Swan near Casa de la Guerra in Santa Barbara.
The Swan by Workcycles is a charming practical urban bicycle. When one first rides the Swan bicycle, the impression is sure to be positive and lead to a rewarding relationship. Like a good friend, the Swan is reliable and trustworthy. Made in the Netherlands, the high quality design and build ensures longevity and can last a lifetime.
Swan + Christa by the sea
The Swan's practical design makes it the epitome of comfortable, stress-free cycling. Sitting upright sets an unhurried, stately manner. Front and rear fenders protect from rain, puddles, and gravel. The skirt guard and chain guard make it convenient to cycle in normal clothing including a skirt or dress. One no longer worries about greasy pants or wheel spokes chewing clothing.
Reflective tires. Center kickstand.
Rear fender with white paint. Ellwood Bluffs.
Discreet strategic features increase safety and confidence. Shimano generator hubs power the fixed front and rear lights, eliminating the hassle of remembering lights and worrying about battery replacement. The clever white paint on the rear fender increases visibility. Schwalbe tires are very durable, preventing frequent punctures and flat tires. And the tires’ reflective stripe also increases visibility.
O-lock on rear wheel.
Securing the bicycle is convenient. The center kickstand is a strong, high quality foundation. The fixed O-lock is noteworthy, but without safe bicycle parking, it is wise to additionally lock it to something stable.
Brooks saddle. Stearns Wharf.
The classic Brooks saddle is a design element that truly sets the bicycle apart from others.
Often, there are too many ways to disappoint the new cyclist and prevent urban cycling. One bad experience – uncomfortable posture and seat, no lights, no fenders – can make or break the bicycle lifestyle.
The Swan exceeds expectations. The elegant Swan bicycle removes stress from everyday cycling and one can finally enjoy the simple pleasure of cycling.
Much like the ugly duckling from Hans Christian Andersen’s famous tale, bicycles and urban cyclists are often ignored in the United States. The Swan bicycle, however, can – like the ugly duckling’s transformation into a beautiful swan – transform you and cities for the better.
More Swan posts:
Swan, Santa Barbara
Ellwood Mesa, Swan by the Sea
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Thank you, WheelHouse, for providing the Swan Workcycles rental and bringing practical Dutch bikes to southern California! Highly recommend checking out their wonderful store when visiting Santa Barbara.
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14 comments:
An elegant and practical bicycle, with curves to covet. Your photos beautifully highlight her assets. Now I want a Swan, but I remember the reason I chose an Oma instead is the Oma's ability to have a built-in front rack. But those curves...
Hopefully your Amsterdam is not too jealous.
can you give us more info on how it rides, braking power, etc?
Errm, so will you be keeping the Swan then? : )) I must say that you look good together.
Some questions:
1. What did you think of the ride compared to the Electra Amsterdam?
2. How does it feel on long rides? (20miles+)
3. How does it feel on hills?
I tried a Swan that belonged to an acquaintance a month ago and it felt good - though I prefer the feel of my Pashley. The Swan design is certainly unique and elegant though.
Excellent review! Are you going to keep the Swan?
I believe that you can get an optional chain/cable to plug into the ring lock to allow you to keep it from being carried off. I have the Axa Defender RL on my Redline R530 city bike and it has that option. I use the pass through chain to loop around a solid object.
Aaron
Wow, lovely juxtaposition of the black ironwork and the curvy bike. Nice
Gorgeous bike! Nicely written review!
what an elegant post christa - thanks for sharing, you make it very you ;-)
xo.m
@Dottie: Look at the position of the headlight. A front rack will fit; you just have to ask for it. 60 Euro or about 80 dollars.
This is by the way an old-fashioned typical German frame. Uncommon in Holland.
Velouria,
Thank you. No, I will not be keeping the Swan unfortunately. Would like to buy one eventually.
Great questions:
1. What did you think of the ride compared to the Electra Amsterdam?
The most notable differences between the Electra Amsterdam and Workcycles Swan is the weight and quality.
My aluminum Electra Amsterdam is much lighter and requires less energy to pedal. The 8 speed Swan, compared with the 3 speed Amsterdam, also has the potential to go faster. It seems that the Swan's heavy weight can provide a nice momentum once at a high speed though. The Swan also has more practical and safety features such as the skirt guard and regenerative lights.
Overall, the Swan is more sturdy and durable. Lots of attention to detail. I would use the two bicycles for difference occasions.
While the Swan's cost is substantially higher than the Electra Amsterdam, the Swan is definitely a great investment for both the new cyclists and the bicycle connoisseur.
2. How does it feel on long rides? (20miles+)
It feels stable and reliable. Of course the new Brooks saddle is uncomfortable. I'm sure it's well worth the breaking in period though.
3. How does it feel on hills?
Again, the heavy frame requires more effort, but cycling hills on the lowest gear is okay.
The Pashley looks beautiful too. Would like to ride and compare these bikes at the same time.
2whls3spds,
Thank you. No, not keeping the Swan.
"I believe that you can get an optional chain/cable to plug into the ring lock to allow you to keep it from being carried off."
Ah, great idea.
In Odense, Denmark they have bicycle parking with "keys" and wire permanently in the ground.
Really lovely photographs. You've captured what I love about these elegantly understated bikes. The Swan is beautiful.
Riding the Swan looks so wonderful!
How was the rental from WheelHouse? What a good way to try out a bicycle for a good bit of time to really get a feel for it.
I wish more bicycle shops carried such a nice selection of bicycles to rent out. This surely beats trying to get a loaner from one the manufactures just for the simple purpose of reviewing a bicycle for a write up (speaking from personal experience)... Way to go Christa!
@Emma J, both pleasant to see and ride. :)
@RidingPretty, thank you! The rental from Wheelhouse was pretty simple. Seems like a great way to test a new bike, even if it's just for a day.
I got so many compliments from people, cyclists. They seemed surprised to see a different kind of bike on the street.
I have that Brooks saddle and it was comfy from day one!
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