jeisenbe

I've been riding to work most days for almost a year now, first 3 miles each way, now about 3.5, on three-speed bikes.

My first Schwinn Breeze was stolen, replaced by another, and then by a Western Flyer three speed. That bike recently developed serious problems in the rear hub (a Shimano 3-speed IGH from the 1970's), and I am now considering buying a new bike, instead of spending $150 to fix this one.

I joined up because I'm considering spending $500 to $900 on a bike and would like some advice. For now I'm interested in the Torker t-530 or Graduate, the Novara Transfer, or the Breezer Uptown. I like internal gear hubs rather than derailers, due to the easy downshifting at red lights and lack of grease, and want to be able to ride in the rain and at night without worries. I like riding slow enough to work to avoid getting sweating; changing clothes is too much trouble. But I do tend to go faster on the way home to get more exercise.

I did ride an old 1980's 10 speed as a freshman in college. After that was stolen, I bought a newer mountain bike with indexed shifting, which was much better, but I really should have had a rack and fenders and lights, looking back on it.

I don't have a great deal of bike mechanical knowledge, but I see no problem in spending my money at local bike shops for repairs. It sure beats paying $500 every time my car broke down!

RonH

Welcome to Bike Forums.

With derailleur bikes you're supposed to downshift as you approach the light, while the bike is still rolling and you're pedaling to the light.

Many of us ride derailleur bikes in rain and at night. I don't see how an igh bike helps in these situations, but then maybe it's me.

jeisenbe

I know, but it's always a pain to downshift and brake at the same time, especially if you just miss a red light. Today I test-rode a few bikes at Orange 20 (a bike shop in Los Angeles), and the shimano derailer bike was not nearly as easy to shift as the nexus 7's or 3's. I find myself thinking about shifting all the time; perhaps this is why so many people now like single speed fixed gear bikes? Anyway, for short-distance city riding the IGH is nice.l

I don't think it matters much (unless mud or snow gums up the derailleur?); I was think more about fenders, lights and good brakes.

Today I tried the Jamis Commuter 2 and a Commuter 3, a Breezer Uptown EX (though I would want the 7 or 8), and even a Batavus Personal Delivery 3 which the shop had on hand. They are all a big improvement over my current Schwinn Breeze.

finishline

welcome to the bike forum! =] nice to see a south bay local join.

jeisenbe

I bought a 2009 Breezer Uptown 8. It's last year's model, but new from the distributor. I went to Orange 20 bikes to order it, and got a good deal because the 2011 model will be available at the end of summer; $775 before tax.

See this thread for my initial impressions: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...des-from-stock