I just called the bike shop and the owner was very nice. He said I can bring the bike back and he will give me a full refund. He said I can look at some others but if I don't find anything I can have a refund and keep looking. It is a huge relief. I really thought I was stuck and out $386. Now I can re-think what would be the best bike for me. Now quite starting from scratch though since I have learned some things. I may not want the front suspension after all. I need the bike to be lighter and easier to get going. Will have to be careful about what tires it should have. And yet I need to sit more upright. I looked on line at the Trek 7.5 FX but at $800 it is out of my price range at the moment. The owner did suggest the Raliegh Detour might work with the size 700 narrower tires and ridgid front suspension. I would be willing to try it out but am kind of gun shy now to buy something unlessl I know for sure it is the right one. Anyway, I am so very relieved. It's such a bad feeling when you think you really blew making the right choice and aren't happy with it. Now that I can return it, if anyone has any advice on what might be a good choice, please let me know. Mostly bike paths and some off road trails here in Ft. Collins, Colorado. But not an actual mountain bike because I don't like to lean forward on the handbars. I want an upright. But one that doesn't take so much energy to get going and is fun to ride. More of a fitness bike maybe. Anyway, Rick, the owner of Loveland Cycle N' Fitness is totally awesome in my book! He was extremely understanding and gracious!
sunflowerflyer
04-10-08, 09:40 PM
Personally, I try to give my business to shops that take care of its customers like that. They're getting to be rare!
bizzz111
04-11-08, 08:21 AM
upright, 700c tires, and $400? That sounds like an electra townie 21 to me. It's probably one of the most fun, casual bikes I've ever ridden.
Of course I'm not sure what bike you returned, so if it was a townie, forget my post. If your LBS doesn't carry it, REI does and has a similar return policy.
However, I'm not sure I would take the townie on any unpaved trails. I'm not sure I would take any upright bike on trails, but that's just me.
Sci-Fi
04-11-08, 10:34 AM
Take a look at Jamis Commuter 1. The price is right and 7-speeds is more than enough for the riding conditions you describe doing and comes with 700C tires. Breezers are probably out of your price range, but it comes equipped with just about everything. As mentioned before, Electra Townies are within your pricepoint and with the slight crank-forward geometry, it's easier to to put your feet down for balance at stops while making pedaling easy.
My GF loves and rides her PT Cruiser Turbo 7 cruiser bike (men's version) everywhere. Added a rack and folding baskets so she can do shopping.
That Guy
04-14-08, 04:19 PM
Call me crazy, but a guy at work bought a Dahon folder for himself and his wife last year. I rode it around the office for a while and in the parking lot. I was truly surprised at how comfy it was. It made me consider getting one myself for errand running. Best part was the super cool folding action. My 2 cents.
HauntedMyst
04-15-08, 01:01 AM
upright, 700c tires, and $400? That sounds like an electra townie 21 to me. It's probably one of the most fun, casual bikes I've ever ridden.
However, I'm not sure I would take the townie on any unpaved trails. I'm not sure I would take any upright bike on trails, but that's just me.
He's right, the Townie is just so much fun to ride, lately I've been leaving my more expensive bikes behind just to ride it.
Based on what you've said, you want this one. http://www.rei.com/product/751500 Its lighter than the shock version bikes and has a pretty good gear range. I'd take on smooth trails but not rough ones. If you do buy it, get the rack right away, you'll find yourself using it all the time.
Bean27
04-15-08, 07:37 AM
+1 on the Townie 21 700C. I got one in early January and could not be happier. Just got a bike computer put on it so I can track my rides. I have had two cervical surgeries, so the upright position is mandatory for me. I love riding this bike!!
bab2000
04-15-08, 08:01 AM
I replied to your other thread about your experience.
In short I would suggest if they can remove the goo from your tires, as this makes them heavy and difficult to start, more than you experienced in test ride.
If still not right the 700 size wheel set will provide totally different ride than the 26" you have on your bike.
My wife has a very similar bike as your Raliegh, a Specialized Crossroads Sport (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32298), and it has the larger wheel set, and is in the same price range.
All the best, and do agree a LBS is usually the best, and those that want the customer to be happy is a great LSB to trade with.
Best Regards
Abbie
04-16-08, 05:59 PM
Hi again - thanks to everyone for your replies. I wanted to let you know I did take the Venture back and tried the Raleigh Detour 4.5 and it was much better. They let me take it home and ride it on the bike path near our house. It rode well but I was still undecided when I took it back. I was not an easy customer and I'm sure I tried their patience! I was debating just upgrading the components on my old Schwinn. But...they let me take it for yet another test ride on a beautiful day here in Loveland Colorado and it really does ride nice and I love the EF50 EZFire shifters much better than the twist shifters in my opinion. They also took $15 off the price for me. So I got it for $365 plus tax. This is more of a road bike with the bigger tires but I figure most of the time I'm going to be riding by myself and will be on the streets and bikepaths. I am going to keep my old bike as well (much to my husband's dismay as he doesn't want 3 bikes taking up space in our one car garage). I will use my old bike to ride off trail since it does that OK. It won't go up the steeper hills on Coyote Ridge but that's fine - I just walk it up - and consider it a hike and bike - great exercise. My husband's mtn bike won't make it either and he has to walk it so I have company! It's a beautiful trail and lot's of fun on the way back down! So anyway, I learned a lot about bikes through this whole experience with buying a new bike. This time I didn't have them put in the thicker tires (for thornes) and passed on the True Goo or Green Slime and opted instead for some thorne strips that aren't 100% throne proof but hopefully will help. I guess I should get some extra tubes just in case of a flat. But looks like I am all set for some great biking this spring and summer. Not today though, it's snowing! Thanks again for your replies. I never did test the electra townie 21 but rode a similar one from Schwinn. Not quite what I was after right now. Fun though! And the folding type....ahhh little leary on that one. Appreciate your thoughts though. Bye!