Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
2005

Bike Setup:
7005-aluminum "Direct-X" frame, Suplease chromoly fork, Ritchey Girder Comp wheels, Shimano Deore hubs, stainless steel spokes, Chengshin 700x37c tires with reflective sidewalls, Shimano Deore Hollowtech crankset, 48/36/26 chainwheel, Shimano Deore front; Deore XT rear deraillers, Shimano HG50, 9-speed: 11-32 rear cog, Shimano Deore shifters, aluminum steerhorn handlebars w/ high-density foam grips, Sonne6 aluminum stem, Tektro brake levers w/ cushliners, Shimano linear-pull brakes, platform pedals w/ chromoly axles, Velo Plush multi-density saddle, Kalloy 248 seat post, Kalloy forged aluminum seat binder, Bush & Muller front and rear lights, Basta duo generator, fenders, tubular aluminum rack, chainguard, kickstand, bell.

Summary:
I purchased my Breezer Liberty in August, 2006, at City Bikes in Washington, DC. I ride the bike 5 miles each way between my home in Gaithersburg, Maryland and the Shady Grove Metro station, 3 or 4 times a week. I purchased the bike specifically for this commute.

Strengths:
This really is an "off the rack" commuter bike (see setup details below); all I have added to the bike is a seat bag to hold a multi-tool, flat repair kit and spare tube; I use bungee chords to hold my backpack on the rear rack for commuting. The heavy-duty wheels and touring tires are built to carry a serious load, but still sporty enough to keep up with traffic when necessary.

Weaknesses:
The bike is advertised to come with a Basta Quattro generator, but mine was delivered with a Basta Duo. I don't know if there is a significant difference between the two, but the Duo induces a TON of drag. I ride with my lights on all the time, for visibility, so this is a significant issue for me. Breezer offers the zero-resistance Shimano Nexus generator hub on their top of the line Uptown city bike; why don't they offer it on their top of the line 'Range' bike? I wrote them both a snail mail and an email to ask this very question, but got no answer.

Even the Large 22" 'Direct-X' frame is small for my 6'3", 240lb. person; I would have appreciated and Extra Large 24" model.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized is coming out with its '07 Globe City 6.1 model in January; it has essentially the same equipment list as the Liberty, but comes with a larger, conventional frame and the Shimano Nexus generator hub, but costs nearly $100 less; watch out Breezer!