You don't see many Amsterdam-style city bikes in NZ. Long had I missed cruising the streets by bike in Europe, feeling comfortable, safe, and not part of a minority.

In Europe there was no other thought than ‘I'll just bike there'. I didn't miss not having a car in the city. Bikes were basically no cost, I could ride right up to the front door of where I was going, and leave the bike right outside. As I cruised the streets I felt a connection with the people, the shops, and sights on my route.

Courtesy of www.copenhagencyclechic.com

Back home in NZ  I careered along in my cocoon of a car. I longed to enjoy the journey to work rather than roll along frustrated in a parade of cars.

So the first time I saw a cheap, upright European style city bike for sale I knew I wanted one. But c'mon, in NZ city bikes just aren't cool are they?

I went along and checked out a bunch of ‘Mamachari' second hand Japanese commuter bikes. They were all in a row- different colours, brands and styles. In fact, no two were the same. There was no cover on them and they hadn't been polished to perfection. This was a city bike. These bikes were loved, but more for how they got you there rather than how they looked.

The new Mamachari Japanese Commuter Bike. Silver = fast.

I quickly picked a racing silver one. Honda used to not paint their early Formula One cars to reduce weight, leaving just the silver of the steel bodywork showing. Quietly I hoped this might be the case for mine.

I go to bike shops and check out 5000 dollar mountain bikes, comparing the minute details of the frame set-up, the shocks and the drivetrain. Extremely sad I know (I'm seeking help), but I dream of my favourite single track downhills and how I can go faster. I own a full suspension cross country race bike. So why the hell was I so excited to get this simple step-through one speed city bike home and ride it?

The minute the 'silver lady' got home (guys can only have cars with girls names... I think it's the same for bikes) I cruised up and down my street. Man it was smooth! And I was comfortable sitting upright- no clip in shoes to worry about, no grease, no lightweight seat quietly battering by pelvic bones. It was easy to pedal, light to steer. This was fun. I nearly rode back to work just for the ride.

As I looked over my Mamachari I started to see bits of chrome catch the light, so I got a rag and started polishing. I've never polished my mountain bike that cost  15 times more.

Note the rear carrier primed for a beer crate for extra storage, and the coat cover to stop your jacket dropping into the rear spokes.

And you know what? I can't wait to jump on my sparkling silver Mamachari tomorrow morning, and leave the car at home. All I need now is a beer crate to attach to the back pannier frame for my laptop. The chain guard will keep me clean (mine even features a coat guard for not getting your jacket caught in the rear spokes), and the smooth ride next to the harbour will keep a smile on my face.

Is it cool? Hell yes.