Originally Posted by PaulH
While I agree that, in principle, the bike in question is far better suited to practical tansportation than nearly anything available on the American market, the OP explained that the "comical" appearance while riding and unsuitability for the commute stemmed from a grossly low gear ratio, which he is working to fix. Would you rather have the OP's wife struggle along as if stuck in the low gear of a multispeed bike? I should think a bunch more gear-inches to be ia huge improvement.
I'd have to assume that the OP's purchase of the bike, along with his wife's fondness for it, show that its good qualities are appreciated. Personally, I think it is great to see a picture of something that looks like a real bike.
Paul
We are in agreement about the bike's "worthiness" for commuting. If only LBS's, and better yet, department stores would offer such a choice at a decent price as found elsewhere in the world.
For a non-enthusiast just starting out, better a "comedy" of easy cycling in a low gear ratio on a single speed than a "tragedy" of strugling and giving up in a too high gear ratio. Unless she is looking to race taxis to her destination from day one.
Just wondering, did the wife in question have a problem with the installed gear ratio? If so, then hubby is doing the right thing by suggesting/installing a higher gear.