Retrospec Beaumont 7 vs. Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Franklin 8: An Honest Comparison
We look beyond the hype. Compare the core features, design elegance, and component longevity to find your perfect low-maintenance commuter.
Brooklyn Franklin 8
Retrospec Beaumont 7
Key Features At-A-Glance
Stop Comparing, Start Riding.
Get the only bike engineered for enduring style and unparalleled ride quality.
Shop the Franklin 8Free shipping & professional assembly, every day.
Deeper Dive: Component & Durability Analysis
Brooklyn Earned
Before any model wears our Brooklyn Bridge headbadge, it has to prove it’s tough enough to withstand the streets of Brooklyn.
Safety First Design
Brooklyn Bicycle Co. opts for high visibility tires with reflective stripes and high visibility retro-reflective decals so riders are easily seen.
Unbiased Trust: Third-Party Reviews of the Franklin 8
"Best Bike for Beginning Commuters"
- The Strategist
"Best Overall Commuter Bike"
- Business Insider
"Easy to buy, exceptional service"
- Bicycling Magazine
Common Questions
Q: Is it really worth spending $185 more for the Franklin 8? Both bikes look similar and have 7 or 8 speeds.
This is one of the most important differences and comes down to the bike's longevity and all-weather durability.
The Franklin 8 is built with lightweight, rust-resistant alloy and stainless steel components (handlebars, crank, kickstand, spokes, hubs, etc.). The Beaumont 7, by contrast, uses standard steel for most of those parts.
What does this mean for you? Steel components are heavy and highly prone to rust, especially if the bike is ever ridden in the rain or stored in a damp environment. This leads to seized parts, a rusty chain, and costly service issues. The alloy components on the Franklin 8 are built to last for years of regular riding and will not rust, ensuring a lower-maintenance and more reliable bike.
Q: What happens if I have a problem with my bike or need a warranty repair?
This is a key part of our brand promise. We have a network of partner bicycle shops all across the country. If you ever have an issue, you can walk into a local shop and speak to a professional mechanic who we will work with directly.
With most online-only brands, you are responsible for any service. If you have a warranty issue, you may be required to find a local shop to diagnose the problem at your own expense, or worse, be asked to box up the entire bike and ship it back to the manufacturer—a process that can be a major hassle and leave you without a bike for weeks.
Q: I just want a simple bike for riding around. Why not just get the cheaper one?
The Beaumont is an entry-level bike designed for very infrequent, casual use - think a few sunny-day rides per year. It is not built to be a reliable part of your regular routine.
The Franklin 8 is engineered for someone who anticipates riding more, whether for commuting, fitness, or regular leisure. The sealed-bearing hubs, 3-piece alloy crank, and puncture-resistant tires are all significant upgrades that make the bike feel smoother, last longer, and, most importantly, be ready to ride when you are. That $185 difference is the investment in a reliable, all-weather bike versus a "disposable" one that will likely lead to frustration and service issues.
