Cadfael

I am thinking of getting a bike to use over the winter, keeping my current bike for summer and pleasure jaunts. I have read some good reviews about this bike...

Carrara Subway 8

It looks like a bargain, especially given the RRP. My main concern however is the hub gear, the last time I used one of these was when I was a kid on Raleigh Chopper, a Sturmey Archer 3 speed I think it was? I am just wondering if the gear range is suitable for my needs which will mainly getting to work and back an busy roads... with one or two steep climbs? I realise not everyone will have that particular bike, but they may have experiance of the Nexus 8 hub gear... from what I have read this is Shimano's top spec hub gear... yes? I have also never used roller brakes, are they safe?

Of course, any comment regarding the bike itself would be welcome from those that have one, or have used one

littleal

Looks like a swee ride to me.
I've never used the nexus 8 but
it sounds like the ideal low maintenance
bike for a commuter.

chipcom 

If you have 'steep' climbs, I'd be leary of an internal geared hub, especially if you are a bigger guy like me. But hopefully others that actually use them will chime in and say I'm wrong.

Allen

You're wrong.
I'm not on the large size by any means (150# soaking wet) though.
The gear range on the 8 speed models is fairly high. The hills in your area should dictate what size front ring you hang on the frame. Here in the foot hills of Georgia a 52 or 48 front ring is fine. If you are in the high rockies or are carrying serious weight go with a 42 or smaller.

chipcom 

Gearing isn't the issue for clydes...it's breakage. I was exploring the possibility of internal geared hubs last year for a new winter bike and was basically told by my LBS wrench that there is a risk of breakage if you are over 200lbs and 'ride hard'.

Allen

Gotcha,
I've got a Sturmey-Archer on an E bike that my dad uses. He's around 200# and the bike is 60+. It's also used as the grocery getter around here so it hauls heavy weight and has held up better than the frame. But then I've also killed a SRAM hub, and I'm small. The Nexus hubs are built of better stuff and I've only had issues with SRAM hubs.

carlton

carlton

The brakes are heavy, but very effective especially in wet weather. Combined with the nexus hub you would have a durable and low maintenence bike. The gearing should be OK for commuting. If you feel it is not low enough it can easily be changed via a front or rear sprocket change.

Are you fom the U.K.? I don't think this bike is sold here in the states. If you live in the states a good alterative would be the Jamis Commuter.

NeezyDeezy

That's a really nice commuter for the price.

Cadfael

I am in the UK, the bike is exclusive to Halfords over here. I have checked with my local store and they have both frame sizes in stock.

Thanks for your comments... descission time now.

Hubster

I have one and it's excellent commuting machine.

thdave

Looks great. I'd love to have disc brakes on my commuter.

Go for the hub--they don't slip or goof on you like can on derailer bikes. My 7 speed does well going up two pretty steep hills and I can keep my rpm up above 55. You don't miss what you don't have! I haven't read of a weight limit on them.

squegeeboo

I'd say craigslist a mnt bike or a hybrid for 60 bucks if it's just as a winter beater.