Breezer Uptown 8 - Recommended upgrades from stock?
 

I'm going to pick up a new 2009 model Breezer Uptown 8 from the bike shop. The 2010's were not available, but I got a discount on the older model.

Should I take the chance to change out any parts? The shop will give me a discount if I exchange the pedals, seat, lights or whatever when the parts are "new."

Did you have to change the saddle? What about the pedals? Have the Suntour cranks or chainwheel given you trouble? (I see they changed to the Shimano Nexus crankset for the 2010 model)? Should I change the DLumotec dynamo headlight? (That is now a Basta Pilot on the 2010 model)

Have any components on the 2009 model given out before their time? I know the BB had problems on older models, but perhaps this has been fixed.

I currently ride an old Schwinn Breeze 3-speed, so this will be a big upgrade.

Editors Choice 2009
http://www.bicycling.com/gear/detail...2365-0,00.html

My wife has not touched hers over 2 yrs (well, bottle cage, toolbag, minipump, but nothing meaningful). She is considering powergrip pedal straps, and also, when the rear brake pads wear out, putting a roller brake into the nexus hub. But probably won't actually do anything.

Also considering a handlebar bag or basket, that is the most likely of the 3 things to get acted on.

Yeah, I wish the rear brake was a rollerbrake or other hub brake, for consistent performance in wet weather.
Would you have to change the brake lever and cable as well? The rear rollerbrake alone is pretty inexpensive ($30 online, I think), but cables and a new lever could make it a bit too much, especially if I can't get a refund on those parts.

From a Breeze to a Breezer!

I am so enthusiastic about this line of bicycles that I could easily stand on street corners and evangelize for them. I ride a "mere" 2004 three-speed, but after six years, there's nothing I would change out. I've added a Cateye halogen headlamp, a Mirrycle rearview mirror, and black Wald collapsible baskets. Oh, and a wee seat pack.
Enjoy your Uptown 8!

Thanks, I'm excited too! In fact, I had to give up on picking it up today (3 hour round trip, and my wife is nearly in labor...) and it nearly ruined the afternoon. But this gives me more time to plan upgrades. Walk baskets are definitely going on there; I have the folding chrome rear basket on my old 3-speed, and it is very liberating. No need to worry about stolen paniers, always there, and rock solid.

If anyone is thinking of getting a Breezer and is willing to settle for a 2009 model (with the older cranks, fenders and headlight, but otherwise almost identical to this year's model), they are available on sale. Bikecommuters.com has them for just over $720 for the 7 speed and $830 for the 8. But my local bike shop actually offered me a better deal, even with the 9.75% local sales tax! Anyone in greater Los Angeles should head over to Orange 20 (Melrose and Vermont) this week, if they want to try mine out before I pick it up. TJ also ordered a 19" Uptown 8 along with my 17" because the price was so good (usually they are not in stock at the shop).

I would love it if someone else orders one of these bikes after test-riding mine.

I also might like to change the tires to 2.0 inch (50 - 559) instead of 1.75; Schwalbe makes several 26" tires in the 2.0" size which would work.
Does the breezer have sufficient clearance under the fenders and brakes for these large tires? How about 2.3 inch (60 mm) Big Apple balloon tires?

The 8 speed is an improvement over the 7 speed and adding the roller brake to the rear is a nice upgrade as it offers great all weather performance and will save your rear rim from wearing out.

If they still use Tektro brakes ditch the stock pads and swap in Kool Stops... Tektro pads are really hard on rims.

The lady has a 2007 and has upgraded hers with a full chaincase (not offered in '07), and changed a few things to optomize fit... she has worn out one set of rims and the original hub because of the mileage she has put on the bike.

How many miles? Did the rear IGH hub wear out, or was it the dynamo?
I had heard that both the dynamo and IGH hubs were pretty durable, and should last 10,000 miles with occasional lubrication and perhaps bearings for the front hub.

If you're planning to ride for any distance you may want to put on more comfy grips, such as Ergons. I went with Dahon BioLogics on my Villager and have been happy with them. I also switched out the tires for thinner Panaracer Pasela Tourguards (zippier ride, more flat protection) -- sounds like you're looking to move in the opposite direction, but just sayin'...