This summer, I got a chance to ride the Uptown while visiting my brother (he has the diamond frame, his wife has a U-frame model), and was incredibly impressed with the combination of utility, thoughtful design, and outright fun. I ordered a Breezer Uptown 8 (be sure to spec the “new” model, with the fully-enclosed chainguard) from my local bike shop in New Mexico, and echo all the positive comments in the initial review. Other things I like about the Breezer are the incredibly-solid kickstand, the best of any bike I’ve seen, ever. The looks are retro-cool, I get tons of compliments. The built-in lock will never prevent a determined thief, but at least it helps with a quickie joy-ride deterrent. The wiring system on the rear light is ingenious – the fender is a combination metal/plastic design, and along with “snap” attachments, current is conducted through the fender itself, eliminating wires to the rear light.

For all this, the far-and-away best feature of the Uptown is ride quality and position. I’m 5′ 10″ tall, and the medium frame fits me perfect (170# rider). I don’t know a good way to describe this, but the Breezer is just plain fun to ride. Simple-intuitive, and it really brings back the thrill when I was 9 years old on my banana-seat Schwinn. I’ve got a nice stable of bikes and ride everyday I can, from a high-zoot carbon Colnago to a tricked out Mountain frame. And as capable and thrilling as it is to take those bikes out for specialized duty (60 mile weekend jaunts to summer days down the local ski hill with a lift-ride back up), the Breezer is the bike I return to my my daily chores.

It’s really true, the Breezer Uptown 8 is the best commuter bike you can buy in the USA. As far as I know, the combination of unique features below can’t be found on any other model. I’d consider these a minimum set for a daily-use commuter bike. Add the style and fun of the Uptown, and you have the perfect answer for an Inconvenient Guilt.

- fully enclosed chain
- internal, 8 speed hub well-geared for hills with twist-grip shifters
- solid frame, rims, and tires to handle the potholes and curbs of the daily commute
- hub-powered lighting with standlight feature that really works
- full fenders, rack, and ability to handle fully loaded bags and paniers
- functional, solid stand
- upright, comfortable riding position that gives you visibility to see and be-seen
- backup lock/security system

If your location and schedule allows safe bike-commuting, this is one of the most-important things you can do to make a real difference in reducing our energy dependency and mitigating global warming. I’m certain if more folks road an Uptown, they’d be hooked.

Great review, thanks.

Joe M.
Los Alamos, NM

I will hedge and say it does a fine job — on this bike, for its purpose (commuting). If I were mashing the pedals, or maybe even if I rode a whole lot in a very poorly lit area with bad pavement, I might consider another light to supplement. It takes a little adjusting to get the beam hitting the road just the right distance in front of the bike. Once it’s dialed in, it throws a pretty bright triangle-shaped beam. I have had a few technical difficulties that I plan to post about later, but nothing too serious. (I am digging the ponies, btw, and thanks for the link!) — 6

The fat tires rang true with me. Being over 250 lbs, there’s another reason to get fat tires. The smaller tires do not protect the wheels enough when hitting bumps. I bent two rims before I finally admitted my extra baggage was ruining my ‘ride’. Great blog Todd!