Something entirely different: lefty + internal gear hub + belt drive

[peter]

While looking for a possible update, came across the new Cannondale Bad Boy 1, it appears to be a perfect commuter and should easily double up as a weekend ride. But it also appears to be super gimmicky. I'm sure the frame is good quality and finish, probably the lefty patent adds a premium, internal gear hub is nice and low maintenance but potentially terrain limiting. Also interesting to see a belt drive, presumably lube free. There's other gimmicks like integrate light strip/LED in the lefty fork and seat post, rechargeable through USB. All for $2,500.

Official: http://www.cannondale.com/en/Australia/ ... 087d650bb7
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9IzXyf4Sxs

What do you think of it?

I'm looking for a flatbar road oriented bike with wide tyres, around 40, hydraulic disc brake, preferably mid range Shimano drive train, and would like to avoid a triple chain ring. If you see my other post, also considering the Giant ToughRoad SLR 0, $2,000 for comparison.

[peter]

Went to CBD Cycles on Kent Street to check out the Bad Boy, only to find they are no longer in business.

Diverted to nearby Jet Cycles, they have a few Cannondales upstairs but no Bad Boy. Was introduced to BMC Alpenchallenge, 11 speed belt drive train, looks top quality. Big price tag too, $3,500.

[Mugglechops]

Have you looked at the Bombtrack Arise geared?

[find_bruce]

I liked the idea of a belt drive internal hub (owned a belt drive motorbike in the early 90s) but always thought the price & bling was the opposite of the do everything utility bike they are marketed as.

[peter]

High cost is probably due to economy of scale, very limited options.

[robbo mcs]

There are some reasonable focus urban bikes which are flatbar, belt drive and hub gear, under $2k. Only shimano 8 speed, not 11 though I believe. No suspension, hydro brakes and mid size tyres 32 or so. Check out omafiets store or website.

[peter]

Thanks Rob, the Focus ticks all the boxes, will need to check it out.

[trailgumby]

Bikebug at North Sydney stock Cannondale as does Dee Why Cycles.

[peter]

Just found out Avanti also has got belt drives, Inc 3 Urban, 11 speed with hydro disc brakes, all for 2 grand.

https://www.avantiplus.com.au/products/ ... urban-bike

(The BMC looks so good, but it's also a lot of money for a commuter, will take 500 round trips train tickets.)

[robbo mcs]

I know nothing about this bike, but 8speed hub, gates belt drive and shimano hydro discs for just over $1k. Seems pretty good value
https://www.bicyclesonline.com.au/polyg ... mmut~67081

[peter]

Thanks for the link, first time hear about Polygon, the Path I8 is certainly very reasonably priced.

I had a look at Focus Planet the other day at Atelier De Velo, wasn't very impressed. It does come with a dyno hub to power the front and rear LED lights, and also comes with fenders. $700 more than the Path I8.