Virtue Bike, a leader in bicycles for all the cycles of life, is spotlighting five popular models this holiday season as the perfect gifts for commuters, recreational riders and those who want to enjoy cycling with their families. The 2013 models include the Virtue 7, Curve 7, Encore 5, School Bus and the Gondoliere.
Virtue 7 & Curve 7
Virtue Bike’s handsome Virtue 7 (diamond frame) and Curve 7 (step-through) are ideal bicycles for commuting to work in style, taking a quick ride across town or running that errand after work. The Virtue 7 features a fashionable riveted leatherette saddle, stitched grips and shiny bell. The bike features chromoly frame and fork as well as seven-speed Shimano drivetrain,Tektro front and rear brakes, Wellgo road pedals and Kenda Kwest cream tires. Extras include a kickstand, chain guard, chain deflector and fenders. The Virtue 7 is available in gloss black, with the Curve 7 available in gloss black, Atlantis Green and flat black in size 52, 56 and 60. The MSRP is $399.00
Virtue Encore 5
Borrowing quintessential stylish lines, the classic Encore 5 bicycle employs time proven upright geometry with modern twists like a Sturmey Archer five-speed internally geared hub. Made for everyday recreational cycling, the Encore 5 (available in diamond frame and step-through) models features Sturmey Archer Sheriff Star internal geared and brake hubs with SLS50-T5 thumb shifters, Kenda Kwest cream tires, Wellgo pedals and extras like a chain guard, fenders, kickstand, bell and stitched leatherette seat and grips. The Encore 5 is available in one size, in gloss black. MSRP is $599.00.
Virtue School Bus, School Bus+
The School Bus’ front compartment has removable bench seats perfect for two kids. Remove the bench seats, and there’s lots of room for dogs, grocery bags, bags of mulch from the home store — the load capacity is about 300 pounds. The bike comes with a Shimano drivetrain, Joytech front internal brake hub and Promax rear V-brake, and Kenda K-Rad tires. The bike has been carefully designed to fit most door widths in American homes for easy storage and features a unique self balancing mechanism when turning. The bike itself weighs about 80 pounds, has a capacity of 242 lbs, and is available with an 250W electric motor as the School Bus+ ($1,499) or without for $999. Available in gloss black.
Virtue Gondoliere, Gondoliere+
Spend quality time cycling together as a family with the Gondoliere and Gondoliere+ featuring a wooden seating area located in front of the driver, perfect for keeping an eye on those kids! The bike comes with Shimano drivetrain, Joytech front internal brake hub and a Promax rear V brake, and Kenda K-Rad tires. The bike has a capacity of 242 lbs, and is also available with a 250W eclectic motor as the Gondoliere+ ($1,399) or without for $949. Available in gloss black.
Ron Callahan is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.