Four decades after I last rode a bike I decided to get back in the saddle, to help with the balance and strength issues associated with getting, ummmm, more mature. After lots of research, I chose the Franklin 3-speed. It not only came with all of the features I was looking for, but it's the most beautifully designed bike on the market. On my maiden voyage around the neighborhood, people yelled out "Nice bike!" I've never gotten so much attention!
The Franklin is a dream to ride; it's lightweight, the gears shift easily, and the handlebars are the perfect width and angle. I ordered the rear rack separately and installed it myself with ease.
My biggest concern was the logistics of having to pick up the bike at a local shop, but that process was flawless. The shop had the bike ready and waiting for me within a day of receiving it, and adjusted everything to fit me when I came to pick it up. I was out the door in minutes, and on the road.
Gorgeous bike. Wonderful company to work with. You'll be as thrilled as I am.
I couldn't be happier with this army green Bedford 8-speed. The buying experience was great. Commuting 7 miles to work on this bike for the past year has been even better. Thank you for your quality craftsmanship and customer support!
Excellent experience - employees of the bike store to where the bikes were delivered said they were envious of our bikes! :)
We love this bike, but even more, we loved the experience buying it. The Brooklyn team is outstanding - best customer service I have ever experienced in a product category like this. I will definitely purchase from these guys again.
I can’t say enough amazing things about this company. Not only are the products fantastic, but the care for the customer is remarkable. I got my wife the rear carrier for her basket and it was super easy to install. She loves how durable and comfortable the carrier sits on the bike.
Best company and totally recommend for any bike lover!
I love my new Franklin! It’s great on city streets and on the boardwalk at the beach. The seat is very comfortable and the ride is super smooth.
After not having a bike since high school I got the sea glass color Franklin 8 in late 2022. I enjoyed it so much that I got the dark blue Franklin 8 in 2023. I use the basket to pack food and beverages for longer rides, while I use the newer bike for shorter trips usually, and evening rides mostly. Go on paved bicycle trails only and have ridden well over 1,500 miles this summer and fall. Both bikes ride smoothly and get compliments on their retro looks. Love the fenders!
I’ve ridden my new bike almost every day since I received it the beginning of July, and it’s been an absolute pleasure. I use it for my daily commute (only 4 miles one way) as well as most of my errands, and I use the Topeak rear rack to carry everything. It’s a very comfortable bike, and the 8-speed range is perfect for my area where it’s relatively flat with a few small hills here and there. It’s a well built bicycle, with quality components that are simple and robust.
Brooklyn Bicycle Co. was an absolute pleasure to purchase from as well. Everyone I interacted with was very helpful and accommodating. The bike shipped much quicker than I anticipated, and my local bike shop had it ready to go days before I anticipated (less than 5 business days from order confirmation to riding it home!).
I’ll definitely be recommending Brooklyn Bicycle Co. from here on out.
Our experience buying this bike and the bike itself were both really good. The bike was shipped to our local bike shop quickly and without a hitch. The bike itself is just beautiful. We bought this for an 11 year old girl. She loved it right away.
I love this bike! It ride’s so smooth. It’s my first commuter. The gears shift like butter. It’s so comfortable. It shipped so quickly and was perfect from the start. We bought 2 and have already put about 30 miles on them. Taking them to Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard this weekend for my birthday. Everyone loves the color and the look. I couldn’t be happier.
I am very happy with my Bedford 8 speed! Beautiful bike that came just as pictured. Quality of seat and handle bars are very good. The seat is also very comfortable. I use the bike for my commute (10 miles one way). I’m a recreational biker but the 8 speed does wonders for my commute to make it an east ride. Not the lightest bike, but for an 8 speed sleek bike, not bad in weight-I’m still able to carry it up and down short flights of stairs without hassle. Assembly and delivery to my door were so easy and a huge reason why I purchased this bike. Only hassle was my service delivered without assessing my height. But was easy to find a bike shop to adjust for me. Other bike companies tack on a large fee for the assembly for an already expensive bike, and even then they required pick up. Overall very happy with price point for the comfort, ride quality, aesthetic, and easy delivery experience.
The Virginia countryside is not normally the playground of Brooklyn bicycles. But my Franklin does well here after a few minor modifications and add-ons. With a quill stem (silver, of course) allowing for a lower handlebar, this step-through moves at a good clip, even when there's a headwind. It's also the kind of bike you can't just park and walk away from. After a few steps, you have to turn around and give it an admiring look. It's that stylish. Great job, Brooklyn!
This is an incredible bike. The fit is perfect and I look forward to riding for many miles. I always struggle with hand pain so I did add the upgraded seat and swept back handle bars. They were both great additions that allowed me to be more upright. The color is beautiful as you can tell in the reference photo. I appreciated the customer service and quick shipping of the bike. I would highly recommend this bike and this company.
After enjoying my Roebling for about 4 years now, I decided I wanted something more laid back and fun to ride. I chose the Franklin 8-speed because of the design and upright handle bars. The minute I test rode it at my local bike shop, I knew this was the one! The price point is reasonable for what you're getting, its comfortable, stylish and its quality built. I'm debating on whether I should keep my Roebling because it's also a great bike, but more for city commuting.
I bought this set for a new bike, but at the same time was shopping around for lights for my kid's school commuter bike. Now I wish the lights on my other bikes would "accidentally" fall off so I can replace them all with this set. For starters, they're crazy-bright, and probably the brightest I've ever seen at this price point. All of the rechargeable (USB) lights with at least 9 hours of run time started at $40 at the big box stores (and, to my uncalibrated eyeballs, the Uptown lights were brighter than everything in the $40-60 price range). Also important, the clip and mounting straps are rock solid. The clip has a rubber coating that makes it non-slip, so I feel confident using the mounting tabs on my backpack without worrying about a pothole sending the light flying. If you are mounting it to a tube or bike rack, the silicone straps are beefy and provide a tight grip.
Pros: • brightness • price point • construction and manufacturing • waterproof • adjustable mounting system • run-time of 9 hours in blinking mode
Cons: • If you are mounting the lights to a bike rack with very skinny tubing, the straps will hold the light in place but it might jostle around if you're riding rough roads. You're not going to lose the light, but you might have to re-aim it from time to time. I'm thinking maybe some plumber's tape on the rack might give the mounting straps a little more bite. Also, it would be nice if more lights had a permanent attachment option, but everything seems to be clips and straps these days.
Just what I was looking for
Thank you for sharing Timothy. We are thrilled to have you in the Brooklyn Bicycle Co. family. -Ryan Zagata
These lights Mount with a built-in clip or use included rubber straps. My headlamp is strapped around the handlebars, taillight strapped around the rear post. Charge lasts pretty long, visibility seems good, 4 operating modes- kinda what I wanted. Shipped fast. I just rebuilt an old fixy with new rear wheel so it’s got coaster brake! I’m too old for that fixy/hipster scene. Anyway - low cost and good performance from Brooklyn Bicycle!
Mike
Thanks so much for sharing this detailed review of our Uptown USB lights. -Ryan Zagata
Crate is everything as advertised- stylish, sturdy, and super useful. It does add some weight to the back of my bike- only an issue going up and down stairs in my Brooklyn apartment. I couldn’t be happier with my Brooklyn bike or crate. 5 stars!✨ ✨
We are so glad you're loving this updated iteration of our ever-popular rear crate. The photo of the crate on our Franklin 3 is amazing. We're thrilled to have you as part of the Brooklyn Bicycle Co. family. - Ryan Zagata
Love my new bike. The ride is wonderful, smooth and fast. Light weight. Gears work great, shifting is easy. The bicycle is a real head turner as well.
Thank you so much for sharing Stuart. We love the small customaizations you've done with the swept back handlebars. Welcome to the Brooklyn Bicycle Co. family. -Ryan Zagata
Love my new bike. The ride is wonderful, smooth and fast. Light weight. Gears work great, shifting is easy. The bicycle is a real head turner as well.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. Great customization with those handlebars. -Ryan Zagata
The Franklin 8 is a classic looking bike, that performs as good as it looks. Am very happy with my purchase.
Thank you for sharing Russell. We're glad you're appreciating our Franklin's classic style and we are thrilled to welcome you to the Brooklyn Bicycle Co. family. -Ryan Zagata