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XT is so impressive i have to say, the ease of installation and quality shifting is proper reassuring.
I am yet to get close to needing 32*46T though and i doubt the bike would be very stable at that on a slow climb with two passengers. Larger chain ring in order i think.
Brakes are mint, I can't comment on how good XT or Saint would have been but felt like I should go all out with 3 of us and a worried mum riding behind.
mdle-
The gearing probably is a little on the low-side. I guess it depends on how many hills you have around you/how much you end up carrying load-wise. A long-gaunt on a cargo bike certainly can tire the legs, but that's probably more my issue wanting to ride it like at 'normal' bike speeds! :)
I upgraded our brakes with 180mm discs (which i think you have) as I wanted more power, just watch out in the wet when bike is unloaded as front locks-up very easily, something worth testing without precious loads onboard! I ride our bike all year round including rain/ice/snow and have just about stayed upright 100% of the time so far despite some seriously dodgy conditions.
Liking the new sleek headset on the Bullitt, not sure what they have done, but keep wondering if I could do a similar thing on the Douze?
thebrenthamtaffy
Proper nice bits on that! :) Have a love-hate relationship with our Alfine 8, but seeing the XT groupo on that makes me crave the performance of proper derailleur gears! Brakes must be awesome too...
Good luck getting your daughter onboard, I'm sure she'll come around and soon you will all be bombing around the place with big grins, dog included.