Scheherezade 

I'm currently in the market for a simple drivetrain, 700c bike with plenty of tire clearance. Internally geared hub or single speed most likely. Non-rim brakes are a plus. I want to keep it below $600 if possible. I've got a pair of 700x35mm Marathon Winters that will be going on this bike, so they need to have enough clearance for that plus full fenders. This bike will probably end up doubling as a backup back for the other three seasons as well.

Some bikes I've looked at:

Torker Graduate: https://www.torkerusa.com/bikes/commu.../2011-graduate

Steel frame, 5speed Sturmey Archer, drum brakes 36h wheels (why do so many non-racing bikes still come with low spoke counts?) About $525 for the 2011, 2010 a bit cheaper, but the gearing is higher. I'm just not sure on the clearance for this frame.

Marin Hamilton 29er: https://www.marinbikes.com/2010/bike_...&serialnum=933

Steel frame, Singlespeed, plenty of clearance, generic v-brakes. They have one of these on close-out at my LBS in the low $400 range, but it's a tad large for me (still rideable)

Motobecane 29er: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...tcast29_08.htm

$350 for essentially the same bike as the Marin.

Mercier Kilo WT: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...kilott_wt5.htm

A strange bike, it seems to be a cyclocross type frame, set up as a singlespeed, with a 5speed SA hub. Steel. $479

Windsor Timeline: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...r/timeline.htm

Another cheap BD singlespeed. $300

Cafe Express 8: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...e_express8.htm

BD hybrid, Nexus 8 speed, aluminum frame. $450, they make a 3 speed model for $350





So, any suggestions? Are they some other non-BD models I should consider that I haven't? I'm comfortable with assembling a bike, so that's not really an issue.

Right now, I'm leaning slightly towards the Graduate, but I'm not sure on the clearance (the company won't email me back). The Marin is the only bike I've ridden. It was ok, but nothing special for the price.

bijan

You may be able to get a great deal on a used bike. I got a Bianchi San Jose upgraded with a Shimano Alfine/Nexus 8 speed internal gear hub and a Shimano Nexus generator hub, for less than $600 (less than what the bike retails for new as a single-speed), and the bike had been ridden less than 20 miles...

I got mine on eBay, and I probably got lucky... But I expect that a lot of bike shops are having a hard time making sales this time of year and you might get some good prices there too.

bijan

Of the bikes you listed I would go with the internally geared one's, especially the Shimano 8-speed. Since the 8-speed hub, plus shifter, would cost $250 to $300. Plus to upgrade a single-speed later you would have to get a new wheel made, or build the wheel yourself...

And I figure that a generic single-speed bike shouldn't be hard to come by locally for cheap...

AdamDZ

Winter bike? A rigid MTB with fat, studded tires.

A.

HardyWeinberg

There are previous year models of Salsa Casseroll Single still floating around under $600.

electrik

I'm not sure about the Nexus, it may be more effective to get alfine or go single-speed until you can upgrade.

At your price points i would be paying attention to hubs - double sealed is important - and keeping it basic. For $600 you'll probably either get some simple good components or a load of mediocre complicated components(Nexus comes to mind).

bijan

I thought the Nexus 7-speed was the one that was problematic/crappy, and the Nexus 8-speed and the Alfine are pretty much the same thing.

I'm not sure anymore...

electrik

IIRC the differences are regarding the seals and the clutch.

mtalinm

Nexus 8 is great. 2k miles in all kinds of weather and whisper quiet buttery smooth

fietsbob

My winter bike has drum brake wheels snow Cat Rims and 26" Nokian studs.
they are in an old stumpjumper frame.

stable ride on Black Ice.. very easily modulated brakes.

irclean

Since you're already considering the Graduate, why not take a look at the Torker KB2: https://www.torkerusa.com/bikes/commuter-life/2011-kb2-

Looks pretty cool (on paper, anyway). Obviously 2 speeds is not as versatile as 5 (or 8, for that matter), but this bike has a coolness factor that can't be denied. Since you're considering single-speed anyway you can think of this as twice the bike! It retails for $399 which leaves room for upgrades. My only concession for turning this bike into a winter commuter (besides fenders and studded tires, which you're gonna need anyway) is a disc-compatible front fork, hub, and brake setup. Still, I think you could stay well within your $600 budget. Well okay... maybe $700. Nah, just get the Graduate!

sping

I have almost exactly the Torker Graduate in a self-built bike, though I have a dynamo/drum front hub.

Plus points:
Low maintenance for bad weather
Brakes effective all-weather, zero maintenance, rims stay unworn and strong.

Minus Points:
Removing rear wheel at roadside is a big challenge. Get kevlar tires (T-servs for me)
Huge ratios on the hub are too wide for any but short jaunts <5 miles
Gearchange clunky, hub slightly draggy and rough. Drag is minimal though
Heavy

I'm thinking of my ideal year-round commuter now. I think I would go back to rim brakes at rear and treat them as emergency-only brakes. I love the dynamo/drum, particularly in winter. I may buy a rim-brake complete bike and swap in my drum front wheel in winter. I'm undecided whether IGH at rear is worth it. Derailleurs require more regular maintenance and are noisy, but they do offer closer ratios which I really am missing. (Single speed: been there, done that, sorry, I have places to get to and I think gears are a good thing - my knees agree)

capejohn

I use a Marin Belvedere. I has been good to me for four winters. Give it a look see.

Scheherezade 

Well, I've already got some nice marathon winter tires in 700x35mm. I could sell them, but I'd rather not.

Could you elaborate?

One of my favorite things about Marathon Winters is not having to worry about about flats, =) I am planning on using this bike 4 seasons, so I might invest in some flat-proof summer tires as well. This bike would mostly serve as my around town, short jaunts less than 5 miles at a time. It will be used for getting groceries, locking up downtown during concerts, going to school, etc. I've ridden 5 and 7 speed in the back, and the large ratios don't bother me too much.

gerv 

+1... Older MTBs are the best... and often the most reasonably priced. Considering all the damage from salt and sand, the winter bike is the most expendable. I have decided to never run my summer bikes in the winter. Even a couple of rides through salty streets is not good for the components.