Hi,

I am shopping for a retro-looking and more modern IGH bike. Currently I have five older (pre 1980) English and American bikes equipped with either the SA or Shamano 3-speed IGH. I like them and the 3 speed IGH is enough for where I ride. These are all oil lubed so there is minimal maintenance.

There is no local bike shop and the closest is over one hour away.

I am between these two internet bikes now (see below). The only difference I can see is that the Bistro 3 has an aluminum frame (fork is still steel), sprung saddle, and wider tires.

Motobecane Bistro 3V
City Bikes Save up to 60% off new Motobecane Bistro 7V Aluminum City Bikes from bikesdirect.com

Windsor Oxford 3 speed
Save Up to 60% Off Town Bikes | Classic, Stylish Three Speed City Bikes | Urban Bikes | Commuter Road Bikes | Windsor Oxford from bikesdirect.com

I would love to hear your experiences and recommendations. There are some info about the Oxford but almost none user experiences for the Bistro 3. The price difference is 100 ($350 vs $450). Just from the online pictures, it looks like the Oxford has a more horizontal top tube and I prefer that. However, this could just be the photos. I could not find the detailed geometries of them.

I have not used these modern Shimano 3 speed hubs. I assume they are "sealed" and grease lubed so might require regular maintenance (clean and re-grease, etc).

I am also open to the Nexus 8 speed IGH, although I do not necessarily need it. It might add more complexity to the bike and another $100. The steel Kensington 8 is sold out for my size so only the Bistro 8 is still available ($550).

TIA.