Mar 272010
I added a new bike to the collection today — an MEC Hold Steady.
This will be an interesting ride as I’ve never ridden with an internally-geared hub before.
Once I’ve put it through a few hundred kilometers I’ll write up a review and post it.
elliottzone
So, how are you liking it? it’s been a month!
Yikes, it has been!
Quick answer – I really like it. Comfort level is high, the lack of a derailleur is great (no fudging with High/Low screws or other derailleur finessing. I do wish the lowest gear was lower though. It’s fine now but I can see it being a bit too high for snowy or icy riding. I might look into switching out the front chainring for one slightly smaller to bring all the gearing down a bit. I’ll post a more detailed review of the bike in the upcoming weeks.
Thanks for updating! It’s hard to find some information about this bike. I was also looking at the Trek Soho, but it seems that the MEC’s components are better. I’m just wondering why they didn’t put a track chain (1/8″) instead of a regular 3/32″ one. Not a big deal, it’s just a detail. Anyways thanks, and I’m looking forward to the full review!
If you’re interested in finding out some more about the Soho, I’ll ask one of my cohorts at work to respond with some feedback. He picked up a Soho not too long ago. I haven’t got around to seeing it yet, but I’m definitely interested in checking out the belt drive.
Finally, I eliminated the Soho from the short list because of the hub brakes. We have a few steep hills in Montréal also the drivers are a bit crazy so I really want disks to be able to bite into the asphalt.
My new shortlist is
- Mec Hold Steady (Alfine + chain + hydraulic disc + alu/carbon)
- Giant Seek 0 (Alfine + chain + hydraulic disc + alu)
- Norco Ceres (Alfine + belt drive + mechanical disc + steel)
Anyways, looking forward to your in depth review!
I have the Trek Soho, and I’m pretty pleased with it, overall.
Pros:
1. Nothing to maintain, really. Ride it, park it, and repeat.
2. Well thought out as an urban bike (very plain finish, doesn’t say “steal me”)
3. Like the fenders and belt guard.
Cons:
1. To replace a flat seems like a big deal (especially rear). The belt can’t be broken, so it is a split rear triangle and a bunch of fiddling (lots of bolts, retensioning,…)
2. Need to validate this, but there seems to be a noticable “efficiency penalty.” Primary contributors would be the weight of the bike, the belt, the drum brakes, the hub.
3. The factory seat does not match my physiology particularly well.
4. The brakes won’t exactly stop you on a dime. Not an issue so far.
5. If you did want or have to maintain it, it would be tricky for bolt-strippers like me.
6. My particular rear hub isn’t exactly smooth, although the “adjustment indicators” are aligned. I’ll review with the bike shop (others seems happy with their hubs, which are the same).
7. Flat pedals, but its an “urban bike.”
Summary:
Good bike if you are after virtually no maintenance. Might be best suited for somewhat short commutes in rainy climates.
FYI I bought a Hold Steady about a month ago and I’m loving it! It’s the perfect urban bike. Not sure I’d lock it outside for too long, but other than that, it’s awesome!
I fitted it with Bike Friday PC fenders and a Tubus Cargo rack. I also put some black Scotchlight tape on a couple of places on the frame and a couple of 2W Planet Bike Blaze lights on front and rear lights as I almost only ride at night.
JP, where did you find the black Scotchlight tape? I’ve been looking locally without much luck…