I agree with the entire OP post. I like just deciding I want to go somewhere and just going. I ride your typical European City bike in VERY hilly Omaha (nearly everything has been customized from the original bike). So those that say a 3-speed city bicycle would not work in a hilly area know not what they are talking about! I'm out of shape and over weight and yet get all over the city with minimal problems. I simply have never understood the American obsession with sporty bicycles and special clothing and protective gear for commuting / utility rides. In Omaha (nearly a million people) I know of only 2 other city bicycles and those are the more traditional Amsterdam type.


Old photo, will get a new one when it greens up a bit. A lot has changed from this (Like I now have a rear brake!).



Parts I ordered for this bicycle (other parts came from local stores)

Hesling Excelle chain case
http://www.dutchbikebits.com/index.p...&product_id=75

Hesling Coat Protectors
http://www.dutchbikebits.com/index.p...&product_id=76

Busch und Müller seculite plus
http://www.dutchbikebits.com/index.p...&product_id=60

Busch und Müller Lumotec IQ Cyo
http://www.dutchbikebits.com/index.p...&product_id=59

Shimano nexus crankset
http://www.dutchbikebits.com/index.p...product_id=280