection/sagres/sagres

At $279.00 can this be a decent bike?

Del Sol Ora 7
http://www.ridedelsol.com/bikes/dstreet/ora-7-2016

Seems like a nice bike but no one has it in stock locally.

Jamis Commuter 1 and 2

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/commuter1.html

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/commuter2.html

Thanks!

 

[further]

Asking on an American forum may be more productive.

 

[Noru]

Hi Tdntx welcome to the forum!

Not two bikes I'm familiar with on this side of the pond.

They don't look too dissimilar from the specs.

From a using it straight away point of view the chain guard on the Linus will be a positive if you plan to ride in normal clothes not cycling specific ones but on the otherhand the pre-installed racks on Biria would be handy for carrying work stuff/shopping.

Neither of these are a deal maker though as you can easily fit a chain guard or pannier rack to either. In the pictures it looks like the Linus has the mounting points for front & rear racks on the frame & fork too.

I'd recommend getting down to your local shop(s) and asking for a test ride to see which suits you best.

 

[Cycleops]

Ask on here by all means. Some things are common both sides of the pond.

Quite honestly they're all much of a muchness. The ones with chain guards will save your pants, but apart from that...

The other option you could consider is a folder. A little more money would get you a Dahon Qix https://www.bikefolded.com/dahon-qix-d8-folding-bike-review/
You could then take it in the office with you.

 

[atalanta]

Hiya tdntx, wondering what you went for in the end? I'm in the same boat.