sfpchow

Hi,
I'm trying to decide between the two. I haven't owned a bike since I was a kid and now that my own kids are getting old enough to ride bikes, it's got me thinking about doing more bike riding and possibly less car driving. So things like riding to the library, downtown shops, grocery store. All of these rides are between 1-2 miles one-way and generally flat.

I like the Pake for its looks and price.
I like the Breezer for the internal gear hub (though my husband says if the gear mechanism breaks, I'll have to take it on for repairs rather than being able to do it ourselves - is that true?), and that it's fully loaded (kickstand, back rack, lights).
I figure if I have add those extras on to the Pake, the price starts to come close to the Breezer.
Anyone ride either one? Have comments, likes/dislikes re these two bikes? Also, if you have other recommendations, would love to hear them.
Thanks!

Kimmitt 

If you're just getting into riding, I would recommend getting a decent used bike and figuring out what you like and don't like, then buying a new bike tuned to your needs and desires.

Sci-Fi

Most 3-speed hubs will last a long time, so durability shouldn't be a problem. Just a matter to check the adjustment and add oil/grease periodically. The ability to shift gears at a stop is an advantage and for most, a 3-speed is all the gears one needs in mostly flat conditions.

The Pake comes with a 6-speed freewheel, which is a bit odd since 7-speed freewheels are more plentiful and offer more gearing choices. If the bike had more modern 8 or 9-speed hub, then the Pake would have the drivetrain advantage.

Either bike is fine for the riding you describe. Test ride them and see which one fits you better and is more comfortable to ride. Don't know anybody that has a Pake but the Breezer owners I've met love their bikes (Citizen, Villager, and Uptown 8 models though).

K6-III

After riding both, you should end up with the Breezer. It's just the better bike.

JeffC

I have had really good luck with my Breezer Freedom. I've had it for 3 years with about 1400 miles. I have taken it on longer commutes (20+ miles roundtrip) but now use it for a 3 mile round trip commute to the subway. Search for my posts as I commented on it before in a similar fashion.

The stock tires and saddle are not great, get some Schwalbe Marathon Pluses and a comfy saddle and it will be a reliable tank.

The internal gearing is unlikely to breakdown for a very long time unless you abuse it from poor shifting.

They also have good customer support and rebuilt my rear wheel during the warranty period.

Unless something has changed, I don't think the Freedom comes with a light but it definitely has a kickstand, fenders, and rack, all of which are necessary commuter accessories in my opinion.

sfpchow

Thanks for all your replies. My husband found a LBS in SF that sells Pake, but I guess the prices are going up - $330 + sales tax, which is almost 10% (!) in California. Another poster recommended buying a used bike first and then upgrading later when I've figured out what I really need/want. Sounds like a good strategy for me as I'm still working out how much riding I'll be actually doing.
Thanks again!