I too am not a fan of the nuvinci bikes. So I've focused on getting a Sturmey Archer bikes. Lately many of the bikes ( of either kind ) seem to have been "repaired" such that there is apparent binding in the system somewhere. These bikes feel like a stationary bike with the resistance wheel turned up. Pedaling is harder than normal. I'm finding this with the bikes that have the newer handle bars. Very disappointing. These bikes aren't easy rolling as it is and the binding (bottom bracket or poorly adjusted brakes) makes them less than pleasant.

The spin the pedals in reverse test will show many bikes in the docking station have been adjusted or repaired so there appears to be an abnormal amount of resistance. What's going on?