Hello all. Does anyone have any experience with any of these bikes?
I've hemmed and hawed over adding an IGH to my own bike (a Windsor TimeLine, which I love) to make it a three speed. I've thought about it more since I became an occasional commuter in November (i.e., post-Hurricane Sandy).
The owner of my LBS (a great guy, who has a great shop and a great staff) has recommended against the conversion route. He thinks the Trek 9th District would be a good choice. He's probably right, and I trust his judgment, but I'm also considering alternatives. I used to have an old Schwinn and found its gearing to be ideal for NYC, hence my attraction to the idea of a lighter, sportier 3-speed IGH bike like the Cooper or the Traitor (or a modded TimeLine, in any event something like the old British "clubman"-style bikes). But I do find the 1x9 bikes intriguing.
The model I have now (mine's lightly modified, platform pedals, Specialized Avatar saddle, Bontrager Hardcase All Weather 32s). I haven't added a rack or fenders yet, but it'll take those without problem. I can carry it up to my fourth-floor apartment easily:
http://bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/timeline.htm
And the ones I've been considering:
http://shop.cooperbikesusa.com/Coope...-Zandvoort.htm
http://www.traitorcycles.com/Bikes_Luggernaut3spd.cfm?Token={ts_2013-01-13_00:08:04**-38818677
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...9th_district/#
http://www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/urban/slicker
Thoughts?
I should add that it'll be easy to test ride the Trek; that's part of Tony's regular stock. I'll have to bounce around to some other shops to do that for the Schwinn and the Traitor, but they are available retail. The Cooper isn't, at least not nearby, and would be special order only.
The photo of my own bike is at Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park.