Originally Posted by Todzilla
After my research and soul searching, I ordered a Breezer Villager, diamond XL frame. It came in after 2 weeks (not sure about fellow poster's mega-week backorder?) and I've been commuting on it each day since (about 3 weeks).
Congratulations! I have been commuting on my Uptown 8 U frame for a little over a month and I love it. The gentleman with the backorder wanted an Uptown.
My overall impression is it's fantastic.
I feel the same way.
1) Why did they reverse the shifting direction?
For some reason, I like the reverse direction. Not sure why, but now I have something new to ponder.
2) I live in central NC so the topology is gently rolling hills. The gear spread is sufficient, but I'm contemplating getting a slightly smaller rear sprocket installed. The 7th gear of the Nexus hub isn't quite high enough for me on downhills. Maybe I should just accept my rapidly approaching half-century birthday and ride like the old man I am.
I live in Oregon. I went with the Uptown because of hills. I tried both bikes and knew the 7 speed just wouldn't work for me.
3) I do occasionally get a bit of gear clunk, reminiscent of the old 3-speed Sturmey Archer gears that I had assumed the Nexus has evolved far away from. Usually the gears shift seamlessly, but sometimes when I'm riding hard a hear a clunk that makes me pause a bit.
I hear while riding hard and going uphill. Should I be concerned?