Happy New Year to you and V as well. May it be a great one.

Single speed is fine. All companies make them, my point with Trek was to buy a bike made by a bike company and not a department store.

I remember centre pull brakes, had them in the seventies. You need coaster brakes now.

Front baskets are more stable than rear, if the bike is designed for it. More trail (like caster angle, but achieved with curved forks) means that a porteur style bike rides better with the front basket than without.

Questions are good. Ask away

Cheers

Jeff

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue