hulaa22

I'm getting back into cycling after about close to 20 years off, and bike options have certainly changed!

I'd appreciate some advice... I like the idea of a casual ride around with my 6 and 9 year old kids, and guess I might, on occasion, take longer (max 20mile) rides as well.

I'm considering the Masi Speciale Soulville, a Kona Dew deluxe or a Fisher Simple City (when it comes out). I like the idea of just getting on the bike and riding (I'd want a chain guard) and low maintenance will be key...

NOTE: I've been told that the gear range is the same on both bikes, just more duplication on the Kona

So, here's what I like about the Masi: clean lines, internal hub gearing- simple bike, (hard seat, but I hear the leather forms well over time)
what I don't like- or am a bit uncomfortable with- is the coaster brake - I like that hand control, you know, but am not sure of having a front only brake as hand operated.

Here's what I like about the Kona: comfortable, killer disc brakes and seems very solid.
what I don't like: the full on 21 or 27 speed with all the exposed cogs, etc (seems like it will be higher maintenance)

Here's what's attractive on the simple city (although I haven't ridden it) simple looking bike, internal hub...

I live and will ride in Seattle, Ballard, the Burke Gilman, some hills, some wet (a little, I'm sure), but, I will not be commuting, as I work mostly from home.

ANY ADVICE? Thanks.

tswg

I've been doing some research into commuter bikes for awhile, as I'm looking for something with similar properties. I like the internal geared hubs, disc brakes and flat bars. I'm probably going to custom build my own, but some bikes you should look into include: Rocky Mountain - Metropolis, Trek - Soho 4.0, Brodie - Ocho, and the Specialized - Centrum. If you've got some change kicking around, the Civia - Hyland Alfine is a beautiful bike, but costly.

If you're not too hooked on disc brakes, check out the Bianchi - Milano.

There are a ton of single speeds out there too, but if you are just getting back into cycling and you're around hills (like Seattle), I'd recommend some gears.

My 2 cents.

mikE

moleman76

For bikes with brakes on both wheels, the front brake does most of the stopping work -- like cars.

HardyWeinberg

yeah I would have no qualms w/ coaster + front hand brake.

Check out Breezer bikes too.

Conceptually I like disc brakes but I am struggling w/ a bike I have cobbled together where I can't stop the brakes from squealing. People tell me discs are just loud. If that's true, then I don't like them so much in practice.

ngateguy

I was in the market for a new commuter and looked into most of the bikes mentioned above. I chose the Kona Dr Dew because it had hydraulic disc brake and I prefer dérailleur gears. i can't tell you anything about it because it won't be ready until Saturday. I do not have much experience with internal gearing but it sounds you will be using it for more leisure than as a work bike. If that is the case go for the one you feel most comfortable on. As for the seat problem you can always swap it out for a more comfortable one.

tonybka

If you are at all interested, I have a 2 year old Dew Deluxe that I will sell. It is a 60 cm with fenders, rack, computer, bottle holders. I just don't ride it much, as I have other bikes for commuting, training etc. It is in perfect shape. $300.00. Great bike.
Thanks

PM me for any additional info

dynaryder

Kona. You'll want the gear range for hills(esp since you don't have your legs built up yet) and the discs for wet weather.

hulaa22

thanks, For the input

Neil Fraedrich

Hey Seattle
Here is my 2-Cents
I ride a road bike to commute, it has disc brakes - I love my disc brakes - they work really good in wet and I do not have trouble with maintaining them- (3000mi)1 year on this bike commuting summer,fall, spring and I just replaced the pads
any bike is better than no bike - but i wont be with out disc's again
neil

smurf hunter

I've got a 2005 dew deluxe w/ over 10k on it. The brakes have improved in recent years and I've upgraded to stronger wheels. Great value for my year round commute.