Originally Posted by
ret3
If you're OK with a relaxed (but not cruiser) geometry and a NuVinci N360 instead of a conventional IGH, you could put drops on a Novara Gotham to get what you're looking for. Linky:
Novara Gotham Bike - 2015 - REI.com
It looks nice, checks a lot of the boxes, but I think it's too dumbed down and definitely a bit relaxed. Almost for someone with no bike skills. (That's probably the market for this bike.) The belt drive and CVT would be nice, but I'd like to be able to change out the chainring and cog to adjust gearing if I wanted to. I also LIKE gears. (Not knowing what "gear" I'm in would drive me nuts.) Plus, the belt drive isn't really compatible with my current toolset. (I know, I'm making excuses.) I already have lights and a rack, so if I could get a nicer bike without those things, that'd be great. All of the accessories probably add $200-$300 to that bike.
EDIT: Ugh... "twist" shifters. I realize it's almost required with a CVT but still... ugh... grip shifters. Those are a royal pain in the behind to re-cable.
I'll definitely consider it though (and possibly go ride it at my local REI.)