new commuter bike?
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So as I wrap up 2015 and look into 2016, I am dreaming about getting a new bike. 2015 was certainly my highest mileage year since I was a teenager (>2600 miles in 2015, which is probably greater than my automobile mileage for the year), so I feel like I’ve “earned” a new / better bike. My current daily ride is a Giant Escape 2 which I bought 18 months ago. It’s ok, but really no better than the bike it replaced: a similar mid-90’s Trek 720.
Use case for a new bike: Realistically, I’ll use the new bike much like the old — 90% commuting and 10% road/trail recreational. I ride in all weather, but have no desire to off-road on anything more aggressive than the C&O canal. My commute is mostly suburban streets and MUPs, with a few city blocks thrown in. I am pretty lazy when it comes to maintenance, even in the worst of winter… I consider it a moral victory if I even wipe down my bike after riding it home in the rain. I’d rather be comfortable than fast. A couple of MPH bump on my 6.7 mile commute would save me only a few minutes.
The current bike that has my fancy is the Breezer Beltway 8+. It’s a belt drive, IGH purpose-built commuter, with rack, fenders, dynamo powered lights, etc. It lists at $1619, which is honestly a bit more than I want to spend (and quite a bit more than what my wife would want me to spend) — but not out of the question.
Anyone have opinions on Breezers in general or the Beltway in particular? Are belt drive bikes worth it? What other bikes and/or styles of bike should I be considering?
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