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Welcome to Miami! This steamy city offers up diversity across the board from types of cuisines to attractions. Whether you're looking for white sand beaches or contemporary art, you'll find it in Miami. What better way to see this beachy metropolis than by bike? We asked Shah Hatun to show us around her city, check out what makes the top of her list:
Miami's flat landscape is ideal for biking, I'll be hopping on my Willow 3 to show you my favorite spots! First stop is Miami Beach for some sun and powdery soft sand. A South Florida vacation would not be complete without taking a picture in front of this iconic watch tower in Miami Beach. Don’t mind the over 100° F weather on this fine July summer day, there is always a breeze in between those tall palm trees that follows you everywhere.
Biking to the south end of the strip, you'll find your way to Ocean Drive. This is the scene to be seen at any time of the year day or night. People walking, biking, and roller skating (and sometimes movie making), there is always a crowd in the bars and restaurants of the one and only Ocean Drive, Miami Beach.
No one can say they visited Miami without spending a day at world famous South Beach. The beautiful Atlantic Ocean waves and year-round Florida sunshine is at its best in beautiful South Beach, just a few steps away from margaritas of glitzy Ocean Drive…
Lincoln Road in Miami beach offers shopping, restaurants, movie theaters, street artists, hand-made crafts and much more. You can easily spend hours wandering around this pedestrian friendly street mall at the heart of Miami Beach. Here, people watching is definitely an all-day activity.
Need a break from lounging around on the beach? Head inland to the Wynwood neighborhood. Miami is quickly becoming a world famous art center, hosting one of the largest contemporary art fairs in the US, Art Basil Miami Beach. The Wynwood disctict, home of over 70 galleries, museums, and street collections is the place to be if you really appreciate art. While strolling around the streets of Wynwood, a former warehouse district, I came across this scene from Star Wars Episode VI, Return of the Jedi, depicting The Ewoks.
Craving some luxury? Bike over to the Miami Design District, conveniently neighboring Wynwood. With its huge outlet and designer malls, Miami is a hub for all Latin American shoppers. Non-existent just a few years ago, the Miami Design District is now home to this designer shopping mall for the rich and famous…
Miami is all about beaches, night life, clubs, and restaurants. Mandolin Aegean Bistro, a Turkish/Greek restaurant, is a hidden gem not to be missed for those who love world cuisine at its best.
Steps away from Downtown Miami lying between Bayfront Park and the home of our beloved Miami Heat (American Airlines Arena), is Bayside Marketplace. Free live concerts, boat tours of beautiful Miami Bay, shopping, restaurants, water taxis, and of course colorful daiquiris are just some of the things that attract locals and tourists alike.
Head to Cafe Versailles to talk politics with the locals while sipping on a Cuban coffee (café con leche if you prefer milk with your coffee). No candidate was ever elected president without shaking hands and winning hearts of Miami Latino voters in this Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) restaurant. The Cuban pastellitos that not to be missed!
Shah rides a Willow in Columbia Blue
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Looking at the Franklin and Willow, but not quite sure how the models compare? No worries – we get this question a lot, so we’ve put together a quick rundown on what sets these models apart!
| SIMILARITIES | DIFFERENCES |
| FRAME GEOMETRY | HANDLEBARS |
| COLOR-MATCHED FENDERS & CHAINGUARD | SADDLE |
| 3-SPEED INTERNAL GEARING | GRIPS |
| KICKSTAND INCLUDED | TIRE COLOR |
| REAR CARRIER | |
| CHAIN COATING | |
| 7-SPEED GEARING | |
| FRAME MATERIALS |
1. HANDLEBARS
This is probably the most notable difference between our step-through models. With the Willow featuring our Swept-Back Handlebars. This means a much more upright (European-style) riding position (think sitting in a chair) that is well suited for leisurely riding.
The Franklin models feature our Relaxed Ride Handlebars, which are slightly more aggressive and ideal for both commuting and leisurely weekend rides.
2. TIRES
The Willow comes with cream tires, whereas the Franklin sports black tires. Do note that regardless of color, all our tires offer an added layer of puncture resistance.
3. ACCESSORIES
The Willow is our premium model and includes a rear carrier, as well as an upgraded sprung saddle and grip set from Selle Royal’s Royalgel™ line.
The Franklin features Selle Royal Vegan Leather saddle and grips. Please note that this bike does not come with a rear carrier. If you would like to purchase a rear carrier for this model, you will need a 26” carrier for the S/M Franklin and a 700C carrier for the Large Franklin model.
Both models come with color matched fenders and chainguard, as well as a kickstand.
4. RUST-PROHIBITIVE COATING & GEARING
As our signature model, the Willow has a few additional premium features including a rust-prohibitive coating on the chain and internal gearing resulting in less maintenance and more riding.
The Franklin 3 model includes internal gearing (just like the Willow), whereas the Franklin 7 has an external 7-Speed derailleur.
5. FRAME MATERIALS
On a more technical note – the geometry on both frames is identical, however the Franklin and Willow models are made from different materials. Are you currently thinking “WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?! I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT BIKES!!”? Do not fret – we totally get it! Take a breath and read on…
The Willow frame is made with double-butted 4130 Chromoly Steel. We use a stronger grade of steel, which allows us to use thinner tubing resulting in a lighter frame.
The Franklin frame is crafted with specially engineered high-tensile steel. What does this mean? We are able to offer a similar bike of a more moderate price point. Our Franklin model is the most economical step-through model in our portfolio of bikes (as well as a team favorite)!
Still have questions on sizing (or anything else)? Email us or schedule a concierge call with our team. We’d love to help!
Don’t forget: All of our bikes include Free Shipping & Professional Assembly.
Guzide Aygun Yeakey
July 12, 2017
Amazing tour of Miami and the beautiful Beaches not to mention the elegant tour guide with her matching Bike .