The ultimate commuter bike

[Jezston]

From my experiences with the mechanical disc brakes on my Kona Dew I would describe them as being far from 'low maintanance'. Maybe better (avid?) mech disc brakes require less work, but I found myself constantly having to clean them out (very carefully) and regularly adjust them as there was generally a fine balance between rubbing and not braking well. I expect hydraulic brakes would be even more hassle.

This is my new commuter bike:
http://www.cyclechat...ost__p__1586395
(rear cog is now smaller and handlebars changed for bullhorns since this pic taken. oh and the chain is not as slack!)

Old 531 frame, Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub gear (route too hilly for singlespeed but not hilly enough for more than 3), coaster brake at the back and regular rim brake at the front.

Should be virtually zero maintanance other than the odd clean and battery recharge.

 

[beatlejuice]

For sometime I have been thinking about my 'ultimate commuter bike'. It needs to have a an upright position, very much sit up and beg. As a result of an elbow injury I can't stand much weight on my arms. However I live in on the top of nasty little hill so I need about 400% gearing. I would like to be able to wear white chinos and not fear get grease on them. Mud guards and a panner rack is vital. Probably someone on CC has had the same idea as me and found a solution.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>From this I would think that <b>benb's</b> list of components would work very well for me. I want a frame to put them on that would give me a sit up beg position but without too much weight, i.e. a Dutch bike that goes up hills. Is there such a frame or will I have to get a hand built?

</div>

 

[2old2care]

What about the On-One Pompetamine, 11 speed Alfine hub gears, hydraulic disc brakes, the only down side is no belt drive, but I've seen a conversion to belt drive by an owner.

 

[Norm]

There seem's to be an upsurge in cycling commuters with Genesis bikes recently. Have noticed a few recently on my commute. Gaz rides a Genesis hub geared (Alpine is it?) so they can't be all that bad imo.

Indeed, the Genesis Day 01 Alfine was the first thing that sprung to mind when I read Ben's post.

It would tick all of my boxes (I think it gets all of Ben's, chain and dynamo aside) and it's also very similar to the CdF that he was originally contemplating.