need HELP on which bike to buy... Soulville? Dew Deluxe? Gary Fisher Simple City?

[hulaa22]

I'm getting back into cycling after about close to 20 years off, and bike options have certainly changed!

I'd appreciate some advice... I like the idea of a casual ride around with my 6 and 9 year old kids, and guess I might, on occasion, take longer (max 20mile) rides as well.

I'm considering the Masi Speciale Soulville, a Kona Dew deluxe or a Fisher Simple City (when it comes out). I like the idea of just getting on the bike and riding (I'd want a chain guard) and low maintenance will be key...

NOTE: I've been told that the gear range is the same on both bikes, just more duplication on the Kona

So, here's what I like about the Masi: clean lines, internal hub gearing- simple bike, (hard seat, but I hear the leather forms well over time)
what I don't like- or am a bit uncomfortable with- is the coaster brake - I like that hand control, you know, but am not sure of having a front only brake as hand operated.

Here's what I like about the Kona: comfortable, killer disc brakes and seems very solid.
what I don't like: the full on 21 or 27 speed with all the exposed cogs, etc (seems like it will be higher maintenance)

Here's what's attractive on the simple city (although I haven't ridden it) simple looking bike, internal hub...

I live and will ride in Seattle, Ballard, the Burke Gilman, some hills, some wet (a little, I'm sure), but, I will not be commuting, as I work mostly from home.

ANY ADVICE? Thanks.

[tswg]

I've been doing some research into commuter bikes for awhile, as I'm looking for something with similar properties. I like the internal geared hubs, disc brakes and flat bars. I'm probably going to custom build my own, but some bikes you should look into include: Rocky Mountain - Metropolis, Trek - Soho 4.0, Brodie - Ocho, and the Specialized - Centrum. If you've got some change kicking around, the Civia - Hyland Alfine is a beautiful bike, but costly.

If you're not too hooked on disc brakes, check out the Bianchi - Milano.

There are a ton of single speeds out there too, but if you are just getting back into cycling and you're around hills (like Seattle), I'd recommend some gears.

My 2 cents.

mikE

[moleman76]

For bikes with brakes on both wheels, the front brake does most of the stopping work -- like cars.

[HardyWeinberg]

yeah I would have no qualms w/ coaster + front hand brake.

Check out Breezer bikes too.

Conceptually I like disc brakes but I am struggling w/ a bike I have cobbled together where I can't stop the brakes from squealing. People tell me discs are just loud. If that's true, then I don't like them so much in practice.

[ngateguy]

I was in the market for a new commuter and looked into most of the bikes mentioned above. I chose the Kona Dr Dew because it had hydraulic disc brake and I prefer dérailleur gears. i can't tell you anything about it because it won't be ready until Saturday. I do not have much experience with internal gearing but it sounds you will be using it for more leisure than as a work bike. If that is the case go for the one you feel most comfortable on. As for the seat problem you can always swap it out for a more comfortable one.

[tonybka]

If you are at all interested, I have a 2 year old Dew Deluxe that I will sell. It is a 60 cm with fenders, rack, computer, bottle holders. I just don't ride it much, as I have other bikes for commuting, training etc. It is in perfect shape. $300.00. Great bike.
Thanks

PM me for any additional info

[dynaryder]

Kona. You'll want the gear range for hills(esp since you don't have your legs built up yet) and the discs for wet weather.

[hulaa22]

thanks, For the input

[Neil Fraedrich]

I'm getting back into cycling after about close to 20 years off, and bike options have certainly changed!

I'd appreciate some advice... I like the idea of a casual ride around with my 6 and 9 year old kids, and guess I might, on occasion, take longer (max 20mile) rides as well.

I'm considering the Masi Speciale Soulville, a Kona Dew deluxe or a Fisher Simple City (when it comes out). I like the idea of just getting on the bike and riding (I'd want a chain guard) and low maintenance will be key...

NOTE: I've been told that the gear range is the same on both bikes, just more duplication on the Kona

So, here's what I like about the Masi: clean lines, internal hub gearing- simple bike, (hard seat, but I hear the leather forms well over time)
what I don't like- or am a bit uncomfortable with- is the coaster brake - I like that hand control, you know, but am not sure of having a front only brake as hand operated.

Here's what I like about the Kona: comfortable, killer disc brakes and seems very solid.
what I don't like: the full on 21 or 27 speed with all the exposed cogs, etc (seems like it will be higher maintenance)

Here's what's attractive on the simple city (although I haven't ridden it) simple looking bike, internal hub...

I live and will ride in Seattle, Ballard, the Burke Gilman, some hills, some wet (a little, I'm sure), but, I will not be commuting, as I work mostly from home.

ANY ADVICE? Thanks.

Hey Seattle
Here is my 2-Cents
I ride a road bike to commute, it has disc brakes - I love my disc brakes - they work really good in wet and I do not have trouble with maintaining them- (3000mi)1 year on this bike commuting summer,fall, spring and I just replaced the pads
any bike is better than no bike - but i wont be with out disc's again
neil

[smurf hunter]

I've got a 2005 dew deluxe w/ over 10k on it. The brakes have improved in recent years and I've upgraded to stronger wheels. Great value for my year round commute.