The only importance it has is that I started thinking about the traditional american Schwinn style cruiser bike when I was in Africa and saw that the english style back country bike with 28 inch tyres and rod operated hand brakes couldn't hold a candle to the american style bike when it comes to comfort on bad roads. Weight isn't an issue as the english style bush bikes must weigh 30 kilos. A comfortable, flexible frame is what is important.

I went and started looking for such a bike when I got home. I already had a Raleigh Tourist with the aformentioned 28 inch wheels and a 3-speed Sturmey Archer hub, an extreme rarity in Africa. So I found, much to my surprise, that the traditional American bike is now stylish and many new models are coming out of that type. The Schwinn's aren't the best, all Taiwan made and very heavy (not good in the US). The new Schwinn's do have thick spokes, but I don't know if they are stronger than the new stainless spokes.

The model pictured here is the most beautiful. It is a DynaMatic, from the bicycle maker GT, the largest seller in the US. It's Taiwan made, true, but has aluminum rims and stainless spokes and has the new Shimano 4-speed (7-speed's are also made) internal hub gearbox with coaster (foot) brake. This is the true ticket. A single speed model with knee action forks is made too, but the fork isn't as nice as the Schwinn, which is a true reproduction of the 1950's model fork. Notice the re-curve of the rear forks. Very thoughtful styling, though not the best for strength.

Raleigh USA has a new model in this genre which is at the same price (~ $200) point for a stripped beach bike model. It has a US made frame and rims. Raleigh USA started using aerospace workers RIF'ed from the Seattle aero congomerates to re-establish US production of consumer priced bicycles. Trek's are US made as well. My citified mountain bike is a Trek USA.