The first bike I bought when I moved to Toronto was a beater. The bike was older than me by a good couple of decades, and had many of the original parts. I didn't take great care of the bike and lost a lot of the parts along the way, like the pedal-powered lights. But that's what you do with a beater.
There's a contest on BlogTO where you could win a Beater brand bike, which is a new Toronto company.
Here's more info about the brand from their web site:
Question: Where are the bikes manufactured?
Answer: Bulgaria. I know what you're thinking, Bulgaria? Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007 and has a large and thriving bike industry. We searched the world and by far the Bulgarian bike industry had the most to offer. They know how to build good decent bikes.
Question: Do they come in any colour other than green?
Answer: Sorry only one colour per year.
Question: What size is the frame?
Answer: The fame is technically 21.5" but I've never put much weight in frame sizes, the shape of the frame is much more important.
Question: How big are the wheels?
Answer: The wheels are 700cc or 28".
Question: What components does it have?
Answer: All the bikes have a steel frame, alloys rims, alloy V-Brakes, Kenda Tires, and Shimano gears and shifters.
Question: What is the recommended minimum height for the bikes?
Answer: For the "mens" model 5'6" is about the minimum. The "ladies" or step through bike can go lower.
Question: Why are they called Beaters?
Answer: We think of a traditional beater bike as a nobel creature. A bike that empowers the owner to ride more because of ease of use and enjoyment. We are trying to achieve the same goals with our bikes. Out of respect we call our bikes Beaters.
Question: Department Store X has a cheaper bike.
Answer: Yes they do. When I was 5 a bike that looked like a motor cycle was the coolest thing on earth, now it's just not that practical. Riding around on big fat tires, fake suspension and 47 gears, that you will never use, is just kinda silly.
Question: How much does it weigh?
Answer: Dunno, never felt I need to.
Question: Can I see a beater at a store?
Answer: Not yet. Please contact us to make and appointment.
