Unfortunately the US market is different than Europe and possibly the UK in that bicycles are mainly recreational vehicles and there are not enough serious bicycle commuters who will pay $3k+ (it that how much they cost?) for a commuter bike w/a Rohloff hub. Sure there are certain pockets of the US (some liberal collage towns) that bike commute in significant numbers but who wants a GIRL'S bike with GIRLIE FENDERS!? EWWW!!! (typical US attitude, not mine of course. And yes I was asked why I wanted fenders on my bike:" those are for girls!"). I think even some women cyclists feel this way, too.
Of all the rides I participated in with my cycling club and invitational rides over the past ten+ years, the bikes I've seen with a mixte or women's step-thru frame and a bike with fenders I can count on one hand!
Thankfully this attitude is starting to change. Slowly but surely!
Last edited by smurfy; 02-24-07 at 02:57 PM.