jcl123

Hello all,

I used to be a bicycle commuter for about 15 years before CV19, now I work from home but still want a low-maintenance bike.

I am looking for Gates belt drive, Alfine 8 or 11 IGH, although I am willing to consider others like Pinion and Rohloff. Hydraulic brakes is a plus.
I am avoiding the Nuvinci / Enviolo CVTs because they seem overly heavy AND inefficient, unless someone really thinks they are really great.
I could even go on the cheap like some $700-ish bikes with caliper brakes and Shimano 7-speed hub, because I could upgrade it later.

Main reason I am posting about this is if people have strong opinions about "go to" brands/models that maybe you can't go wrong with. Like I consider the Cannondale at the top of my list a safe bet because of their reputation, even with the odd lefty fork. Canyon seems up there as well. So I am hoping to narrow the list to the "can't go wrong with x" or "stay away from y" type information, or maybe people have some suggestions not listed.

Here is what I have come up with, these choices are driven partially by availability.

• Cannondale Bad Boy 1 (2019 version) (Alfine 8) $2,000 - well known and trusted brand, polarizing lefty fork, otherwise seems awesome (fenders might be tough)
• ​​​​​Co-op Cycles CTY 1.3 $1,300 (Alfine 8)- REI brand, cheap, not sure about it, reviews seem favorable including one on this forum
• Priority 600 $2,300 - Pinion 600 gearbox is attractive, I really want to like this bike but not sure about online boutique brand, take at least a month to get
  • Sort of have to commit to this, because unlike others on this list, you can't swap it for any other IGH later
• Marin Presidio 3 $1,129 (Nexus 8) - cheap, don't know the brand, but can't find anything negative about it
• Canyon Commuter Sport 8.0 $2,000 (Alfine 11) - appears to be a well respected brand, another polarizing handlebar
• BMC Alpenchallenge 01 $1,500 (Alfine 8) - would go for this if I can find one for sale (missed one by an hour the other day)
• BMC Alpenchallenge 01 ONE $2,000 (Alfine 11) - would go for this if I can find one for sale
• Montague Allston (Alfine 11) - was going to get this bike until CV19 as it is a folder, local bike shop talked me out of it in favor of BMC's (If I can get one)

Thanks very much

-JCL

Metieval

Just throwing this out there for thought.

Road plus is nice. So look at tire clearance.
Assuming most of these bikes will be flat bar short distance rides. A 650bx47 option won't slow you down. But will add heaps of comfort. At least look for tire clearance lots of nice 700x38-42 slicks available to roll on also.

jcl123

I had to look up what "Road plus" was because I didn't know what you mean.
So, I am assuming you are talking about if there is clearance in the frame/brakes/belt for a 650mm diameter by 47mm wide tire, yes? (although you are saying 38-42)
A few of these like the Priority do say "tubeless ready"...

a quick check came up with this for tire size:
Cannondale Bad Boy 1 650b x 40c
Co-op Cycles CTY 1.3 700 x 35
Priority 600 650B x 47M/50
Marin Presidio 3 700C x 32mm
Canyon Commuter Sport 8.0 650B x ?
BMC Alpenchallenge 01 700c x ?
Montague Allston 700c x 38

So, it actually looks like two of my favorites may be there.

-JCL

Metieval

If you have really nice roads a 700x32 is okay.

I'd invest in something that least fits a 40c tire in either 700 or 650 diameter.

Supple tire rides is king!

jcl123

Good news! I managed to snag a BMC Alpenchallenge 01 from a place in CA, it will be here next week.

-JCL