The Franklin from Brooklyn Bicycle is a classic, steel-frame city bike with 3-speed and 7-speed options for just $500.

After years of all-weather commuting and some recreational rides, I'm a big fan. In fact, far more expensive bikes have come and gone while this one is still here.

That's because it has a smooth, balanced ride quality that avoids the extremes of boat-like cruisers and some twitchy road and hybrid bikes. This makes it perfect for bike commuting, errands, and other practical daily transportation.

It has similar geometry to several Rivendell models, and I say that having owned two. If you like that long, low, and slightly relaxed geometry, then the Brooklyn Franklin is the best cheap option I've found yet.

Brooklyn sells through what they term a buy and ride program. That means they’ll ship the bike to a local dealer who then assembles it professionally and holds it for you to pick up. Importantly, there is no added cost for any of this. Shipping and assembly are free as of filming.

That means to trying before you buy, but with only two very accommodating sizes, it shouldn't be a problem.

A quick note: the Brooklyn Willow is essentially the same bike as the Franklin but with a double-butted 4130 chromoly frame. That may save a fraction of a pound and perhaps feel even smoother, although I haven’t ridden one to compare.

The Willow is only $100 more, and it includes a rack which you’ll probably need anyway, so I’d just as soon go for the Willow as the Franklin if budget isn’t painfully tight. They’re otherwise the same thing, so everything else in this review will apply to both of them equally.

Read the blog version here: https://twowheelsbetter.net/brooklyn-...

0:00 Intro: quick thoughts on the Brooklyn Franklin?
1:17 Style & accessories
2:07 Step-through frames for men & women
3:28 Frame construction quality
4:14 Brooklyn Franklin vs. Willow
4:58 Parts & specs
8:47 Geometry, ride quality & handling
11:14 Conclusion

(Music: Bensound.com)