Mercier Galaxy Tour, Quick Fun on a Cafe Style Bike
Mercier Galaxy 6061 Frame Tubing
One of the newer genres of bikes in the past few years has been dubbed the "Cafe Bike". What typifies this style of ride is a flat handle bar, multiple or fixed gear, 700c wheels and most all quick!
Cafe Bikes may have gotten their name from the stripped down cafe racer motorcycles of the 60's and 70's quick, fast simple design for getting where the rider needs to get, but in a hurry. Similar to some popular bike messenger styles. Some manufacturers classify there bicycles intended with simple commuting in mind as comfort, hybrid or cafe bikes. This niche of bike offers the buyer to define the bike as he or she sees fit.
To me Cafe bikes are more like randonneur or light touring bikes, particularly those with multiple gears such as the Mercier Galaxy 24 speed with carbon fork, 700c wheels with brazing for adding racks and fenders. Another feature that can later be swapped out is the adjustable stem. I like to suggest that once the rider finds the stem position most comfortable for them that they purchase a solid stem in that length and angle whether it's a quill stem or threadless.
Another point to make here is that many touring afficionados prefer an eight speed chain for durability over their long weight trucking journeys. Not that this particular bike is intended for that but an eight speed chain offers plenty of gear ration options and cassettes can easily be changed out for terrain as necessary whether hilly, extremely hilly or flat. This model came with a triple crankset another nice feature for climbing hilly terrain and touring use with option of reducing chainring size. What has been termed "Comfort Radius Seat Stays" is intended to create a compact frame design and more comfortable riding posture. With the adjustable stem it is easy for rider to find that sweet spot for personal comfort.
As mentioned in a previous article regarding the Windsor Oxford Deluxe these bikes are available from Bikes Direct at such a reasonable price, this is one of the bikes listed their that is very versatile and can be personalized to suit one's needs. Given the quality of components including carbon fork it is a very fun and light weight bikes that is quick and fast. No links provided to Bikes Direct I don't owe them anything.
Cheers!
Rideon
Cafe Bikes may have gotten their name from the stripped down cafe racer motorcycles of the 60's and 70's quick, fast simple design for getting where the rider needs to get, but in a hurry. Similar to some popular bike messenger styles. Some manufacturers classify there bicycles intended with simple commuting in mind as comfort, hybrid or cafe bikes. This niche of bike offers the buyer to define the bike as he or she sees fit.
To me Cafe bikes are more like randonneur or light touring bikes, particularly those with multiple gears such as the Mercier Galaxy 24 speed with carbon fork, 700c wheels with brazing for adding racks and fenders. Another feature that can later be swapped out is the adjustable stem. I like to suggest that once the rider finds the stem position most comfortable for them that they purchase a solid stem in that length and angle whether it's a quill stem or threadless.
Another point to make here is that many touring afficionados prefer an eight speed chain for durability over their long weight trucking journeys. Not that this particular bike is intended for that but an eight speed chain offers plenty of gear ration options and cassettes can easily be changed out for terrain as necessary whether hilly, extremely hilly or flat. This model came with a triple crankset another nice feature for climbing hilly terrain and touring use with option of reducing chainring size. What has been termed "Comfort Radius Seat Stays" is intended to create a compact frame design and more comfortable riding posture. With the adjustable stem it is easy for rider to find that sweet spot for personal comfort.
As mentioned in a previous article regarding the Windsor Oxford Deluxe these bikes are available from Bikes Direct at such a reasonable price, this is one of the bikes listed their that is very versatile and can be personalized to suit one's needs. Given the quality of components including carbon fork it is a very fun and light weight bikes that is quick and fast. No links provided to Bikes Direct I don't owe them anything.
Cheers!
Rideon
 Mercier Galaxy Tour for comfortable bike touring and commuting |  Mercier Galaxy Tour 24 speed, adjustable stem, carbon fork |
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