hey everyone, I've not been around much over the "summer" (such as it was here) but nursery is open again, and there is some unexpected cash available that could go on a new bike.

I ride a Specialised HardRock mountain bike and a Marin Stinson comfort hybrid, which is the bike I learned to ride on just over a year ago. Generally if I'm going anywhere hilly or off-road I ride the mountain bike, errands and shopping are done on the hybrid. I also tow my three year old in a trailer on either bike fairly often. If I did get a new bike it would replace the Marin and would be for errands, but would have to be a bike that I loved to pieces and that would ideally last for years. It would need to have a rack and/or basket, and be able to do short distances on non-tarmac roads/paths such as the occasional stretch of gravel or towpath but nothing properly muddy off-road. Rides would be 4-8miles. I'm not after speed - more convenience and a bike that I love when I look at it (which to be honest the Stinson doesn't deliver for me). I probably wouldn't use a new bike for towing as there are a couple of gradients on the nursery run that need a few more gears.

I've been loving the idea of Pashleys for some time and the whole steel-framed made in Britain history stuff, but I don't really know how hub gears compare to the derailleur gears that I learned with. The heaviest Pashleys come with 5 speed gears, the lighter Poppy has 3 speeds. Can anyone tell me what difference this makes to riding? When I'm cycling to town and not towing I never shift off the middle cog and very little if any change on the smaller ones. I think I remember reading somewhere that a 5 speed hub is the same as the 3 speed but with a couple of extra steps. I will of course take a test ride but would welcome any experience. There are a couple of non-Pashley options - a Marin Kentfield which looks very tidy and light and pretty and makes me sigh, and possibly a Globe, though these come up quite pricey compared to the made in the UK Pashleys.

Anyway, sorry for the long post, if anyone wants to look at some links they can be found below.

Pashley Sovereign Princess - 5 gears - heavy
Pashley Brittania - 5 gears
Pashley Poppy - 3 gears
Pashley Penny - 5 gears but single size frame that may be too big.
Globe, I like this one but I don't think it's been launched in the UK yet.
Marin Kentfield - more gears and lighter, but aluminium compared to the Pashley steel.

Or I could just put a really nice Brooks saddle on my Stinson. hmmmm. Thanks for reading this essay, thoughts appreciated thank you!