Originally Posted by
GeraldF
In browsing for commuter bikes I've stumbled upon the Breezer Uptown 8. It comes fully equipped with a full chain case, full fenders, dynamo lights and a rear rack. The comment below sums up my opinion. It's also in line with pretty much all of the cities and countries worldwide that have a high percentage of people bicycling (Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Hangzhou, etc).
"I have always felt that a commute bicycle should be set up so that a rider could just jump on it and go with minimal thought. No “did I charge the batteries” or “did I cuff my pants leg”. If getting on and riding were as thought-free as sitting down and driving, it’s possible more people would do it." - Murali
I think that's OK for short, easy commutes or errands, but my commute is a very hilly 25 miles round trip, which takes a minimum of 45 minutes in and 1+ hours back home - riding pretty hard. I just need to wear cycling clothes.
But I definitely think that a huge percentage of recreational riders, not to mention commuters, could be much better served by a "dutch" kind of bike with fenders, a chain cover and easy, simple shifting.