Originally Posted by
kamtsa
Thanks all for the good feedback. It seems that the consensus is that tuning up the derailleurs will improved thins significantly so I dropped it today at the LBS.
I still like the simplicity of an internal hub (with one or two chain rings) but if the derailleur will work well after the tuneup, I will have more time to look for a good configuration.
BTW, I tried to ride the bike today (before dropping at the LBS) but gave up after 200 yards or so. The bike are almost new (less than 15 miles) but the ride quality deteriorated very rapidly.
Thanks,
Kam
Your bike is very new and needs time to be "broken in." All my bikes that I bought new had to go through this. My Brompton had very little to settle in. My Dahons had somewhat more major problems to be dealt with. Even cars have to be broken in too. Let your LBS handle the fine tuning of your derailleur system. Then I recommended you learn to keep your bike in great functioning order by simple cleaning, adjustments, lubbing, and tightening parts yourself.
I only use internal hub gears on my present bikes now. It is the only way to go for the style and riding habits I currently and in the near future will do. After you get more comfortable with your new bike, feel free to look into this nice way to have multiple gears without exposing them to the elements.