REI list this bike at $1399, which is its RRP.
Now that Winter is finally here
It's time to do away with the external gear
With a belt drive instead of a pesky chain
you'll never have to lubricate again.
That basically sums it up for me. A carbon belt drive replaces the chain, which means it's super quiet and doesn't need any lube - just rinse it with water now and again. The gearing is also fully internal, which keeps it safe for the elements, and also means you can "change gears" at any time, even when stopped. The CVP system means no clicking between gears, just rotate the shifter to smoothly adjust the gearing.
If you baulk at the price and are happy for a lower-tech gear system, you might be interested in the Novara Arkham at less than $700AUD shipped.
These aren't the lightest bikes you can buy but the ease of use and maintenance make them worthwhile.
Note that I don't really know much much effort/cost/tooling is required to assemble the bike when it arrives. Anyone with experience with buying bikes online please comment below.
Bikes Palace (based in the US) currently has free shipping to AU, even for bikes. I confirmed this in a brief chat with an online rep, so it's not a glitch.
Taken from the Bikes Palace site
NuVinci N360 continuously variable planetary (CVP) rear hub uses rotating, tilting balls inside the hub to supply smooth, quiet shifts whenever you want, even when stopped
NuVinci CVP design also means there's no indexed "ker-chunk" between gears, just a continuous range that lets you find the amount of resistance that best suits your needs
Gates CenterTrack Belt Drive uses a carbon-reinforced belt instead of a chain for a quiet ride—belt doesn't require lubrication, so there's no greasy chain to deal with
Using the twist shifters is intuitively simple and offers super-smooth, seamless movement throughout the gearing range with a flick of the wrist
6061 butted aluminum frame and fork are lightweight and strong
Tektro Gemini hydraulic disc brakes deliver superior stopping power
Head tube features Novara “N Dock” mounting braze-ons to attach a cargo-hauling Barrow basket (please note that the basket is sold separately)
Rear rack on the Gotham is ready for cargo, quickly accepting panniers or trunk bag (not included)—great for carrying groceries or work essentials
Lezyne 500-lumen rechargeable headlight brightly leads the way, and a built-in battery-powered rack-mounted tail light aids rear visibility
Upright-riding cockpit is designed for comfort, thanks to the Selle Royal saddle, mustache-style handlebar and ergonomic grips
Puncture-resistant Schwalbe Marathon tires feature sure grip and a fast, smooth ride
Rounding out the package are polished fenders to keep road grime and water off you and the bike; bell on handlebars signals passing; kickstand makes storage/parking easy
Specs on our Novara Gotham bike are subject to change
Sizing information is available here