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Looking for a minimum maintenance commuter, does this bike exist? I really like the Canyon commuter, which is close to perfect, but much prefer drop bars. I know I could get a lovely Shand, but was looking to spend less than £2.5k, ideally.
No preference on frame material. Any ideas?
I'd say the likelihood of getting a drop bar bike with those bits would be in this order: hub gear; dynamo; Gates drive.
Having had a hub gear (Alfine 11) I'm not sure I'd get another. Maybe the one I got was an edge case but it took constant fettling to keep indexed. I think the Nexus/Alfine 8spd are more reliable but I've not used one. Obviously there's the Rohloff but you would blow half your budget on that alone!
Dynamo lights. Might be easier to fit afterwards. I've a Schmidt SON Deluxe on my commuter but the SON 28 is better for 700c wheels as it's designed for that wheel size - the Deluxe was originally for 20" wheels so doesn't put as much power out at a given speed. The Shimano dynamo hubs are cheap but seem pretty reliable. I've an SP dynamo on my hardtail at the moment but I haven't put many miles on it yet so can't comment on longevity, will be different by the end of next month so can update then. B&M lights.
Not had experience of the Gates drive but since you could use a sturdier 1/8th single speed chain with the hub gear I'm not sure it's worth it.
My commuter now is a Genesis Croix de Fer 10 with a 1x10 drive train and a Schmidt SON dynamo hub with B&M lights. Cost if you were buying today would be £1k for the bike, £300 for a wheel with that dynamo, £100 for the lights.
Just got a cube hybrid with everything bar the drops. Quite enjoying the sit up position. It even came with full guards and rack. It's the travel pro at 950quid.
Whitestone - I've got an Alfine 11 on one of the MTBs, and don't mind it at all (though haven't ridden it in over a year to be fair...). I hadn't looked into fitting an aftermarket dynamo, will investigate. I'm keenest on the Gates drive bit most of all, maintaining the chain on the old commuter got a bit boring.
Grim - Thanks, will take a look!
If you want low maintenance, put a full chain case on.
Can you get aftermarket chain guards that cover the whole thing?
Ask Brant:)
If you are anywhere near Saltaire then drop in to All Terrain Bikes - I noticed they'd a Cube Hybrid in store. I was sure it had drop bars though. Definitely Alfine hub, Gates drive and pretty sure it had a front dynamo hub.