View Full Version : Electra's New Townie
Dahon.Steve
10-21-03, 03:14 PM
I just noticed an ad in Bicycling on Electra's new "Townie" bikes with radical geometry. It seems like Electra cleaned up the entire line and is now banking it's future on this new Townie with low seat, roadster style frame that supposed to be more comfortable than anything out there.
http://www.electrabike.com/townie/home_new.html
It seems like Electra is promoting that cyclists should be riding "flat foot" on the peddle instead of simply using the top of the arch. I looked at the low riding position and it seems like you're sitting too low on the saddle even though the peddales are further away. Wouldn't this cause knee pain?
How many people here think that Electra is simply pulling our leg?
These "bikes" are for folks who ride for a few miles at a slow, casual pace on Saturday and Sunday only.
They are not REAL cyclists and these "bikes" are not REAL bicycles. :eek: :rolleyes: ;)
Personally, I wouldn't ride one. They look extremely uncomfortable to me.
Dahon.Steve
10-27-03, 11:42 AM
>>>>Personally, I wouldn't ride one. They look extremely uncomfortable to me.<<<<<
I was wondering if anyone tested this bike because it seems like a marketing ploy to get people to buy these cruisers. What I would like to know is if there's some truth to riding this low and how efficient it would be.
Looking at the bike's geometry, the leg does appear to be extended as the seat is set back, sort of like a recumbent.
Probably the only thing I can say is if you're going to be sitting straight up, you should have a Brooks saddle.
I can't get my wife to ride much because she does not feel safe unless she can sit on the "seat" while placing her feet flat on the ground. I adjusted her bike this way and now when she is at the top of the cycle stroke her knee is almost in her face.
I think that this bike is for neophytes like my wife. I don’t know if they did any testing after construction, but I’ll bet they did market testing to see what the non-riding adult wants in a bike.
Mcbengie
11-03-03, 12:10 PM
I think the Townie is a great idea, I got to ride one at the Interbike Demo Day and I have to say, these bikes ride nice. They are very comfortable and efficient and the best part - they don't look odd! I also think it will open up cycling to a whole new audience - and that is really what we need. I heard they will be out in multiple dealers in about a week or two - if you guys get to ride one, let me know what you think.
Rich Clark
11-03-03, 12:23 PM
It seems like Electra is promoting that cyclists should be riding "flat foot" on the peddle instead of simply using the top of the arch. I looked at the low riding position and it seems like you're sitting too low on the saddle even though the peddales are further away. Wouldn't this cause knee pain?
How many people here think that Electra is simply pulling our leg?
What they're saying is that many people, inexperienced cyclists particularly, are uncomfortable unless they can put their feet flat on the ground when stopped. That's very true.
So what they've done is to start with design principles borrowed from recumbents -- move the seat back and the bottom bracket forward so that you can get proper leg extension without being high off the ground -- and apply them to a more conventional-looking bike.
There's no reason a bike like the Townie has to be any less efficient than a recumbent. As marketed, it's not a high-end bike (heavy, fat tires, low-end components) but that's not the fault of the geometry.
Giant has a similar (but weirder-looking) design for 2004. I believe they and Electra are onto something, and have come up with the solution for the many very overweight, out-of-shape people who would like to ride but are just plain, flat-out afraid to.
RichC
Joe Gardner
11-03-03, 01:32 PM
I think the Townie is a great idea, I got to ride one at the Interbike Demo Day and I have to say, these bikes ride nice. They are very comfortable and efficient and the best part - they don't look odd! I also think it will open up cycling to a whole new audience - and that is really what we need. I heard they will be out in multiple dealers in about a week or two - if you guys get to ride one, let me know what you think.
Funny how you placed the "http://www.electrabike.com" URL in your profile. So are you the CEO? What is your position at electra? :rolleyes:
familyman
11-05-03, 12:51 PM
I'd really like to ride one. They look like a great idea for a boardwalk/townie bike. Only issue would be standing to mash up a hill which I don't think you could pull off with that geometry. However, for people just looking to get out for a ride I think it's a darn good idea.
Not everybody thinks then NEED to put a foot down flat, but there have been times when I've stoped to talk to someone that it would have been great to remain seated, feet down flat and just chat.
Mcbengie
11-08-03, 09:03 AM
Funny how you placed the "http://www.electrabike.com" URL in your profile. So are you the CEO? What is your position at electra? :rolleyes:
Good catch Joe, yes I am one of the founders of Electra. I am very glad to see an intrest for the Townie ... and I like to read eveybodies opinion, because it will help us to make better bikes and get more people to ride.
We have been making bikes for the casual rider for 11 years, because we belive there is a ton of people who would love to make cycling part of their live without becoming a serious cyclist. And in many cases we have introduced people to cycling by making it fun and not scary - many of these people became serious cyclists after all. If you get a change try one yourself ... oh and yes unlike recumbents you can stand up while riding up hill.
Rich Clark
11-08-03, 01:03 PM
Good catch Joe, yes I am one of the founders of Electra.
So next time you post about it maybe you should add a disclaimer, eh? Stealth posting in online forums is fraudulent, and does not dispose the reader to look kindly on the company that does it.
RichC
Mcbengie
11-10-03, 08:04 AM
So next time you post about it maybe you should add a disclaimer, eh? Stealth posting in online forums is fraudulent, and does not dispose the reader to look kindly on the company that does it.
RichC
Rich,
I understand and apologize to all the members of this forum. Is there any way we can get the subject back to the Townie ... ?
cycletourist
11-10-03, 08:13 AM
Mcbengie,
You won't learn anything useful reading on this forum. Few people here actually think for themselves- they just regurgitate what they read in Bicycling magazine. And they will all be happy to make up opinions about your bike without actually seeing or riding one. The only way you can find out how to improve your bike is to listen to the customers who actually BUY them and RIDE them.
cycletourist
11-16-03, 07:04 AM
I've been browsing thru the electrabike.com website. The more I look at the townie the more I like it. I want one of these bikes. Too bad I can't afford it ride now.
The Rob
11-16-03, 04:19 PM
Mcbengie,
You won't learn anything useful reading on this forum. Few people here actually think for themselves- they just regurgitate what they read in Bicycling magazine...
Ouch! :(
Joe Gardner
11-16-03, 04:48 PM
I'm trying to think the last time I have even picked up a bike magazine? I would guess well over a year now.
Dchiefransom
11-16-03, 06:45 PM
I think the design is a good concept. Just because it departs from the "norm" doesn't mean it's not good. If people will be more comfortable riding a bike like this, then it will be good for cycling.
Who are we to say what a serious cyclist is? There are recumbent riders on Lowracer recumbents that ride as much as any other cyclist, and sit on trainers indoors in bad weather to keep in shape. I've seen them post their results for century rides that were under 4 hours.
cycletourist
11-16-03, 07:39 PM
I'm tempted to get one of these for RAGBRAI next year.
I may get one of these for my wife. Maybe she will go riding with me then.
She wants to be able to reach the ground with her foot while she is seated. This design would help her feel secure without having to pedal with her knees in her chest.
BlastRadius
11-28-03, 07:12 PM
I'm tempted to get one of these for RAGBRAI next year.
Hehe. Don't forget the "drink" holder accessory.
FWIW, Sheldon Brown had nice words to say about one he rode at Interbike:
http://sheldonbrown.com/lasvegas/
Still, at $720, I have trouble thinking of this as a low end bike.
Sheldon Brown seemed to like it.
It's possible that a seat low enough to drag a foot or two on the road while still having good pedal extension might be useful in winter cycling.
I'd like to ride it and see what I think.
Paul
Hey! It looks O/k.
Nothing wrong with a little inovation to cycle design,especially if it encourages more people to get out of their smelly poluting Autos.
I`m sure if anyone test rides this bike and it appeals to those looking for comfort in cycling above anything else ,then good luck to the producers they seem to have a good formula here...
cmuhlstein
03-06-04, 12:02 PM
Still, at $720, I have trouble thinking of this as a low end bike.
I too was thinking about one for my wife. Helens Cycles in Santa Monica has a great selection and they average $350 to $500 less 10% off if you belong to a qualifying bike club. Ask for George.
willysworker
03-06-04, 06:10 PM
My wife and I are life long bicyclists. Both about 50 yrs. old and have been looking throughly the last couple of weeks for new bikes. We are both are tried of our mountain bikes. Looking at hybrids and the like we discovered comfort bikes. We have ridden many new models(hybrids) and we believe Electra is onto something. We have a price quote of $409. each for the townie 24 model, a fork shocked 24 speed(derailer). The $750 (quoted @ $625) model 8 is a internal geared hub 8 speed and we feel over priced even with the better componets. Both of us are adding seat post shocks and a rear rack. Mountain climbing isn't our thing but I can say a little hill in our testing wasn't a problem. Try it and shop around for bottom line price. Bye
james Haury
03-07-04, 05:17 AM
I do think for myself and have not regurgitated in the usual way in years. When i use material from a bicycle magazine it is from A to B.
I find it interesting to read some of the comments here about the riding position... considering that same position is what a lot of hardcore mountain bikers today are using. I guess they're not considered to be real cyclists either? :rolleyes:
Moonshot
03-07-04, 07:58 AM
khuon,
Are you sure the townie is similar geometry to what hardcore mtn bikers are using?
I'm interested in the townie for my wife also. A test ride is inevitable.
My big question is how much more difficult is it to pull a hill on the townie as opposed to a standard double diamond frame bike?
The url for townie has now changed to: http://www.electrabike.com/04/bikes/townie/townie_home.html
Are you sure the townie is similar geometry to what hardcore mtn bikers are using?
Granted, most MTBs have a much higher BB and the Townie does have a more forward BB location. The MTBer will still be in a slightly more hunched posture but it's pretty close.
http://www.electrabike.com/04/images/townie_section/intro/GirlonBike.jpg
http://www.pinkbike.com/m/disk01/pinkbike/photo/pbpic166607.jpg
cycletourist
03-07-04, 02:26 PM
I want to know if the cutie comes with the bike? If so, then $800 is a real bargain :-)
Moonshot
03-07-04, 06:20 PM
Yeah, Khuon. It is close.
I took the kids down to the school today to practice their riding w/o training wheels. I was thinking that a townie for kids might be a good idea. Dismounting is one of the things my little girl has trouble with.
IowaParamedic
03-07-04, 06:23 PM
I'm tempted to get one of these for RAGBRAI next year.
McBengie, Have you considered setting up as a demo vendor on RAGBRAI?
I personally love the idea of a "townie" type bike. I have been searching garage sales and auctions for an old single speed cruiser, but haven't found what I wanted yet.
Human transportation (biking from point A to point B) was a big theme at the LAB National Bike Summit. The "townie" captures that market of the population that could and would take their bike to the store/bank/post office or any other less than .5 mile trip.
No other bike caught my eye as much as the Breezer on the Congressional Bike Ride. I was sold after Joe Breeze when smoking by me and my rental bike.
Sheldon's report.
http://sheldonbrown.com/lasvegas/2003-outdoor/pages/vegas03-nexus8-3.html
I've seen a few people 'round town on... Townies.
Looks comfotable. I'd hit it.
Dahon.Steve
03-09-04, 10:09 AM
Folks. This isn't a new geometry but a rather old one that's got a new name. If I'm not correct, Vision recumbents were selling a bike VERY SIMILAR to the Electra Townie but with 700 cc wheels. It was marketed as a upright made by recumbent makers.
I really believe the Townie copied the very same concept and now that Vision is bankrupt, it's good to see someone preserved the idea.
cycletourist
03-09-04, 12:51 PM
Folks. This isn't a new geometry but a rather old one that's got a new name. If I'm not correct, Vision recumbents were selling a bike VERY SIMILAR to the Electra Townie but with 700 cc wheels. It was marketed as a upright made by recumbent makers.
I really believe the Townie copied the very same concept and now that Vision is bankrupt, it's good to see someone preserved the idea.
Yes,
Steve is correct. Vision made a bike called the Thouroughbred. I read a review of it in the Rivendell Reader a while back. They also interviewed the inventor who said he wanted the design to be copied because he felt it was a much better design than all the current so-called "comfort" bikes.
a2psyklnut
03-09-04, 01:21 PM
I worked in a shop that was an Electra dealer. We sold a great many of these to people that wanted a bike for just cruising around the neighborhood and didn't want the complication of multiple gears and a tall position of a comfort bike. I don't know how many "Hawaii" models we sold.
My favorites were the Rat Rod and the Betty. We would sell these in pairs to younger and older couples alike. There was an annual "Hot Rod" show come through town and we loaded a couple Pairs of these and sold them instantly to the Hot Rodders.
I personally like the "Flying Sue" model.
Electra has found a niche market and is doing it very well. Their single speed cruisers were comparable in cost to most other brands and yet you could get everything up to a Nexus hub. The bikes are great cruising bikes and they are what they are. Sure you're not going to ride one during your next training ride, but you also wouldn't want to ride you Ti road bike with Record 10 to the beach.
L8R
I worked in a shop that was an Electra dealer. We sold a great many of these to people that wanted a bike for just cruising around the neighborhood and didn't want the complication of multiple gears and a tall position of a comfort bike. I don't know how many "Hawaii" models we sold.
My favorites were the Rat Rod and the Betty. We would sell these in pairs to younger and older couples alike. There was an annual "Hot Rod" show come through town and we loaded a couple Pairs of these and sold them instantly to the Hot Rodders.
I personally like the "Flying Sue" model.
Electra has found a niche market and is doing it very well. Their single speed cruisers were comparable in cost to most other brands and yet you could get everything up to a Nexus hub. The bikes are great cruising bikes and they are what they are. Sure you're not going to ride one during your next training ride, but you also wouldn't want to ride you Ti road bike with Record 10 to the beach.
L8R
The Electra Hawaii, Rat Rod, Betty and Flying Sue are all cruisers with a more traditional geometry than the Townie models, which are new for 2004. I believe that the only Electra cruiser with the Townie geometry is the Rat Fink, photo attached.
I've got an 2002 Electra Commuter 7, with a nexus7 hub and 700mm wheels, which I like very much; it's got the cruiser geometry, but unfortunately has since been discontinued by the company.
I am very interested in test riding a Townie, I'm waiting for my LBS to have one in stock on the showroom floor - they're having trouble keeping up with demand for this model...
leadbutt
03-15-04, 08:22 PM
I don't care/know if these things ride worth a flip...I really don't think climbing is gonna be an attractive option...but MAN, they look cool...
willysworker
03-16-04, 06:33 PM
We rode the coast train the 12 miles up to Santa Barabra,Ca. and rode the new bikes back to Carpinetria. We didn't buy them for that kind of riding but all went well. Much nicer than our Mountain Bikes and my wrists and butt weren't hurting. Not recommended for hilly area's but I'd say you should check them out for yourself. Price was $430 each at Harzard's in S.B. We where quoted as low as $409 but it was in Fulerton, Ca. and hours dirve. Good luck and have fun.
jbabbington
04-13-04, 09:26 PM
I just bought the Townie 21 and overall I like it. It looks really cool - like a human powered Harley Sportster, and it is very comfortable. Not very fast - a) it is a new bike for me and b) the upright sitting position causes a lot of drag.
Out of the bike shop it weighs about 30lbs - I keep it in a garage, so no problem for me, but not suitable for walk up dwellers (it is also difficult to lift because of the oddly shaped top tube).
I love the forward "almost recumbent" BB location - after about 3 miles I felt the glutes complaining about having to help spin the pedals. Well, too bad glutes, it's time to get to work!
Handling is awkward for me - I think I need time to adjust to the longer wheelbase and head tube angle - it seems to oversteer at low speeds - could just be me.
In 2 days I've gotten at least 5 compliments - all of which came from 12 year olds on BMXs. I respect their opinions the most!
Like: Looks, forward BB location, not having to leave the saddle to stop (takes getting used to). Frame quality is excellent, components are (bike shop)entry level, but better than department store.
Dont Like: Slow, shape of top tube.
If I could redesign it - Straighten out the top tube; shorten the head tube; raise the seat stays.
I have a Electra StreetRod 7. It has a great paintjob and Nexus 7 internal hub which rocks. In fact, Electras are great bikes with lots of style.
The only downside is that they are heavy as hell but that's the nature of these kinds of bikes. Perfect for around the neighborhood.
They aren't a ton of money either so it's a cheap way to get a stylin cruiser.
I give them props for taking over where Dyno left off--but keeping their own style.
My one complaint about the quality of my Electra Commuter 7 is the traditional style original equipment bottom bracket kept loosening up - even after I liberally applied blue loctite to the cup threads. I finally had to change it out to a better quality sealed cartridge model, and I haven't had any further problems.
South_Coast
04-18-04, 10:22 PM
We rode the coast train the 12 miles up to Santa Barabra,Ca. and rode the new bikes back to Carpinetria. We didn't buy them for that kind of riding but all went well. Much nicer than our Mountain Bikes and my wrists and butt weren't hurting. Not recommended for hilly area's but I'd say you should check them out for yourself. Price was $430 each at Harzard's in S.B. We where quoted as low as $409 but it was in Fulerton, Ca. and hours dirve. Good luck and have fun.
Based on what I've read on the forum, and what Willysworker had to say, I bought a Townie 24 on Friday after an extensive try-out and have no complaints. I am no Lance Armstrong but I like to bike recreationally. The Townie fits my bill, as an aging Baby Boomer, just fine. The Santa Maria Valley in CA is a great place to ride due to a lack of cars on the back roads.
sukispop
04-21-04, 12:40 PM
My wife and I are life long bicyclists. Both about 50 yrs. old and have been looking throughly the last couple of weeks for new bikes. We are both are tried of our mountain bikes. Looking at hybrids and the like we discovered comfort bikes. We have ridden many new models(hybrids) and we believe Electra is onto something. We have a price quote of $409. each for the townie 24 model, a fork shocked 24 speed(derailer). The $750 (quoted @ $625) model 8 is a internal geared hub 8 speed and we feel over priced even with the better componets. Both of us are adding seat post shocks and a rear rack. Mountain climbing isn't our thing but I can say a little hill in our testing wasn't a problem. Try it and shop around for bottom line price. Bye
Hi Willysworker,
I've been looking at both the Electra Townie and the Rans Fusion(a recumbent hybrid); both share some similar design aspects. I live in Northern Calif., about an hour from San Francisco. May I ask you what bike shop and in what city you and your wife were shopping at for the Townie? The few bike shops in my general area that sell the Townie are asking for full retail on all models. I'd be interested in checking out the store that you visited since they seem to be offering a discount on their Townies. Please feel free to email or pm me, if forum policy does not allow making public this kind of information.
And I would love to hear how the Townies have been working out for you and your wife...thanks! Take care.... ;)
These bikes look really cool. I'd buy one if I could get an ultra low weight Townie (20 lbs or less) with an S-RAM 7 instead of the Shimano Nexus I'd be at a dealer lickety split.
sukispop
04-21-04, 05:32 PM
Hi lobo,
I agree with you--one of my reservations with the Townie is its weight. A local dealer in my area said that most of the Townies weigh around 30 lbs, and the Townie 8 with the Nexus 8 speed internal hub(because the sealed hub is heavy) weighs a little more than 30 lbs. I'm curious, though--you mentioned in your post that if the Townie had the Sram 7 hub instead of the Shimano Nexus hub, you would be at picking one up at your dealer "lickety split"--is the Sram 7 spd internal hub better than the Shimano Nexus hub? Thanks!
jartzorro
04-24-04, 04:31 PM
Ladies and Gents,
Well I have purchased a Townie 21 after a long and hard search in Michigan. I have ridden a cruiser back and forth to work for a while and the townie beats the standerd model cruiser by a bunch in both looks and ride. I would highly recommend the bike not only for the two aforementioned traits but also for the fact that you are sitting upright like a bent and you can see a lot better around you making it much safer.
Carry on,
Zorro
Hi lobo,
I agree with you--one of my reservations with the Townie is its weight. A local dealer in my area said that most of the Townies weigh around 30 lbs, and the Townie 8 with the Nexus 8 speed internal hub(because the sealed hub is heavy) weighs a little more than 30 lbs. I'm curious, though--you mentioned in your post that if the Townie had the Sram 7 hub instead of the Shimano Nexus hub, you would be at picking one up at your dealer "lickety split"--is the Sram 7 spd internal hub better than the Shimano Nexus hub? Thanks!
Actually it was just recently that I test rode the Nexus 8. If it were a 7 speed internal hub I'd go for the SRAM-7. However the Nexus 8 is much better than the Nexus 7. The gears are much wider and it seems smoother. However, there is even a better Nexus 8 called the 'Premium' model. So far Breezer is the only company in North America to use it in their bikes. It's supposed to be about a pound lighter and be more 'durable.' Kind of saying the base Nexus 8 is just 'ok.'
Poppaspoke
04-26-04, 01:00 AM
One of the least attractive features of the sport of cycling is elitism, characterized by the old "not a real bicycle, not a real cyclist" attitude. Makes me want to give it up and take up bowling.
Reality check: XC mountain bikes don't even weigh 20lbs and 23-25lbs is considered light for the $2000 you are spending. How do you expect a steel, sub-$400 bike to weigh under 20lbs?? That's lighter than alot of road bikes!
If weight is an issue, than this is the entirely wrong kind of bike class for you. A NEXUS hub, steel tig frame, durable big tires, seat and cromo handlebars and a good price. And you are going to complain about weight?
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