Originally Posted by
noglider
....You're better off getting an IGH by buying a bikesdirect bike, keeping the hub, and parting out the bike. Crazy, I know, but do the arithmetic, and you'll see.
Why part it out? The BD Mercier 5 speed has a great frame and wheels. Crank is fine as are the brakes. You should advertise that you'll be the LBS for BD bikes. There's a nice niche.