Fisher hypes the Simple City line of bikes as having “The body of a utility bike” and the soul of a Fisher. While I may argue that this one is lacking the utility piece of the equation there is no arguing that this bike is lustworthy – unless of course you need to announce your manliness to the world by way of your bike. Seriously, the photos don’t do it justice, you really need to see it in person. This modern update to the utility bike (less the utility as you have to go up to the next model +$350 to get a rack) on a classic looks amazing in it’s matte black with white/cream colored accents – and you’d be lying if you said the first thing you thought when you saw it was a guy riding around in wool pants with one of those little golf hat thingies on.

What's new is old is new

This bike is a perfect as an average around city pub-to-pub cruiser. However, it’s 3 speeds and lack of rack from the factory (after an ‘interesting’ ride back yesterday with groceries this has definitely become a necessity, and yes, you can add one on, but seriously there should be a color matched option so as to not ruin the lines and look of the bike) will limit it’s overall utility as grocery getter or in cities with much in the way of hills. At first I was a bit turned off by it’s front brake/coaster brake combo as I come from a BMX freestyle and motorcycle background so both of my hands like to have something to do. However, after riding a bike with a coaster brake (for the first time since….83?) lately I’ve come to appreciate the ability to text or yap on the phone (I know, I know, boo hiss!) while riding and still being able to come to a stop at a 4-way as needed.

Is it the bike for me? If it had more gear options and a rack from the factory at it’s current price, yes. However, after testing it out around Portland in it’s current interation I can say definitely no, but again after a ton of research my guess is any bike that will meet my criteria will be built by me as opposed to being purchased off the peg. That being said for the right person (that person being someone who just wants casual strolls around their town, and is willing to take a hit on utility for the beautiful looks) this bike is a winner.

Women's step-thru version