Roadster (bicycle)
A roadster bicycle is a type of utility bicycle once common worldwide, and still common in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and some parts of Europe. During the past few decades, traditionally styled roadster bicycles have regained popularity in the Western world, particularly as a lifestyle or fashion statement in an urban environment. Design and variants There were three basic variants of the roadster. Roadster Gents' roadster The classic gents' roadster, also known as the English roadster, has a lugged brazed steel diamond frame, rod-actuated brakes and of late, cable operated drum brake systems have been widely produced for the European market, upright North Road handlebars, a single gear ratio or three- or five-speed hub gears, a chaincase, steel mudguards, steel cranks, (ISO 635) wheels, Westwood rims, and often a Sturmey-Archer hub dynamo. Roadsters are built for durability above all else and no serious attempt is made to save weight in their design or construction, roadsters weigh upwards of . They were often the mounts of policemen and rural letter carriers. A derivative of the roadster, the ladies' model, is seldom called a roadster. The roadster is very similar in design and intended use as the European city bike, a model