Unaleona,
I'm wondering if you're still considering the Breezer Uptown 8?
Checking the gear ratios and using Sheldon's gear calculator for a Nexus8, we get the following for the 26"-wheeled Uptown, which has a 38T chainring and an 18T cog (in gear inches):
87.8, 77.1, 66.5, 54.4, 46.3, 40.7, 35.0, 28.6
Those are plenty low for climbing, and high enough for cruising at quite a clip.
If you want another shop to talk with, I'd highly recommend Papillon Cycles out in Arlington, off of Columbia Pike. They aren't a big shop, and have a very high degree of customer interest and customer service. I thin kthat they cater to commuters and daily riders. They carry the Breezer line, and would be more than helpful in addressing your concerns.
Anyway, I live and ride around the DC area, and really appreciate how the guys at Papillon are different, in a refreshingly good way.
Good luck,
Phil G.
Last edited by Phil_gretz; 01-28-14 at 11:14 AM.