Originally Posted by
Boudicca
Bike Fridays are steel. I think there is a Tikit with an internal hub.
2nd the tikit suggestion. You can get one with an 8-spd, or even an 11-spd, IGH. There's even a Belt Drive option.
If OP has the budget for a Brompton, the
tikit should be a viable candidate, too. There is a dlr in NYC that handles both brands:
http://www.bfold.com/StoreFrameset.htm
FYI: If the seat post 'cracks' are the result of being a 'taller' rider, then a Large sized
tikit would eliminate the xtra long seat post problem.
Lou