General Cycling Discussion - In the market for an Electra Townie, new or used

Hello everyone,

I am a recreational bike rider, and though I haven't owned a bike in years, I love biking while travelling and frequently rent bikes in my hometown (NYC) and abroad. Now that it's summer, I am anxious to buy myself a bike I can ride around my neighborhood, and maybe take on an occasional trip. I rode an Electra Townie a few months back and completely fell in love with it! I haven't test-ridden many others but I just kind of know instinctively that this is my kind of bike!

I would be most grateful to the more experienced bike riders and bike buyers out there if you could offer any tips or suggestions on 1. Main things to consider when buying a bike 2. How to decide if you should buy new or used (bikes generally, the Townie in particular). How to evaluate the price 4. Any other bikes I should def. test ride before buying a Townie?

Many thanks in advance, and happy riding!

First, find a bike shop where you feel comfortable with the owner/manager/employees.
Now the questions.
1. Does the bike FIT? What type of riding will you be doing and where.
2. If you aren't familiar with bikes, their adjustments and repairs, buy new.
3. There is no "price evaluation". Bike shops have very little profit margin so the price will not vary between shops. DO NOT TRY TO NEGOTIATE ON A LOWER PRICE. You're not buying a car which has a huge markup on the price.
4. Go to as many shops as you'd like and test ride any bike that strikes your fancy. There are a lot of good brands out there. Don't just try the names you know - like Electra, Trek, etc.

Here's a great article on buying a bike.
http://www.intownbicycles.com/how-to/articles/index.php?a=how-to-choose-a-bicycle

Good luck and let us know what you get. Pics too. :beer:

Like you, I got to try out an Electra Townie, and I loved it too. I looked at it, especially the enormous tires, and though it would feel like I were dragging a log behind it. Not so.

I guess I'm just confirming the impression. Anyway, not offering advice.

I own a Townie and lurve it.

I got an Electra Townie in April and am very happy with it. I ride it a lot and have gotten a lot stronger and faster and am now looking at getting an entry level roade bike. I definitely don't regret getting it but I outgrew it quickly. I thought my back couldn't handle this stuff but I was wrong. There is a cheaper alternative called the Sun Drifter at about $300 as opposed to $500 and up. It is also a very comfortable pedal forward design.