Kronan "Classic" Men's Bicycle

The Kronan is a Swedish bicycle, in production since 1996. It is a reproduction (or, an interpretation) of an army design from 1942, put back into production by a Swedish entrepreneur when surplus stocks of the original Kronans ran out. The Kronan is a heavy, slow, single-speed utility bike with a coaster brake (a three-speed version is also available). It is available in a variety of bright colors, as well as a step-through "female" version. The Kronan is sold directly through the manufacturer, is inexpensive ($359.00 for the single-speed), and seems to have attracted the attention of various design publications.

The "men's" Kronan has a pleasing, chunky design, while the step-through version is somewhat less attractive. The rear rack is wide and substantial. The optional front carrier is especially useful-looking. While I don't like the idea of a bike with only one rear coaster brake, a front cable caliper brake could be added.

I considered a Kronan as a utility bicycle - something to chain to a light-post in front of the building, and use for grocery runs. The women's Kronan uses standard 700c tires (47-622), but the men's version is inexplicably outfitted with the 54-584 tire - a obscure size used for french utility bicycles that would be difficult to replace in the United States. A good utility bicycle should be able to accept Nokian studded tires in the winter and the invincible Conti Top Touring tires in the summer. The men's Kronan can use neither of these, which is a major drawback.

An example of the original Kronan can be found here.