I’m not sure why Torker chose to call this bike the Graduate, but it may be because it’s the “grown-up” version of their fixed-gear U-District—same simple, functional frame in sturdy steel, same relatively upright riding position, but sporting a 5-speed internal hub.
This will be a nice bike on which to run errands and go for jaunts around my neck of the woods. I might possibly venture farther with it, such as to the office on a day when there’s not too much of a headwind. Granted, this bike is marketed as an “urban commuter,” but our commuting route involves some suburban roads on which it’s helpful to be able to move along quickly, and the Graduate seems more like the slow-and-steady type.
It’s nice that the Graduate comes ready to handle some weather with fenders and fairly fat and slightly knobbed Tioga Gritty Slicker 700x32mm tires. I’ll shortly be adding a rear rack and a kickstand for full grocery loads. Can’t really complain at needing to add a few things, since this bike retails for just $500. Fortunately the frame has eyelets and is ready to be racked-up.
One aspect I’ve never encountered before is the Sturmey-Archer drum brakes. These are similar to the ones found on a car or a motorcycle; the brake pads press outward against friction surfaces contained within the hub shells, and they’re operated with regular levers pulling cables. Drum brakes have the advantage of being weather-proof, but are heavier than other brake systems. They feel kind of like a coaster brake—not the quick grab of discs I’m used to, but still powerful. It will be interesting to see how they perform.
Getting the bike home in my car was complicated a little by the drum brake, since I had to unbolt the front wheel and deal with the front brake cable, but the cable has a handy release mechanism that was easy to figure out. Removing the rear wheel will be a bit more of a challenge given its brake and shifter cables. But then again the whole point of a bike like this is to avoid using the car altogether. I’m looking forward to making the Graduate my main form of transportation for a while.
