Originally Posted by eshvanu
Well said, Tightwad, and quite correct. I've passed my adrenaline rush days. My lunacy back then is part of the reason I can't use drop bars any more.
Comfort and dependability are what's important to me nowadays. Keep in mind, though, one can get comfort and dependability in a Cadillac.
Thank you. It tickles me when the younger crowd is clueless what awaits them in older age. They
(we did too) think that one can always perform at the same youthful levels......forever. Oh, how I
wish I could.
As to the bike for you........
Your recent post are the reason I recommended a 3 speed bike. However, any hub will work but I
suggest that you visit the Shimano site for a simple graphing of the gearing difference in the 7 & 8
speed hubs. The new 8 speed is spaced just a bit better than the 7 speed is. Please know that it's
unlikely that you will use gears 5 to 7/8 as they are kinda like overdrive which city use seldom
needs. What is important is the spaceing in gears 1 to 5 which is a bit different in the 7/8 speed
hub. If you can try one of each to see what you're most comfortable with. Ideally a 5 speed hub
would be best for city use but they are hard to find in America.
The 3speed is really simple with low,direct,overdrive. The 3 speeds can be moderated by
changing the front chainring or the rear sprocket. Dialing in a 3speed will get you a great bike but
I'm not sure you want to go into that. Most 3 speeds are set up fairly well for city use out of the box
anyway.
One piece of safety gear I will strongly recommend is that you buy AND USE a Lime Green Safety
vest (like the highway workers wear) to give brain dead drivers notice that you're also on the road.