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01-07-2005, 08:50 PM

On Fri, 07 Jan 2005 19:49:16 -0800, Stevie wrote:

> I want to build a light weight urban bike with a large 21"-22" womens
> step thru frame that fits 27"-700cm wheels. Does anyone know where to
> buy one? All I ever see are mens frames. Who sells Shimano Nexus 7
> speed hubs? Will they fit with a 700cm wheel?

Good choice, for an urban bulletproof bike, you can't go wrong with a
derailleurless ride. I've mentioned on here before the tens of thousands
of pleasant miles I've put on a Nexus.

Before the naysayers start going on: they're a bit heavy (worth it)
and have a slight amount of drag. You can get them with or without the
roller brake, which also is quite heavy--but I like using it + a
traditional brake up front since the roller brake will work without
complaint or adjustment in all weather.

A Nexus hub is pretty darn expensive by itself, add in the price of a rim,
spokes and building and it can run 300USD if you use new parts.

You can build a Nexus wheel in any size, though I think they're all
drilled 36 hole (that I've seen).

Keep your eye on eBay for a used hub is what I'd do, they're pretty hard
to wear out so you chance of getting one doa are minimal. I've also seen
Nexus designed frames on there, though you can probably use any old womens
vintage frame and just respace the dropouts to fit, as long as the
dropouts aren't vertical of course.

Look for the old thumb shifter to go with it--it's much better looking,
easier to use, and versatile than the newer grip shifter.

Alternately, you'd probably be better served by purchasing an off the rack.

The Bianchi Milano comes in a very stylish womens model. You'd be hard
pressed to assemble one yourself for less. It's a real city bike too, not
some silly "cruiser" type toy.
http://www.bianchiusa.com/typo3temp/9e42ccd593.jpg
http://www.bianchiusa.com/milano.html

01-07-2005, 08:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
maxo Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Womens Step thru Frame & Nexus Hub On Fri, 07 Jan 2005 19:49:16 -0800, Stevie wrote: > I want to build a light weight urban bike with a large 21"-22" womens > step thru frame that fits 27"-700cm wheels. Does anyone know where to > buy one? All I ever see are mens frames. Who sells Shimano Nexus 7 > speed hubs? Will they fit with a 700cm wheel? Good choice, for an urban bulletproof bike, you can't go wrong with a derailleurless ride. I've mentioned on here before the tens of thousands of pleasant miles I've put on a Nexus. Before the naysayers start going on: they're a bit heavy (worth it) and have a slight amount of drag. You can get them with or without the roller brake, which also is quite heavy--but I like using it + a traditional brake up front since the roller brake will work without complaint or adjustment in all weather. A Nexus hub is pretty darn expensive by itself, add in the price of a rim, spokes and building and it can run 300USD if you use new parts. You can build a Nexus wheel in any size, though I think they're all drilled 36 hole (that I've seen). Keep your eye on eBay for a used hub is what I'd do, they're pretty hard to wear out so you chance of getting one doa are minimal. I've also seen Nexus designed frames on there, though you can probably use any old womens vintage frame and just respace the dropouts to fit, as long as the dropouts aren't vertical of course. Look for the old thumb shifter to go with it--it's much better looking, easier to use, and versatile than the newer grip shifter. Alternately, you'd probably be better served by purchasing an off the rack. The Bianchi Milano comes in a very stylish womens model. You'd be hard pressed to assemble one yourself for less. It's a real city bike too, not some silly "cruiser" type toy. http://www.bianchiusa.com/typo3temp/9e42ccd593.jpg http://www.bianchiusa.com/milano.html