For really big hills, I like to get my gear inches down into the teens. The only gearhub you can realistically do that with is a Rohloff.

I would sacrifice a few gear inches to have a lighter bike. But, either way, ultimate commuters vary by person, region, whether or not the bike gets stored, etcetera...

I just rode another new Citibike model right after riding an old model. As I said before, the old model has Shimano hubs, and the new one has Sturmey Archer hubs. The difference is dramatic. I had to be careful not to hit the brakes too hard, because they work so well. If you have your heart set on drum brakes, definitely spend the extra money and get the Sturmey Archers.

Here are the two models docked together. The closest one in the foreground is the new S-A equipped one.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W...2009.03.20.jpg

My Gazelle has a low of 26 gear inches so I can do hills up to about 18%. My daily commute includes a mile long 15%, its work on any bike regardless of weight.

The only problem with SA is most bikes will be limited to their 3 or 5 speed hubs.

Keep on the lookout for a Trek Soho on Craigslist. Shimano Alfine-8 with Roller brakes. The Deluxe model is disk front, roller rear.

Just curious,but which levers do the Shimano bikes have? Here in DC,they started upgrading the standard brake levers to curved 'dog leg' ones. They have much improved feel over the old ones. Brakes are still pretty naff,as we have a lot of hills and the grease gets trashed quickly,but every little bit helps.

[MENTION=29573]dynaryder[/MENTION], I'll take a picture for you.

These are the old levers:
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=464076

If they're more 'crooked' that those,they're the new ones.

I might be wrong but in NYC they might be different. At least the cover is, I think.