DylanG

https://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=dr_good

I'm looking for an urban commuter/utility bike. I want a 7+ speed IGH and relaxed riding position. This will be for riding around downtown Baltimore. Mostly I'll be traveling only a few miles on bad streets with cars everywhere.

My biggest problem has been finding local shops that stock appropriate bikes. I guess my body is non-standard because I have a hard time finding bikes that work for my stubby legs and overweight body. So I'm not willing to commit to a bike without a test ride.

Today I found a good shop that had some options for me. I was really comfortable on the Kona Dr. Good. I'd prefer a bike that comes from the factory with fenders, rack and lights with generator. I want simplicity and low maintenance which is why I'm wary of bolting this stuff on aftermarket. But I'm getting frustrated at my lack of options and this is the first 7-8 speed IGH bike I've been able to ride that works for me.

Opinions on this bike or other options? I'm concerned about the skinny tires. I'm more for comfort over speed. And I weigh 250 lbs and would like to carry some light loads on a rack or basket.

Arcanum

If the Dr. Good fits you well, the other 2011 Kona Asphalt bikes should fit you similarly if not identically. They all have similar or identical geometries.

32mm tires are pretty good for what you describe. If you decide you want something a little wider, you should be able to go wider without much trouble. ETRTO tire size 622-35 or 622-37 with fenders, even wider without (assuming the clearances are similar to the 2010 bikes).

Factory installed hardware will require the same maintenance as aftermarket. A factory-installed rack is still just bolted on, aside from rare examples where it's part of the frame. Buying all-in-one packages will drive the price up or drive the quality of components down, or both.

Finally, consider some normally geared bikes, especially if you don't plan on riding much in foul weather.

I personally have a 2010 Dr. Dew that I love. I've upgraded it with fenders, a rear rack, a dynamo hub, and dyno-driven lights. It's plugging along like a champ, even in the upstate New York winter.

irclean

FWIW, I commute on a bike that's not too far removed from the Dr. Good. It came stock with 32mm tires and I am looking forward to the Spring when I can get back on them; I am currently running 35mm studded tires. Both sets support my almost 300 lb. frame just fine. I also use an IGH and I love it. It really shines in inclement weather. To me the Dr. Good looks like a great value. You could slap on some fenders, a rack, and some battery-powered lights for around $100, and decide if you want to upgrade to a dynohub later.