Recreational & Family - I need you pros for advice! (please) :)

Hi, Im new to this forum and am new to riding bikes. I want to purchase 2 cruiser bikes, one for myself and one for my 13 year old daughter. This will be a major buy for us so I really want to do my homework first. Seems we have got it down to two choices. One is a Giant Simple for 280.00, and the other is a Electra hawaiin style cruiser for about 280.00 also (i dont know if its a 'townie" or not.) Please can I ask for any advice out there on which one is a better buy? We just want something to cruise around town on...no big hills or anything. Any other bikes out there that I should know about?

Thanks so much!

Becky

They are pretty much the same bike. Singlespeed cruisers. IMO either one will be fine for simply leisurely rides.

But it does say that the Electra has the option for a 3 speed internal hub, so thats an extra option to consider.

what a brilliant idea. if i were in your shoes i would go to a local bikeshop and show them a pic. of either bike and ask if they have something used in that category.
they might not, but its way nicer and easier if the customer have an idea of what they are looking for.

it does not strike me that you are picky and thats always a plus ( esp. since you dont know what you are talking about :D) bring a cake if you go before lunch or some other snack..strike up a conversation rather than demand..if you dont feel you learn anything you might want to go to the next shop..

enjoy..

If your town has zero hills, a one speed bike is fine for cruising around. If you have some hills, you would prefer a seven speed cruiser, for a few dollars more.

Fit is crucial. Many adults are on bikes that are too small. Many kids are on bikes that are too big. As a "starting point" for good fit, you need to be able to raise the saddle so that when the lower pedal is at 6 o'clock, there is just a slight bend in your knee. And, with the saddle at that height, your hands should be on the handlebars about as high as your saddle.

With a "ladies" frame, it is always easy to "stand over" the bike frame. With a men's frame, be sure that you can stand with both feet on the ground without the frame pressing against your jeans.

Buy from a shop within riding distance from your home that has a full-time mechanic. All bikes need adjustments from time to time. You will enjoy your bike more if it is easy to get your mechanic to check it over whenever that's needed. First rate service, before and after the sale, is the single biggest difference between a $300 bike from a good bike store, and a $100 bike from a department store or sportings goods store.

You might go test ride a Giant Sedona comfort bike to see how you like it. The Sedona usually sells for about $289 to $309. Test ride several bikes before making a decision.