14R 

This is just too beautiful:



Does it fit a rear rack? Maybe later a not-so-expensive 8 speed hub?

Very nice options. Thank you so much for all the replies...

barba

You can mount a rack on it. It is a pretty nicely thought out bike for $500 retail. It has a flip flop hub, so you can rise it free or fixed. Search the boards; most owners seem quite pleased with the bike.

14R 

Today I went to the listed Redline retailler in town to check this bike. They are no longer a redline dealer, but they showed me something I was really impressed:



AND the new 2007 street, with complete enclosed chain and internal hub for 1100...

In one way or another, I will wait to make a decision after trying this redline.

14R 

I can't find any information about the Cannondale street 2007, but it is a perfect match for what I want. Does anyone know where I can find more information about it?

bjkeen

I think that is a Nexus 8 hub. I have one of those on my Karate Monkey and I like it a lot. If you don't like the Cannondale buildup you can build up a Karate Monkey with a Nexus and other various decent bits for $1000 or so. You have to have a good LBS though, as the buildup isn't exactly the same as a ordinary derailer bike and they might want to charge you more because it's a new thing to them. OTOH if you're ordering all the parts thru them

godspiral

You can also choose a much lesser expensive internal hub 8 speed that is comparable in cost to derailler systems. Breezer makes popular commuter bikes pre-equipped with most of what you wanted, and an 8 speed hub.

14R 

I narrowed down my search, after re-evaluating my budget, into the Bad Boy disk (added fenders and a rear rack) or the 2007 street, with everything ready (just a dork-like handlebar that I may replace with a even-dorkier trekking bar).

Francis Buxton

Not to add more confusion to your search, but Niner Bikes makes some frames that are set up to be used with Rohloff hubs. Not 100% sure on pricing.

They are all 29" mountiain bikes (700c wheels). They make a matching rigid fork and some nearly full-bike buildup options. Just a thought.

I have also gotten the indication that Rohloff hubs can be a bit tricky to get set up initially, which to me, would dictate having the LBS set it up for you initially, negating some of your "independence".

JavaMan

Here's my 2 cents:

1. Start commuting on the bike you have now.
2. Get "real" advice from other commuters you meet on the path.