Originally Posted by L Dude 7
What should I look for in a durable bike that can be used every day.
And the holy grail:
1) Drive train - How can you increase durability and reduce maintenance without negatively impacting performance? It seems more expensive components improve effeciency, but usally are lighter and less durable. Maintenance also gets to be a headache, especially during the rainy season.
To simplify your drivetrain look at bikes with internally geared hubs. This will limit your selection a bit, but you'll end up with a relatively maintenance free geared bike for daily use/abuse. The gearing range is often as wide as MTB gearing. Fixied or SS riding isn't for everyone, and although its the most simple form of drivetrain, I think you'll be very happy with internally geared bikes. Do you have many hills, do you plan on riding loaded with groceries or goodies in your panniers?
Look at Breezer (Citizen or Villager, possibly Uptown), Burley Runabout 7 (this is a slick setup), ect. Harris now sells a Bianchi internal gear conversion, San Jos8... but you'd have to go there to pick it up.