Such bikes do exist. Unfortunately people's expectations of cost are skewed by cheap bicycle-shaped objects in department stores.
Look at nations that have cycling as a way of life. "Mama fiets" (apologies for potential misuse of Dutch language) are robust bikes for carrying children and shopping around.
There are puncture resisting tapes that can be applied to tyres.
Most people don't need fixed wheels, nor 20 gear derailurs, but would do well with 5 well chosen gears.
Aluminum frames (with modern welding and tube shapes) are light and robust. And probably a good use of recycled aluminum.
And people tend not to educate themselves about cycling. Having the seat post at the right hight makes a huge difference. Using the balls of the toe on the pedal and not the arch of the foot makes a huge difference.
Many people would be served well by a £500 bike and a book about cycling. Include a basket and some panniers and mud guards, with a can of spray lubrication and a few spare tyres and replacement chains.
I agree that cycle shops usually are not set up for this, and that the image of flourescent lycra is off-putting to many people; and that it would be great if commuting by bike was more accessible.
Look at nations that have cycling as a way of life. "Mama fiets" (apologies for potential misuse of Dutch language) are robust bikes for carrying children and shopping around.
There are puncture resisting tapes that can be applied to tyres.
Most people don't need fixed wheels, nor 20 gear derailurs, but would do well with 5 well chosen gears.
Aluminum frames (with modern welding and tube shapes) are light and robust. And probably a good use of recycled aluminum.
And people tend not to educate themselves about cycling. Having the seat post at the right hight makes a huge difference. Using the balls of the toe on the pedal and not the arch of the foot makes a huge difference.
Many people would be served well by a £500 bike and a book about cycling. Include a basket and some panniers and mud guards, with a can of spray lubrication and a few spare tyres and replacement chains.
I agree that cycle shops usually are not set up for this, and that the image of flourescent lycra is off-putting to many people; and that it would be great if commuting by bike was more accessible.