Linus Bicycles

I am pleased to announce that Coco's Variety is an official Linus Bicycle retailer. Though we have historically been a purveyor of used bicycles, I felt like we needed to carry a line of new bicycles. Frankly, we just can't procure and rebuild enough used bicycles to keep up with demand. I am still committed to used bicycles and that part of business will not change a whit.

Factors in considering carrying a new bicycle line:

Quality - More than anything else, I wanted to select a quality bicycle. The Linus bicycles meet my requirements for durability, serviceability and build quality. And I am a snob.

Thoughtful - This is also a big issue. Manufacturers may get it almost right and then spoil it with plastic fenders or a dorky crankset. The fellas at Linus really get it. Everything on a Linus bike "works." Functionally and aesthetically.

Modifiable and Serviceable - One of the wonderful things about bicycles is the standardization of components. Don't like the handle bars? Want to upgrade to leather saddle? Need to replace the grips? Need Kevlar lined tires? I wanted a bicycle that allowed a path to modify and upgrade as the rider wishes. Want to leave it alone and just enjoy it? Great! But, there is great solace in knowing that you can modify and service your bicycle in the future.

Aesthetics - It is impossible to ignore the aesthetics of a bicycle. It is just no fun to ride a bicycle that is ugly. Or even worse, embarrassing. You won't ride it. Why should you do that to yourself? Pride in your ride is critical. And when a bicycle is done well, it is a machine of incredible grace and beauty.

Price - There is no shortage of beautiful bicycles in the world. However, affordable, beautiful bicycles are very rare. The most beautiful bike is one that you are riding. And to ride a bicycle means you have to be able to afford it. Linus bicycles start at $389.

Honorable - Adam and Chad of Linus bikes are good guys. They support their bicycles, so I, as a retailer, can support you. Rather than buying a bike from WalMart online, you are closer to the chain. Adam and Chad designed it. Coco's Variety is building and tuning it. Adam, Chad and myself. You can go to Venice and shake their respective hands. You can shake my hand. I will shake your hand. I have shaken hands with Adam and Chad. That is a lot of handshaking! We stand behind it.

Linus Roadster Classic, in black - $449

Roadster Classic
That is a handsome, no-nonsense bicycle. Very elegant. Available in cream, black and blue, I am partial to the cream version. It is the color of an ostrich egg or a 1950's Mercedes 300. It has no gears, meaning that you can't shift to ease the burden of going up hills. Though the lack of gears can be limiting, there is a beauty in the simplicity of a single speed bicycle. And, by extension, the lack of complexity means fewer components and a commensurately light weight.

Linus Roadster Classic, in cream - $449

Remember when you were a kid and your bicycle had a coaster brake? No hand brakes to adjust, just pedal backwards and you stopped? Didn't matter if your rims were wet, it just plain worked. Well, the Roadster has a coaster brake that works just as well as you remember. Want to skid out? Ok!

Specifications:

• Durable Hi Tensile steel frame with Chromoly down tube
• 3-piece forged aluminum crank
• Alloy rims with stainless steel spokes
• Genuine leather hand grips
  
• North Road polished aluminum handlebar
• Shimano back pedal brake
• Mid-century alloy bell

Why does it matter to have a steel frame? Well, there are lots of modern bike frames made from high tech materials but many folks, including me, believe that a steel frame is the perfect blend of weight, flexibility and strength. Steel frames have a little bit of flex and are much more forgiving than aluminum, which tends to be a bit stiff and unyielding.

Linus Roadster Classic, customized by Coco's - As pictured about $600

So, when I say that it is a customizable platform, this is what I am talking about. Let's say that you want an upright bar, North Road-style townie gentleman's bike for going to the grocery store. Then, on weekends, you want a sleek, sexy track-style bicycle to ride in the Critical Mass ride. Who can blame you? Why not have it all?

We swapped the stock saddle for a vintage black leather saddle. Changed the pedals to black quill-style road racing pedals. Pulled the stem and handlebars and swapped them for a used Nitto stem, a set of vintage Cinelli bars and then wrapped 'em with black cloth tape and Velox plugs. Since it is a coaster brake, it really looks like a track bike without the brake levers, calipers and cables running all over the place. The beauty of this transformation is you can switch it back to the original comfortable cruiser bars in 3 minutes with an Allen wrench. This exact bike has probably sold by now, but we can build you something just as special. As pictured, this kick-ass bicycle priced out at about $600.

Available in blue, cream and black. Two sizes, 51cm and 58cm. $449.

Linus Roadster Sport, in black - $639

Roadster Sport

While the Roadster Classic is a perfect bicycle for Sunday rides and the farmers market, perhaps you require something a little more robust. With a rack and metal fenders. And a 3-speed so you can get home if you live at the top of a hill. The Roadster Sport could be perfect for you.

Much as you shift gears in your car, you can start in a low gear to get going. Apply maximum torque to pull off the line. Shift into second and then, when you are up to speed, shift into third. Besides hill climbing advantage, a 3-speed is fast. It is efficient. It makes the most of your awesome human energy. You will get there faster and be able to ride farther.

If allowed to continue unabated, I will carry on and on about the steel fenders. They really make the bike. And it allows the dapper cyclist to ride in a suit without issue or concern.

Specifications:

• Durable, Hi Tensile steel frame with Chromoly down tube
• Shimano NEXUS internal 3–Speed freewheel hub
• Tektro dual pivot caliper brakes with quick release
• Alloy rims with stainless steel spokes
• 3-Piece forged aluminum crank
• Genuine leather hand grips
  
• North Road polished aluminum handlebar
• Mid-century alloy bell
• Painted steel fenders with retro brackets and aluminum braces
• LINUS minimalist Alloy rear rack

Sure, it is more expensive than the Roadster Classic, but this is a significantly more advanced bicycle. There is a lot going on here. Beyond the Classic, the Sport adds fenders, brake handles, brake calipers, cables, a rack, a 3-speed shifter and a Shimano Nexus 3-speed hub.

Linus Roadster Sport, in cream

So, here is a picture of the Roadster Sport at Coco's. In its natural environment, so to speak. The rear canvas panniers and the front handle bar bag are also made by Linus. I am telling you, those guys get it. The rear bag comes with a carrying strap so that you can lift the bag from the rack and take it into Trader Joe's with you. Or maybe you keep a change of clothes to prepare for work after your bracing ride. Or a laptop. Or a what-have-you. The rear panniers are $130 and the front bag is $30. They are very nice.

Available in blue, cream and black. Two sizes, 51cm and 58cm. $639.

Linus Dutchi, in red - $469

Dutchi

Ever been to Holland? Everybody rides one of these. Everybody. Men and women. It is not about cycling or enthusiasts or special clothing, it is just transportation. The bike is almost invisible as it is as common and necessary as a frying pan or a stapler. Not to denigrate Dutch enthusiasm for the bicycle, it's just that it is a truly integrated part of the culture.

Linus sums it up well:

This is your classic Dutch bike, a sweeping curved frame and refined upright posture make it the elegant choice for trips to the market or just riding down the boulevard.

As opposed to many Dutch, English or Chinese bikes of similar aesthetic, you will be amazed by how light the Linus Dutchi is. When it comes to bicycle weight, it is not merely an issue of storage and getting the bicycle up and down the stairs to your apartment. Light bicycles feel different. They are responsive, fast and maneuverable.

Like the Roadster Classic, the base Dutchi is a single speed, coaster brake bicycle. At $469, a metal fendered Dutchi represents a value that is awful hard to beat.

Linus Dutchi, in red - $469

Linus Dutchi, in black - $469

The Basil brand panniers are made in Holland. As eagle-eyed readers will note, they are printed with cherry blossoms. Thoughtfully, they have reflective safety strips on the back. Buy them with a Dutchi. Buy them for your existing bicycle. $70.

Linus Dutchi, in red - $469

Another knockout set of Basil-brand panniers. Made in Holland, three different fabrics combine for a total package that is so cute you will want to throw yourself on the ground and roll around. Also, this particular bicycle has been outfitted with a Made in the USA, zinc-plated metal basket manufactured by Wald in Maysville, Kentucky. At $20, I don't understand how Wald does it.

Available in red, cream and black. One size, 53cm. $469.

Dutchi 3-Speed

Like the Roadsters, the Dutchi comes in a full featured 3-speed version. Fenders, rack, hand brakes and a Shimano Nexus 3-speed hub and shifter. This is a bike you can ride to work every darn day. Rain, snow, muck and puddle. It does it all. Well, if it snows in Los Angeles, you will probably want to stay home and make a snowman, but you get my point. This is the pro version of the Dutchi.

Specifications:

• Durable Hi Tensile steel frame with Chromoly down tube
• Shimano NEXUS internal 3–Speed hub
• Alloy rims with stainless steel spokes
• Tektro dual pivot caliper brakes with quick release
• 3-Piece forged aluminum crank
• Genuine leather hand grips
  
• North Road polished aluminum handlebar
• Mid-century alloy bell
• Painted steel fenders with retro brackets and aluminum braces
• LINUS minimalist Alloy rear rack

I would include a Coco's photo of a Dutchi 3-speed but they won't be in stock until next week.

Available in red, cream and black. One size, 53cm. $649.

Mixte

In stock! Cream, sky blue and black! 3-speed fast. $649

I am proud of our association with Linus Bikes and am looking forward to long professional relationship.