I'm looking at getting a new bike. I have a really nice mtn bike that's hardly been used for the last 10 years and I've realized that I'm never quite comfortable on it (both physically and psychologically). In order for me to be able to pedal correctly, I can barely, barely touch my toes on the ground which makes for a high center of gravity and very uncontrolled starts/stops and the position hurts my back a lot. I was reading online today about the bikes with flat foot technology and have looked for several different models that were recommended in old posts on this forum. However, I'm wondering if anyone could give a more updated set of recommendations as a few of the models are discontinued at this point. I can't spend a fortune so the $1000 price range is out. Also, I live in a *very* hilly area so I'm looking for something in the 21 speed range (what my current bike has). Mostly, I'd like to use it for around town errands and enjoyment but would like to know if any of these type of bikes could handle some trail use? I'm not talking anything extreme but just some basic off road riding.
Really looking forward to getting back into riding! Thanks so much in advance for any help!
The BikeForums Team
-adv-
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I had me hands on one of these lately, www.day6bicycles.com , and was impressed by the quality and ride. If they don't have a dealer nearby, you can order one from that website. If you can't assemble a bike, a bike shop may assemble it for you.
masiman
This style of bike is also called "crank forward". I have no experience with these type of bikes.
A quick search in "50+", "Recreational" and "General Cycling" for "crank forward" (quotes included) found these and other threads:
Crank Forward Bikes (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=370232)
Switched to Crank Forward... (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=412273)
Can you tow a TAB with a CF (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=280972)
Comparison of CFs (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=258691)
CF or not... (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=223394)
If you find that you like the CF bikes, another style of bike to consider would be recumbents.
varaonaid
Hi!
Thanks so much for the links and additional information. I had done several searches for "flat foot" but didn't return any hits so I really appreciate knowing that it's called "crank forward". I'm going to read through them all with great interest.
Those Day6 cycles look really cool. They're a little more expensive than I was hoping to spend (at least for the 21 speed). If I could afford one, I'd certainly be checking them out!
Again, many thanks for all the help!
DieselDan
Electra as trademarked "Flat Foot" and "crank forward" is an industry term. Both are the same in many ways, if not completely identical.
JeffS
I don't know about you, but I certainly wouldn't be happy with a crank forward bike in a hilly area. I just don't like the feeling of pushing myself backwards off the seat when I pedal hard, nor having to hold on tight to the bars to prevent this from happening.
Some vendors market this as a positive - though not for me.
My only experience is with the Electra Amsterdam, which isn't extremely crank forward. I only use it to carry my daughter around on, and I can tolerate it enough for that. I would never dream of riding it on my daily commute though.
masiman
Hi!
Thanks so much for the links and additional information. I had done several searches for "flat foot" but didn't return any hits so I really appreciate knowing that it's called "crank forward". I'm going to read through them all with great interest.
Those Day6 cycles look really cool. They're a little more expensive than I was hoping to spend (at least for the 21 speed). If I could afford one, I'd certainly be checking them out!
Again, many thanks for all the help!
You might get lucky with Craigslist or eBay.
Good Luck!
Rosie8
Giant Suede is a crank forward. It comes in different gear options. I have been riding mine since last May 07 and still love it. My longest ride has been 11 miles on rails to trails (dirt, gravel, cinders). I routinely ride about a mile of dirt/gravel and the rest paved for 7 miles on average per trip. I do hills but they are not big (Prescott Valley, AZ, rolling hills & flat). My bike is a 7 speed and does fine.
KHS is showing a crank forward bike - the Smoothie - in their comfort series. Being able to put one's feet down quickly has saved me from several falls in gravel and sand. I feel more stable on this bike than my old mtn. bike or Schwinn 10 speed.
Fibber
I don't have easy access to current catelogs, but in Spring '07, the three leading candidates were the:
Electra Townie 21
Giant Suede DX-W
Trek Pure Sport
All had their pedals (crank, or bottom bracket is the tech term) moved forward from the seat tube by 6 inches or so. These three models are 21 speed (the Electra is also available in 24 speeds for a bit more money), and all rang in at just below $400.
We shopped for my wife for quite a while before coming to a conclusion. The Electra wins on 'cute' factor, and seems to be the sales favorite in this category. It also had 700mm tires and some other 'plus' factors. Unfortunately, it is just plain large. IIRC, it was recommended for 5'3" and up, and my wife is a bit below that. On test rides she always felt stretched. Few Trek dealers carried the Pure. It is a slow seller, and we couldn't even get to try one. So the Giant Suede DX-W won out by default. It is sized for a smaller woman, and fit her well. Price out the door with some little extras was $379.