Comments on: The ultimate commuter bike http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/ Tips, Hints, Reviews and Safety for Bike Commuters Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:00:59 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: John Salerno http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/comment-page-1/#comment-477588 John Salerno Tue, 04 Oct 2011 21:49:34 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/#comment-477588 I wss very interested in purchasing the finesse for my 40-50 mile a week commuting on both paved roads, gravel and packed limestone trail. The only drawback I see with this new Finesse is the truss rack. It appears that it does not handle panniers. Is this correct? I do not see the rack connect to the rear dropout to give more support and weight for a pannier load. I need to carry panniers to keep my center of gravity low and not use a cumbersome backpack or a inadquately small rack trunk. If Joe Breeze or someone expert is reading this, please respond and assure me that panniers can be used otherwise I will have to look elsewhere for a highend trekking bike. thanks I wss very interested in purchasing the finesse for my 40-50 mile a week commuting on both paved roads, gravel and packed limestone trail. The only drawback I see with this new Finesse is the truss rack. It appears that it does not handle panniers. Is this correct? I do not see the rack connect to the rear dropout to give more support and weight for a pannier load. I need to carry panniers to keep my center of gravity low and not use a cumbersome backpack or a inadquately small rack trunk. If Joe Breeze or someone expert is reading this, please respond and assure me that panniers can be used otherwise I will have to look elsewhere for a highend trekking bike. thanks

]]> By: Tom T. http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/comment-page-1/#comment-193029 Tom T. Tue, 25 May 2010 02:49:25 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/#comment-193029 Joe, I have been looking for a sturdy but fast commuter. I was considering several, including some of the equally (or more) expensive European models mentioned in the comments above. (I have lived in Europe and ridden some nice ones, as they do know how to make them.) I did not even know the Finesse existed until I saw one today at the bike shop and road it. Dude, you have out done yourself. While I did notice the need for a chain guard (for me at least), and the stem and bars are a tad low (strains my aging neck), but adjustable (or I might consider an extension to raise it a little), the Finesse just kicks butt. It's fast, nimble, light, but incredibly sturdy. I was amazed how responsive it was, while still feeling like it has some beef beneath you. As for components and gadgets, you put everything on it necessary for me, but still kept it sleek and simple. I've seen some Finesses on the web on sale for around $1,500. I think I could do that, and I just may. I'm going to look a bit longer, but so far, this is the best bike I think I've found as far as fit and feel for me, for my commute rides. Tom Joe,
I have been looking for a sturdy but fast commuter. I was considering several, including some of the equally (or more) expensive European models mentioned in the comments above. (I have lived in Europe and ridden some nice ones, as they do know how to make them.)
I did not even know the Finesse existed until I saw one today at the bike shop and road it. Dude, you have out done yourself. While I did notice the need for a chain guard (for me at least), and the stem and bars are a tad low (strains my aging neck), but adjustable (or I might consider an extension to raise it a little), the Finesse just kicks butt. It’s fast, nimble, light, but incredibly sturdy. I was amazed how responsive it was, while still feeling like it has some beef beneath you. As for components and gadgets, you put everything on it necessary for me, but still kept it sleek and simple.
I’ve seen some Finesses on the web on sale for around $1,500. I think I could do that, and I just may. I’m going to look a bit longer, but so far, this is the best bike I think I’ve found as far as fit and feel for me, for my commute rides.
Tom

]]> By: My perfect commuter bicycle « Bike Monkey Magazine http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/comment-page-1/#comment-135761 My perfect commuter bicycle « Bike Monkey Magazine Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:14:17 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/#comment-135761 [...] get 100 different answers. I caught a lot of heat when I proclaimed Joe Breeze’s Finesse the ultimate commuter bike a little over two years ago. Freewheel likes city bike with internal gear hubs and chaincases, [...] [...] get 100 different answers. I caught a lot of heat when I proclaimed Joe Breeze’s Finesse the ultimate commuter bike a little over two years ago. Freewheel likes city bike with internal gear hubs and chaincases, [...]

]]> By: good luck with that. http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/comment-page-1/#comment-130027 good luck with that. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:04:29 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/#comment-130027 this bike is still not worth the price being asked. seriously its a bike for a retiree with a whole bunch of money that does not know any better or care how much things are. its just not good value for the dollar. really nice looking bike nicely built honestly tho the retail on this bike it way way way way way to much. this bike is still not worth the price being asked.
seriously its a bike for a retiree with a whole bunch of money that does not know any better or care how much things are.
its just not good value for the dollar.
really nice looking bike nicely built honestly tho the retail on this bike it way way way way way to much.

]]> By: David Bjurman-Birr http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/comment-page-1/#comment-129863 David Bjurman-Birr Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:24:48 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/#comment-129863 Wow...it's interesting to see the negative posts from people who don't own the finesse. I had my local dealer special order one for me a little over a year ago since there are no breezer dealers near me. This bike is worth every penny...extremely well designed, fast, fun, & functional...truly a pleasure to ride. It's not really fair to simply categorize this as a commuter...yeah, you can easily commute on it; however, it easily doubles as a touring bike. Wow…it’s interesting to see the negative posts from people who don’t own the finesse.

I had my local dealer special order one for me a little over a year ago since there are no breezer dealers near me.

This bike is worth every penny…extremely well designed, fast, fun, & functional…truly a pleasure to ride.

It’s not really fair to simply categorize this as a commuter…yeah, you can easily commute on it; however, it easily doubles as a touring bike.

]]> By: Aphid http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/comment-page-1/#comment-107015 Aphid Sat, 28 Mar 2009 20:31:09 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/#comment-107015 Don't know if anyone's still reading this thread, but I just bought a Breezer Finesse, and I'm quite happy with it. I went with the Finesse because it has things for which I was looking: - disc brakes (I'm no expert, but my understanding is that I can expect consistent effort and excellent stopping in all conditions, and I'm very happy w/ them so far) - upright/comfortable riding position - internal hub (low maintenance, quiet) - some sort of damping (carbon in this case) without the loss of too much efficiency I also wanted fenders and lights. I know I could have added these and other items to another bike, but the convenience of having the Finesse ready to go (except pedals, lock, hydration, and storage) with integrated/matched components was very appealing. BTW, the Shimano Alfine internal rear hub has a better range of effort than any other I tried. Too bad it's not a belt drive. For me, the Breezer Finesse was the best balance between comfort and efficiency and ready components I found. Is it worth the price (actually reduced this year)? Well, I bought it. And I'm riding around with a big grin on my face! Don’t know if anyone’s still reading this thread, but I just bought a Breezer Finesse, and I’m quite happy with it.

I went with the Finesse because it has things for which I was looking:
– disc brakes (I’m no expert, but my understanding is that I can expect consistent effort and excellent stopping in all conditions, and I’m very happy w/ them so far)
– upright/comfortable riding position
– internal hub (low maintenance, quiet)
– some sort of damping (carbon in this case) without the loss of too much efficiency

I also wanted fenders and lights. I know I could have added these and other items to another bike, but the convenience of having the Finesse ready to go (except pedals, lock, hydration, and storage) with integrated/matched components was very appealing.

BTW, the Shimano Alfine internal rear hub has a better range of effort than any other I tried. Too bad it’s not a belt drive.

For me, the Breezer Finesse was the best balance between comfort and efficiency and ready components I found.

Is it worth the price (actually reduced this year)? Well, I bought it. And I’m riding around with a big grin on my face!

]]> By: Spokey http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/comment-page-1/#comment-90489 Spokey Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:06:37 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/#comment-90489 The old saying, "You get what you pay for" applies most certainly here. I love my Finesse, from the first look to the first ride, it has consistently exceeded my expectations. The quality of design and component selection more than justify the price, there is just no way to compare it to a lesser bike. If you think it costs too much, I would encourage you to do some research before you leap to that conclusion. As others have pointed out, a less expensive bike has less expensive components and nowhere near the thought/design that make this bike what it is. It's better than I thought it would be, and that's saying a lot... The old saying, “You get what you pay for” applies most certainly here. I love my Finesse, from the first look to the first ride, it has consistently exceeded my expectations. The quality of design and component selection more than justify the price, there is just no way to compare it to a lesser bike. If you think it costs too much, I would encourage you to do some research before you leap to that conclusion. As others have pointed out, a less expensive bike has less expensive components and nowhere near the thought/design that make this bike what it is. It’s better than I thought it would be, and that’s saying a lot…

]]> By: Dave http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/comment-page-1/#comment-86360 Dave Sat, 26 Jul 2008 06:07:51 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/#comment-86360 Joe said above somewhere in the thread that a complete enclosed chainguard can be added, which I was interested in not so much for my pants but as a deterrent to grit getting into the chain and wearing it and the rings out. Personally, I think he should sell it with it, but it's not a big deal if it can be added later. Apparently the mickey mouse frame lock is not included, either, which is not a big deal. I need to test ride one and get a better feel on its durability, still, to justify the cost. Seemed like a pretty big step in price from the Uptown. Joe said above somewhere in the thread that a complete enclosed chainguard can be added, which I was interested in not so much for my pants but as a deterrent to grit getting into the chain and wearing it and the rings out. Personally, I think he should sell it with it, but it’s not a big deal if it can be added later. Apparently the mickey mouse frame lock is not included, either, which is not a big deal.

I need to test ride one and get a better feel on its durability, still, to justify the cost. Seemed like a pretty big step in price from the Uptown.

]]> By: the bike nut http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/comment-page-1/#comment-84358 the bike nut Sun, 29 Jun 2008 04:16:20 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/#comment-84358 it looks ok. but to honest chromo is way nicer for commuting. its a little heavier ,but not so much to really make a difference. i am willing to bet i could smoke most people riding it on the 50 dollar garage sale giant hybrid i bought last year. i threw some nice lights on it i also got from a garage sale arc disharge headlight. some swabbe slicks and well it cost me a total of 200 bucks after all was said and done. looks better than the breezer too. theres another eight bikes i could do for the money i saved as well. or maybe two or three nice ones. i dont mind being a generation behind when it comes to bike technology. so yeah you can keep the breezer. it looks ok.
but to honest chromo is way nicer for commuting. its a little heavier ,but not so much to really make a difference.
i am willing to bet i could smoke most people riding it on the 50 dollar garage sale giant hybrid i bought last year.
i threw some nice lights on it i also got from a garage sale arc disharge headlight. some swabbe slicks and well it cost me a total of 200 bucks after all was said and done.
looks better than the breezer too.
theres another eight bikes i could do for the money i saved as well. or maybe two or three nice ones.
i dont mind being a generation behind when it comes to bike technology.
so yeah you can keep the breezer.

]]> By: shotty http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/comment-page-1/#comment-82805 shotty Wed, 21 May 2008 19:45:53 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/09/26/the-ultimate-commuter-bike/#comment-82805 call me a idiot... but: gary fisher mendota: carbon fork and seat post avvid disc brakes $1099 CDN. call me a idiot… but:

gary fisher mendota:
carbon fork and seat post
avvid disc brakes

$1099 CDN.

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