Electra Daisy Cruiser vs. Trek Calypso Cruiser? Or Trek 7300 vs. Electra Townie?

[scrapulous]

I wish I could find a LBS that carries both brands so I can try them side by side.

I really want a funky cruise, like the Electra Daisy. But I'm tall for a woman (5'9"), and I can't find info on Electra's website about frame size. I tried the Trek Calypso, but the seat had to be ALL the way up for me. Even still, I love it. The Trek is 7 speed, the Electra only 3.

I don't know how much the gears will matter. I haven't ridden a bike in almost 20 years, and back then I didn't even have a 10 speed. I've never changed gears riding a bike. I just want to ride on paved trails in our parks with my kids. I definitely want my feet to touch the ground when I stop the bike. I'm not into riding as an adventure sport. Just a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood or park on a nice day. That's why the cruiser appeal to me so much.

The guy at the bike store suggested the Trek 7200 or 7300, but I had to lean over to get off the thing when I stopped. I kept wanting to lower the seat. The sales guy was trying to tell me I really need more than 7 speeds. I live in Houston. Couldn't be flatter terrain. I'm not interested in off-road riding at all. Why aren't 7 or even 3 speeds enough for what I want?

I thought about an Electra Townie, since it has flat foot technology, but it isn't as cute as the cruisers. Electra offers lots of accessories, though.

Can you trick out a Trek 7300 with funky fenders, basket, bell, streamers, all that vintage, dorky stuff that I love? The Trek website doesn't seem to offer many accessories.

Has anyone ridden an Electra cruiser and a Trek cruiser who could tell me if there is any difference really?

I am so torn.

[donnamb]

3 speeds will be plenty in a flat terrain given the kind of riding you are talking about. IMO, the Electra bikes have better components for the money you pay. I'm 5'8" and both the Electra cruisers and the Townies fit me fine. Don't let the Trek guy put the hard sell on you. Is there a shop where you can try both Electras? REI usually has them in stock...

I think you should get the bike you love. You'll be more likely to ride it. :)

[scrapulous]

Thanks Donna. DH also says I should get the one that makes me want to ride it. Otherwise I'm wasting money because I won't use it. I need to go to REI. I am leaning toward the Electras because of the cuteness factor alone, lol.

[donnamb]

Thanks Donna. DH also says I should get the one that makes me want to ride it. Otherwise I'm wasting money because I won't use it. I need to go to REI. I am leaning toward the Electras because of the cuteness factor alone, lol.
Well, they may be cute, but they're also well-made and people have fun riding them. REI also has a good return policy. On the other hand, you might want to actually buy it from a full service LBS. You'll get more help from a LBS if you have maintenance issues. Does your DH know much about bike mechanics? The cool thing about the Electras is that a 3 speed hub requires very little maintenance. :)

[scrapulous]

Easy maintenance is always a plus. We have a friend who owns a LBS and he carries Electra, so we'll probably buy from him if I go with Electra. He does not carry Trek, though. He owns the first Specialized Concept Store in Texas. I don't know what concept store is, but he has one, lol.

[donnamb]

Go with your friend, then. Just be very clear that you want what you want, and they won't question it. :D I went into the LBS with that attitude when I bought my bike, and no one tried to convince me to try anything else. Assertiveness is the way to go. :)

[RoyIII]

Let me add a good word for Electra. I have one of their earlier cruisers and it is a real gem. It's a good company.

[scrapulous]

Thanks Roy.

[Torrilin]

An Electra isn't a good match for me, but it sounds right up your alley. Most bike companies don't want to sell things like handlebar streamers or cute baskets, but some local bike shops will offer them. I was *so* happy yesterday when I found that one of the local shops sells Basil things, since I think some of their panniers are pretty and fun.

Often fenders won't be pretty or fun colors. Most of the time they come in silver metal or black. But with plastic and metal fenders, you can paint them! Masking tape and the right paint formulation are your friends. Some manufacturers make wooden fenders, and those can look very nice as well.

[scrapulous]

UPDATE: I got a green Townie! I LOOOVE this thing. It has fenders, and I'm planning to get a bell and streamers. I have to say, I am a little disappointed that I can't get a basket for it since the gear lines are in the way, but overall it's great. And if I decide in a year or so that I really wish I had gotten the cruiser, I can sell the Townie and get an Electra Cruiser.

I really liked riding both the Electra Cruiser (I rode the Pajama Party, but if I bought it I would have bought the Daisy) and the Electra Townie much better than the Treks. They were a better fit for me, definitely.

[scrapulous]

So, I just looked at the Electra site, and I CAN get a basket! Yay!!! The salesman said it wouldn't fit, but Electra makes a few different ones just for the Townie! I'm more excited than ever! I'm a dork.

[donnamb]

You are not a dork, and you should be excited you got a bike you like! :beer:

You know, you are going to have to post pictures. :)