i understand this completely now as i've ridden offroad 3 times in the last 3 years.
what interests me now would be buying something like this;
and then building it as a single speed commuter with a flat bar and maybe wood fenders...
anyway, that's the kind of bike i get excited about now.
and thankfully, it looks like i'm not the only one either - Rocky Mountain has the Metropolis line in addition to the RC line. i especially like the RC 50D and the Metropolis NRT with it's internally geared 8 speed Shimano hub.
but, even better than that, Norco has thrown their considerable weight at the Urban bike market. the Ceres is a steel frame, 8 speed internal hub, Gates belt drive(!!!) commuter bike.
i've been interested in the belt drive system since i saw pictures of a Lynskey from the handmade show last year. it requires a special frame design - specifically some way to get the belt through the frame since it doesn't come apart - so it's been pretty much a custom build to this point.but Norco comes through with the flat bar 8spd commuter, a road SS (the Vesta), and a SS 29er (the Judan) - all at pretty reasonable prices.
i'm fired up about Norco building these crazy things!
i think my converted Klein hybrid is for sale...
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