First among contenders for that elusive “ideal commuter bike”—Jorg & Olif. Pricey, but looks to be well worth it. Heavy, but gorgeous. Handlebars reach a bit far back—making the riding position almost too upright—but overall Jorg & Olif has gotta rate 9/10. My new fave, however, is the just-released Gary Fisher Simple City. I gotta save up for that one, right now I’m on the Electra Amsterdam, which is sweet but heavy and needs a trip to the shop every other week (literally, just ask ‘em). So why’d I buy such a clunker? I love the style, I love the company…and, oh yeah, my Bianchi Milano (in black) got stole.

Qualities of the ELEPHANT FAVE COMMUTER BIKE winner will combine 1) upright riding position and practicality in riding and hauling groceries, schoolbooks etc. 2) style 3) at least 8 gears 4) details: gotta be compatible with rack, fenders (as well as bell and lights, which are always easy for any bike). Internal hub is nice: less maintenance, and seamless shifting.

Any qualities we should look for that we’re missing, just comment and we’ll add ‘em in. Any bike suggestions, just comment with link if possible. New to this list: the slick cool Paul Frank City Bike. Only three gears, but sweet-lookin’—in fact, our stylee videographer, Alex King, rides one he bought at Boulder’s Full Cycle.

Two newbies to the list: Biomega (gorgeous, if you love the Apple Air [which is kinda eco, btw] you’ll love this, high-priced, fancy, hard to replace parts since it’s so unique) and Kronan (gorgeous, 5-speed max, colorfully classically European, stylee, like Jorg & Olif, super-heavy).

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