At 03:01 PM 5/12/2009, you wrote:
>OK, so some folks have asked me about sourcing a "modern" version of
>a roadster-style bicycle, and (liken the sucker that I am!), I am
>looking into it.

Great!

>Would any of you be interested in a China-built roadster-style bike
>with a TIG-welded steel frame and a modern single speed drivetrain?

Yes, if it had a full chaincase that completely encloses the chain.
Modern Dutch roadsters, like those made by Batavus, have lightweight
chaincases made of tough plastic that disassemble without tools. The
advantages - a bike you can ride in very nice clothes, and a chain
that never gets wet or dirty and so lasts almost forever - greatly
outweigh the inconvenience of occasionally having to remove a chaincase.

A neighbor's transport bike has a chaincase that looks identical to
the Batavus, but I believe the bike is another brand, so I'm guessing
the chaincases are made by another manufacturer.

>Would you be more interested in a drivetrain with an internal gear rear hub?

Yes. And also caliper brakes, the better to descend the hills around here.

I'd also vote for a rear rack as standard equipment. And they should
have a cool chrome bell. The ones from India you were selling are
great; I'm sorry I didn't buy more.

Thanks for asking!

Mitchell