Originally Posted by
mr_positive
I see, do you think I'll have any issues with the external gear system vs the in hub system? I'm talking about taking care of it in the long run and etc. Thanks again for all the help guys, I really do appreciate it!
Heh,good thing you didn't ask over in the commuting forum. IGH vs derailleurs sometimes starts flame wars.
I have friends who run single speed/fixed gear,so it's completely possible to ride an 8spd hub around here,I just won't do it. I live on top of the hill at the Cathedral and like my knees. Maintenance wise,der systems take a little more work,but are much lighter and make for easier wheel removal/installation. My Safari has been through every winter storm and salt covered road season since '06;it needs alot of work,but it's got 10k+ miles and has been stone axe reliable. Also note,when you change the gearing on an IGH,you move the entire range up or down. With der systems you can drop the low gears without effecting the high ones,or narrow/widen the range.
Originally Posted by
mr_positive
Also, does anyone have any experience with Fuji bikes? I saw a really good deal on a Fuji Absolute 1.3 in my price range so if anyone has any input on that, that's be cool as well.
Fuji's are decent bikes,specs look fine on that. Had one of those come into my clinic the other week. Owner asked about switching tires because he felt the skinny,high pressure ones that it came with rode too hard. He has a fair amount of clearance,so swapping on wider,lower pressure tires won't be a prob.