I just bought a VanDessel Straight Up X 7 with the Shimano internal hub for use as a commuter. The absence of any derailers to adjust, freeze up, slip, or clean was a big plus in my purchase decision. In fact the bike has only one (fully enclosed) cable, used for shifting gears.

VanDessel decided that a coaster brake was what was needed on a commuter bike. Again nothing to adjust, maintain, or freeze up. It is also so simple it can't fail.

I understand why the manufacturers (marketing departments mostly) would want to equip a commuter with disc brakes. It is a novel selling feature, but I'm not convinced that the marginal stopping power gained from the disc is worth the added complexity. Especially since commuters don't require the same stop on a dime performance mountain bikers might, or even the "I've loaded up my bike with 50lbs of stuff and now I'm going down a mountain" level of braking some touring types might need.

regards
Dan


Dan