First post:

I am an urban bike commuter who also regularly transports children using a bike seat or sometimes a gator hitch. I've been using a cheap old hybrid bike, which I loath, and I've come to believe that a step-through frame is a must with child seats, since they prevent one from swing one's leg over the rear of the bike to mount it. Any way, I've settled on two bikes and don't know which would be a wiser choice, the Public C7 or the Linus Dutchi 8, which are the two cheapest and nicest step-through bikes I've found with more than 3 gears.

https://publicbikes.com/p/PUBLIC-C7
https://www.linusbike.com/models/dutchi-8/

Keep in mind that the listed price of the C7 does not include the $125 shipping fee I will have to pay.

As far as I can tell, the only meaningful difference is that the Public uses a derailleur and the Linus has an internal hub. I have no experience with internal hubs and don't know how big of a deal that is. The Linus has a higher MSRP, but I can use a certificate at a local seller that makes the price of the Linus only negligibly more. Plus I'll be able to buy it from a local seller.

Are there other things I should be concerned about? Does anyone have any experience with either? I want something that will be worry free and last. So reliability and durability are important to me.

Thoughts?

The main benefit of an internal gear hub is that it requires less maintenance in adverse weather conditions.

The first bike (Public C7) I see as expensive considering it has really low end components. They work fine, so there is nothing wrong with that, but if that is the case, then why does it cost $550? To pay $125 on top of that for shipping seems crazy expensive (to me).

The second bike (Linus) appears to be the better value, especially considering shipping. It also includes a rear rack, which is good. The leather saddle is not a Brooks, but it's probably nicer then what's included in that first bike. The price, $800, is still pretty high, but internal gear hubs are expensive so that's a little bit more understandable. Did you notice the weight is over 50lbs? It is not super important for a commuter to be lightweight, but keep in mind this is not a bike you will want to throw on your shoulder and carry up stairs.

Edit: If you're budget conscious, you should be able to get a bike like this for about $250-$300 at your LBS:
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/....w/7339/44538/

It doesn't include fenders or a rack, but you can add fenders for $35, and a rack for about $40.

Thanks for pointing out the weight to me. That does matter somewhat since I do have to negotiate the front steps of my building and get the bike up and down the stairs to the side door I use.

As for that Giant, I require fenders and a chain guard since I ride in my work clothes (wool trousers, sometimes a suit, etc.). Both, I understand, can be installed after market, as I've done with my current ride, but that adds to the expense and is, I've found, a rather inelegant solution.

^^^

If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, your bike shop can add those accessories like fenders and chain guard right at the point of sale. Heck, I bet if you offered someone on this forum some pizza and beer, they would happily go over to your place and install them in about 30 minutes.

Hey, if you want to spend the $800, no big deal. Nothing wrong with that. I'm just saying that's a pretty penny, at least to me.

?? I'm seeing a weight of 32.4 lbs in the specs.

You're right. My mistake there.

Actually, I can get it for $680.

An aftermarket chain guard turns out to be a big deal. The local bike guy *****ed and moaned about it when I had him install it on my current POS, and he later said it took him 4 hours to do the job. Plus it cost me the use of the front derailleur.

Perversely I've come to terms with the idea of having to pay for quality, although I'm trying to find the lowest price point at which I might be getting something of value. I thought I was being clever when I bought my current POS off of Craig's List but have since decided that it wasn't worth the savings. Yeah, I could have been smarter about what I bought on Craig's List, but still, I'd rather pay for something that works well. Which even on Craig's List would mean spending a lot more than what I paid.

I would get the Linus -- 100%. They are in the class with Pashleys for sure. Yesterday the dealer said that they have sold over 75 of them this year, many the 8 spd. I have noticed many of them going by, somehow they just stand above the crowd. And yes they are not heavy like Pashley's, which have Sturmey hubs/ drum brakes.

Keep in mind too that the 8-speed Linus bikes have an upgraded chromo frame too, which helps keep the weight down compared to cheap hi-tensile steel used in the Public. I really like the Linus bikes I've seen, and they have a nice looking rack available as well.

If you're talking about Bicycle Space, that looks like a top notch shop. I've been there once, which is enough to be sure that they'll be my go-to shop when I finally move into the District. Also, the internal hub is ideal for stop and go urban riding, since you can shift while stopped. I say go with the Linus. They're great looking bikes.

Either of the bike you listed would work but I think an IGH is the way to go for simplicity sake. Plus the shipping costs are incredible for the Public Bike. Plus who builds the bike when it arrives? Does that add cost?

In this months issue of Bicycle Times, they review the Breezer Uptown Infinity which is way more than you want to spend, but they do make that same bike with a cheaper IGH. Keep in mind these bikes come with dynamo lights which is a nice touch and add a little more cost. Plus I like the fully enclosed chain case to keep your clothes clean.

Another bike that I like that has good value is the Norco City Glide 8. Comes with everything you want, plus a basket and kickstand. It uses roller brakes which help in wet weather.

Check out the July/August edition of Momentum magazine. They do mini reviews on 4 step through frames.