Originally Posted by
iltb-2
How much do you think those models, especially the Rohloff equipped one, will cost?
That route hardly looks like the kind of route that justifies that kind of high tech (presumably high priced)bike except for the bonus poseur points and bragging rights for
upscale choosy commuters like some of our pals on BF. I have an old Columbia 3 speed that I picked up for $5 at a garage sale (with good tires no less) that would be ideal if theft was a consideration along that route.
My wife's $5 1960 AMF Hercules 3 speed should also handle a route like that quite well.
I'd guess those bikes will be pretty spendy and the only upside I can see for those with less disposable income is that these bikes may make the whole genre more popular leading to less expensive models and technology trickle down.
A traditional derailleur is fine with me but an IGH is intriguing for winter riding. I don't think a 3 speed would really do it for me though.
As far as the route goes, Minneapolis is pretty flat in general. However, there's a hill not far from those pictures which leads up from the river into town that leaves me puffing pretty good.