Hi, my name is Debby & I live in Houston, TX. Found this forum and have already read some post that offer good advice and support for older riders re-entering the two wheel world.
I was looking for some type of exercise that would fit easily into my schedule and be convenient. I decided on a bike. At 51, it had been sometime since I had been on two wheels. After a brief stint with the first new bike (a Land Rider which I was never comfortable on and was stolen about six months ago) I purchased an Electra – Townie 3S. It was great! Very comfortable, easy to ride and I felt very stable on it. I had it less than a month and it was stolen. I have really missed riding it over the last few weeks. I am now looking to replace it. So, since I am starting over and now looking for my 3rd bike maybe someone has some additional information about a different bike(s) that might fit my needs.
I want to ride not race. I want comfort. I want to sit up straight (not hunched forward). I want to feel stable while riding and have my feet touch the ground when I stop (remember I’m 51 & would really like to make 52). Any suggestions or comments will be appreciated. Please, no rude comments about my lack of securing my bike. I have already had about as many as I can handle and I hope my homeowners insurance doesn’t cancel me.

Debby

Some of the "comfort" style bikes which use 26" MTB wheels may be good. The Trek Navigator 300 is a fairly good example.
http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/citybike/navigator300.jsp

Things to look for when comparing brands are:
small sized cranks (160-165mm)
low "bottom bracket" (which places you closer to the ground).
Lightweight frame.
Small (26" MTB size) wheels rather than typical hybrid size (700c) ones. These are too big to fit into a small frame.

You should not be able to plant your feet when sitting on the saddle. Maybe your toe can reach the ground. You have to dismount properly after you brake. Its a simple technique, but one that most people just assume they know.

Just to add: If you expect your feet to touch the ground when you're fully seated, then for the pedals to also clear the ground, you have to expect that your legs will never come to near-full extension through the pedal-stroke. This will be very bad for your knees.

Debby,

I second Michael's suggestion to look at the Trek Navigator series. It's not a fast bike by any means, but it's very confortable to ride and very well built. I've said before that think I'm the youngest guy I know who owns one (at 31) :) , but it's turned out to be a great ride for the 7-15 mile rides I do throughout the week for fitness and the love of bicycling.

It has the wider 26" mountain bike type of tire, but the tires on it (Bontrager Comfort HardCase) are smooth in the middle with knobbies on the outside edges. Again, not super fast tires, but I absolutely love them because they ride smooth on the street, yet easily go down the occational boardwalk, dirt, or trail with ease!

I would go with at least the Navigator 200 (not 50 or 100) as this model and better has 3-way adjustable handlebars which is nice, and stock tires with good puncture protection.

Of course, the best bike for you is the one that feels the best, but just a suggestion ;)
-jeff
Muskegon, MI

Hi Debbie:

It sounds like you like the Towne, why not get another one?

It also sounds like you need a method of keeping the bike. How were the other bikes stolen? Did you use some sort of lock?

Hi Debbie:

It sounds like you like the Towne, why not get another one?

It also sounds like you need a method of keeping the bike. How were the other bikes stolen? Did you use some sort of lock?

Hi Ray,
Yes, I really do like the Electra Townie and that will probably be what I buy (again). It was really very comfotable and I felt very secure on it since I could sit on the saddle and both feet could touch the ground.

Both bikes were taken out of my garage though a side door. I will be buying a lock so I can lock my new bike to something in my garage. I now lock the side door to the garage & patio gate. I really think it might have been the same guys both times. The little boy across the street saw them in my driveway when they were taking it. He didn't know they were stealing it.

Hi Ray,
Yes, I really do like the Electra Townie and that will probably be what I buy (again). It was really very comfotable and I felt very secure on it since I could sit on the saddle and both feet could touch the ground.

Both bikes were taken out of my garage though a side door. I will be buying a lock so I can lock my new bike to something in my garage. I now lock the side door to the garage & patio gate. I really think it might have been the same guys both times. The little boy across the street saw them in my driveway when they were taking it. He didn't know they were stealing it.

Great! It's unfortunate but locking the bike is a good way to hang on to it. I keep mine in a locked shed at all times when I'm not using it.

Maybe the dealer will give you a discount for the second purchase.

The Bianchi Milano is a nice choice :)

It stinks that people will stoop so low as to steal your bicycle, twice. When I lived in Houston, some crack heads snuck in the kitchen and stole my microwave.

You might want to take a look at a thrift shop, and pick up a used bike. You can usually get a nice one for $15-20. It may be less desirable to the thieves and if it gets stolen, you will have lost a lot less.

If you think the theives will strike again, get something cheap. If not, it would depend on how much you want to spend. I'm a bent rider( EZ Sport) and probably will never go back to a wedgie again. I sit upright. When I stop I put my feet down. It's more stable then most bents, and it's really comfortable for the long haul.
Your story reminds me of a neighbor I used to have. He was a police officer. Numerous homes were burgurized while people were on vacation. This went on for some time. Turns out that his son knew from him when people were going to be gone and that's when his son broke into the homes. The father had no idea what was going on until he found some stolen stuff in his room one day.