A recent email inquiry asked me to justify the price difference between a Workcycles Oma ($1589) and an Electra Townie Euro 8i ($999). Some the factors to consider are individual component quality, ergonomics, durability, all-around utility and ride quality.
As far as differences in the quality of components and features, there are quite a few. The Workcycles Oma (and all the Workcycles bikes) have the strongest wheels on any bike which ships in the US market: double-wall, anodized aluminum, with stainless steel eyelets and 13 gauge stainless steel spokes. The Oma frame is brazed high-tensile steel, much heavier-duty and smoother riding than the lighter-weight, welded aluminum frame of the Electra. Both the Oma headlamp and the tail lamp are powered by the dynamo, unlike the Electra which has a dyanmo-powered headlamp, but battery powered tail lamp. The Oma has a full chain case, Electra open (more chain maintenance required, as well dirt on your clothes). The Oma has a much stronger, welded steel rack on which you can carry your friends and a lot more cargo. We would never recommend carrying friends on a Townie rear carrier.
Exclusively, the Oma has a built-in frame/wheel lock, mud flap, Brooks leather saddle, all stainless steel fasteners, stainless steel handle bars, stainless steel stem and steering return spring system, and has bigger, more durable Schwalbe marathon, 1.75" (622-47) tires.
Let's get this out of the way: the Oma is heavy and the Townie is lighter. For that the Oma rides smoother, takes a bit more oomph to accelerate, but rides like a Mercedes limo. The Electra is easier to lift, if you are carrying your bike up and down stairs or in and out of your apartment. The Oma (with a good lock and simple seat cover) can live outside all year long. We can't recommend lifting an Oma on a regular basis - remember, bikes roll. Both these bikes have the Nexus 8 speed so you can ride them anywhere it's hilly.
The Oma geometry is upright, time-tested (since the 1890's), encouraging an perfect posture. It is a purpose-built everyday city bike designed as transportation. It is sturdier, rides smoother, will carry more, requires less maintenance, keeps your clothes cleaner, will survive poor road conditions better and is more weather tolerant.
The Townie is a modern interpretation of a hybrid, aluminum "comfort bike"/cruiser design with some Dutch bike-like features. The Electra's main ergonomic feature and claim to fame is that it is designed with such a relaxed seat tube angle, that riders can place their feet flat on the ground whilst still in the saddle. This makes for a more secure feeling for inexperienced riders when starting or stopping. Great for riding wheelies though not the best hauler.
For those considering a less-expensive, recreational (i.e., you mostly ride in fair weather and rarely haul groceries/cargo/friends) bike with all the benefits of the Shimano Nexus 8-speed and roller brakes, or for those with adaptive needs or new to cycling, the Electra can meet your needs.
Comments
We stock both Workcycles and Electra bikes, in part because we got this question a lot, too. Riding them side-by-side answers most questions instantly. The Electra Amsterdams are much lighter in both good and bad senses. I think they are decent bikes for the money, but just totally outclassed by the Workcycles. It is unfortunate that the Amsterdams don't deliver what their name and looks promise in terms of "the Dutch bike experience."
That's maybe a little misleading, too, because Workcycles "Lux-spec" bikes are much better than 99.8% of what you'll find chained up at your average Dutch train station. Electra Amsterdam Royal 8s are too, but in very different ways.
We used to carry much less expensive true Dutch bikes, not unlike what ordinary Dutch people ride daily, and found them not cost-competitive in appeal with the Electra Amsterdams, inauthentic though they may be.
When people come in and say something like "I'm ready for a 'forever bike'" we head straight for the Workcycles. But when there's no-way, no-how they're going to spend that kind of money, we turn to the Amsterdams. Both end up pretty happy, unless the latter try to load up the Amsterdams the way you can load up an Oma. A few customers have tried to upgrade Amsterdams incrementally to Workcycles class. They end up spending nearly the same for a greatly inferior result.
Specifically I was comparing the Townie Euro 8i. I will clarify in the original post.
Instead of Mercedes, I'd say a Gold Wing motorcycle. All decked out.
Though the Nexus 8 and roller brakes are always nice, in general, all of the lower-priced Electras we've seen, ridden and serviced have had fairly low-grade components and especially flimsy wheels.
http://www.landroversonly.com/forums/attachments/f17/3900d1137463561-mercedes-g500-vs-range-rover-img06pop.jpg
...oh yeah, we've done that. And not a spot of rust to this day.
Boy do I want a WorkCycle ... not just for good ride, but because I want something that will last, and will survive being outside; I have a carport not a garage and the bike will be chained outside all the time, so I don't want something that will fall to pieces in a year.
My problem is that It'll take me a couple of years to save for an Oma (seriously!), but I want to get back in the saddle this year. I totally see the value of a WorkCycle. I'm not whining, but yunno mouths to feed etc.
I grew up in London and biked in my teens and early 20s on hand-me-down "sit up" bikes that were OLD. Loved them! And loved them because they worked forever.
Many thanks for your time
Rupert - future WorkCycle owner :)
Having toyed with bikes most my life but (don't laugh) mostly of the Walmart/Target variety. Having made the decision to become a one car household, I have decided to treat myself to a "nice bike" for Mother's day. I deserve it, I have four kids!! I am a stay at home mom, this bike will be used to go to the store, schools, friends houses, library, health club and such - all within a 5 mile radius one way. So my question to all the experts out there, is the Workcycle bike worth the extra $1000 difference between the two bikes? Is there a different bike you might recommend or that might be more suited for me? Any advise would be helpful!
That said, we are also carrying the very practical and good looking Civia line of bikes (not yet in the online catalog, but in our shops). They are more modern in design with chain guards (not full chain cases) internally geared hubs, fenders, racks and generally high grade components.
It is well worth a call to the shop to discuss your personal preferences and how you would use a bike. I.e., will you ride in rainy weather; how much would you want to carry; do you care about weight or durability; is the classic style important... ? From there it's much easier to make suggestions.