I may have an opportunity to buy a 2014 model Raleigh Cadent i8 demo bike from a local bike shop. They said the selling price back then was about $850, and they've got $350 on it now. I don't know what a "demo bike" means -- it's a local bike shop chain -- maybe they had this bike out at events and gave test rides? I don't know...
Either way, does anyone have experience with the Shimano internal 8 speed hub? The current model uses a belt drive; I'm not sure about the 2014 model. I'm also not sure of the gear ratio spread between lowest and highest on this bike. I'm used to a 21 speed drivetrain, with a 28t front and 28t rear cog as the low gear. I'm interested to know how "low" 1st gear would be on this Cadent.
I'm also interested to know about maintenance on an internal hub in general. I'm very familiar with adjusting derailleurs -- I haven't messed with the internal hubs at all. I imagine that, due to their nature, they'd have to be pretty much maintenance-free, right? You can't easily disassemble a wheel hub to tune that up.
If the bike fits me, and would fit my use (mostly fitness riding family bike riding), I think this particular bike would be a good value, at just $350. Any thoughts?
Either way, does anyone have experience with the Shimano internal 8 speed hub? The current model uses a belt drive; I'm not sure about the 2014 model. I'm also not sure of the gear ratio spread between lowest and highest on this bike. I'm used to a 21 speed drivetrain, with a 28t front and 28t rear cog as the low gear. I'm interested to know how "low" 1st gear would be on this Cadent.
I'm also interested to know about maintenance on an internal hub in general. I'm very familiar with adjusting derailleurs -- I haven't messed with the internal hubs at all. I imagine that, due to their nature, they'd have to be pretty much maintenance-free, right? You can't easily disassemble a wheel hub to tune that up.
If the bike fits me, and would fit my use (mostly fitness riding family bike riding), I think this particular bike would be a good value, at just $350. Any thoughts?