No worries! I'm always open to having my ignorances corrected. I'd not heard previously about geared hubs having this problem. Thanks for illuminating in a humorous way.

Cheers!

Problems with internal hub gears happen like anything else. There are pros and cons to be considered and weighed for the performance of the bike and what if offers to it's rider's comfort and ability zone. I think that a utility short errand type of bicycle should be more simple in it's gearing/feature approuch and the simple hub gears or single speed is perfect for it.

A Breezer Uptown 8 has an MSRP of $909. At least, that's what I paid for mine in January, 2006.

Some warnings: The Schimano Premium Nexus 8-speed transmission hub is exceptionally difficult to deal with as far as removal/replacement of the rear wheel for flats, tire changes, etc. A real pain. If I had known how much of pain before I bought the bike, it would have been a deal breaker. Also, the chainguard has a totally idiotic mounting arrangement on the front end; a metal plate goes around the crank hub and "ears" at the end of it screw into the plastic chainguard. Problem is that plate is just a press or friction fit, and the movement of the crank eventually works it loose, and when it does loosen, the interference with the chain is, at first, annoyingly noisy and gets progressively worse until it simply blocks the movement of the crank wheel. I had to have my chainguard removed by a bike shop, since the cranks had to be removed to eliminate that mounting plate.

Other than that, the Uptown 8 is a great bike, just far from perfect. Personally, I think that Nexus hub will be a high-maintenance item. I'd have much preferred a 24-speed derailleur system.

Hi Warren!

Try one of these: http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/06_bcc.html

or, if you're flush, one of these: http://www.sycip.com/bikes_cruiser.html

Breezer bikes seem nice. I like the ones with dynamo hubs.

Electra Townie. We can't keep these things in stock!

http://electrabike.com

I'm surpised to hear that you think the Premium Nexus 8-speed hub is "exceptionally difficult" to deal with. I have one and switch back and forth to a fixed-gear wheel regularly. I've actually been impressed by how easy it is to remove the wheel. I should acknowledge, however, that it is the only internally-geared hub I've dealt with, so maybe you're saying it is difficult compared to other internally-geared hubs? Are you aware of the small hole in the piece which holds the end of the shifter cable that allows you to insert an object to rotate it to an easy position for cable removal? I use either a piece of coat hanger or a small hex key.

My used ($60) Huffy cruiser is my errands bike. Installed a big basket on the front, a bell, and, as Jackie Gleason used to say, "Awaaaaaaaaaaaay we go!"

It's perfect for light shopping, picking up lunch, dropping off books at the library, taking a picnic lunch with my daughter (on her Huffy) to the park, or cruising over to the Farmer's Market on Sunday. I carry my lock in the basket, and when I get somewhere, I lock up the bike and take the basket with me.

Works for me!

As far as dorky goes, who knows -- I like the retro look / feel of the bike. I just have to avoid big hills! :D

I was not aware of that small hole; I'll look for it. Thanks for the tip! I never got that advice from Breezer, in spite of numerous E-mail exchanges with them on this topic. I'm starting to wonder if they are even aware of it!

Here's my thoughts.
A few months back, there was 3-speed folder being advertised in the "trade & Exchange" part of the paper. Of course, I had to buy it. It's a steel blue Gitane & I'm unsure of it's age. It's got mud-guards, a chain cover, internal hub gears & is built to last.

It's really useful.
It can fold in half to fit on Country Link trains, local buses & in the boot of a car.
It's fun for a leisurely ride to my local beach.
Put on a big basket on the rack, and it's a grocery bike.
I can lock it up outside the mall, without worrying about it being damaged.
And the younger generation thinks it looks "cool".

I would look at this as a golden opportunity to create a custom bike for myself.

You must not have very strong winds where you ride.

7-8 beaufort north sea winds are brutal and i think i'd rather drive up a 20% grade without gears anyday.