confounded

Hi Folks --

I currently ride a Kilo TT stripper fixed (haven't flipped the hub) and have been very happy with it. This has been my daily commuter for almost 2 years except in poor weather.

My "beater" is a 27 speed Aster folder with quick release fenders. It's surprisingly quick for a folder with its high pressure tires, but I've found myself less in need of the folding abilities so it's not a particularly useful bike for me at this time.

This was working fine for me until the middle of last summer when I tore my medial meniscus playing soccer. The fixie is just too hard on my knee at this point so I'm going to have to give it up. I found myself preferring the folder to the fixie even on nice weather days through the winter. Trouble is the folder isn't nearly as pleasurable a ride so it's made my commute a slog rather than a treat.

So my goal is to sell both of these and find a full framed multi-geared bike. I'm thinking along these lines:

- 3, 5, or 8 speed internal hub. Fewer moving parts and I just never liked dealing with finicky derailleurs. My knee will definitely appreciate the extra gearing.

- full fenders front and rear (TT won't accomodate these or I'd just convert it)

- rear rack with panniers. Tired of carrying a backpack.

- mixte or horizontal top tube - I'm leaning mixte so my girlfriend can use the bike in a pinch.

- light enough to carry down the subway steps if needed.

- NOT made in China. Prefer US build, but would be happy with Canada, Japan, Taiwan (both current bikes from here)

I've done some research, but have not yet ridden anything (going to do some test rides this week). So far I'm curious about Linus (Mixte 3/8, Gaston 3/5, Roadster 8), any number of Publics, and the Soma Buena Vista. I'm not opposed to going back to bikesdirect for the Kensington 8, but can't tell if it's Chinese or not.

Any and all advice appreciated. Always find this forum so helpful!

erg79

Linus bikes are made in China. Public bikes are made in Taiwan. I really like the look of both, but I'm wondering how much effort has been put into making a quality ride versus aesthetics. Public are hi-tensile steel, not chromoly, if that's an issue for you.

The Buena Vista looks great, not sure if stores carry built-up models of it.

You might want to look at the Torker Graduate. You can get a horizontal (but sloping) top tube, or a mixte model. Also hi-ten steel. It has a 5-speed Sturmey Archer internal gear hub, and drum brakes on both wheels. Comes with fenders, and adding a rack is easy. MSRP is $599...the downside is that Torker bikes can be hard to find in stores.

https://www.torkerusa.com/bikes/commute/2012-graduate

fietsbob

have to come up with a couple Grand or so for US builds..

Bike friday is functionally a step thru because the frame tube is Low..

their 249 wheel Tikit is a quick fold, so It 'never' has to stay on the street,
locked but subject to Vandals . Or Visigoths or Viking raids..

SlimRider

Join a bicycle co-op. Obtain membership and build your own SOMA Buena Vista under the watchful eyes of seasoned bicycle mechanics. Consult with the co-op leadership, before taking on this project.

confounded

Thanks for the thoughts, folks.

I'll add the Torker to my list of bikes to check out. Fortunately, there's a dealer in NYC.

Not sure I have time for the bicycle co-op route, though it's a great suggestion otherwise.