Originally Posted by thdave
Obviously, derailer bikes have their place. Big hills are one and long rides (20 plus miles) another. Yet, for commuting in most communities I think the internal gear hub is a better way to go. They are definitely the way to go for the casual cyclist and the person seeking something reliable and simple.
A very good point. It should be noted that the legendary "long distance" commuter (for argument sakes let's say over 10 miles) with the need for long distance specialized equipment is an extremely small slice of the commuter cycling (or any cycling) population. In the US or anywhere else. Yes enthusiasts do it, I know, I am one of them (24 miles R/T daily) but few members of the public are ever going to consider cycling as a practical means to commute "long distances". Either an auto, car pool, public transportation or moving job or residence locations are far more likely scenarios. And if extreme hills must be negotiated, again, relatively few people will consider the bicycle (no matter how it is equipped) as anything but the last choice in commuting mode.
IMO, the Cycling commuter population (to include youth and students and low income "invisible cyclists") is mostly made up of people who are not concerned with daily cycling any distance that they would consider "long".