Commuter Biking - Relief from Gas Hikes

Here's an interesting article about commuter bikes, used around the world, and just now in the U.S., is beginning to take hold in people's minds as a possible form of commuting and relieving the pocket book with gas hikes daily.

"Though old hat in many European and Asian countries, commuter bikes, which run generally between $400 and $800, are foreign to many Americans. A cousin to the mountain bike in the sense that it puts riders in an upright position, as
opposed to the aerodynamic crouch of the racing or road bike, the commuter bike is more comfortable than either type of sport bike. Its tires tend to be large but smooth and perform better than rugged mountain bike tires on pavement; its
wide seat distributes pressure more evenly than the narrow seats on sport bikes; and its ergonomically designed handlebars are curved back slightly for comfort. Most commuter bikes come with lights and bells, a basket or rack on the back for
a briefcase or groceries, and mud flaps and an enclosed chain guard to protect clothes from grease or tears. Some even come with pedal-powered electrical generators that operate lights."

Source link above.