SarahBeth

I'm an avid walker turned cycling enthusiast and I'd like to purchase my first bike. I've combed the boards and settled on the Electra Cruiser 21D. Weight wise, I've lost 150 pounds and have a bit more to go (at 270 now). My momentum has dipped because I need something else; a bigger challenge so to speak and I think a bike fits the bill. I really enjoy being outdoors and walk in all seasons, including winter.

Before I pull the trigger I wanted to ask if there's anything else I should be aware of? Also, helpful gear that may make the ride more enjoyable. I plan to ride daily (roughly 10 miles but more on the weekend. My LBS said this model is good for 20 miles but second opinions never hurt.

oddjob2

Some questions for you:

What's the terrain like?
If it's flat were you plan to ride, the Electra will be fine, but if it is hilly, you may wish to consider a lighter bike, perhaps hybrid or touring bike.

Do you plan to sign up for group rides/events?
In Detroit, they have Monday night Slow Rolls, where it is hard to break a sweat and the pace is about 8mph, perfect for an Electra Cruiser or Townie style bike.

If you plan to ride faster than 10mph, I would again recommend a hybrid like a TREK FX or touring bike.

When you approach the 200lb mark, will you want a sportier and faster bike?

More comfortable during a longer ride and also more stable at higher speed.

SarahBeth

It's flat terrain that winds along the lake. We also have some nice lanes that circle through the park that is common for bikes, walkers, and strollers.

It's possible. I considered a 5 or 10k walk because my pace and distance were more than enough for each. I think I'd enjoy the group riding events even more.

I think it's too soon to say. I don't mind having a good bike that rides a little slower when I want a leisurely pace and something lighter if I wish to go faster. I expect to ride daily, longer trips on Friday through Sunday.

CliffordK

Those "Townie" style bikes are popular. The 10/20 mile thing isn't set in stone, but riders that tend to ride more tend to gravitate to racier bikes.

But there is nothing wrong with starting with a step-through town bike.

If you can do some maintenance, and are still exploring, there are also good deals on used bikes. Then you won't feel as bad if you eventually sell it and buy something new.

For some, though, a good shop relationship is a good investment in itself.

MRT2

My advice. If you think you will be more an enthusiast than a casual rider, don't go with a Townie. Seriously. You can ride casually and slower, with a more enthusiast type bike, but you will struggle trying to do longer or faster rides with a townie.

SarahBeth

Thanks for your feedback. What would you recommend in its place? I really like the look of the cruiser and have no desire to race.

SarahBeth

Thank you. I seriously like the bike and this isn't my only avenue for exercise. And it would be a keeper. I'm fine with a bike that is geared for a specific purpose. It's unlikely that I'd trade it in for something else.

Is it possible to get a "racier bike" with the aesthetic found in the cruiser?

rgconner

What you want is one of these:

Bianchi Milano Cafe Racer Bicycle | eBay

Although that one is probably not your size, it is a 20 inch, but there are quite a few used ones if you look around.

Some come with "auto shifting" Nexus hubs. Nice, but not necessary.

Has a nice slack angle like a cruiser, but also has a handling closer to a mountain bike and stiff enough frame that it is not going to go noodly if put some strength into it.

I actually have one, my son rides it now, but back in the day I could get out of the saddle and grind my way up a small hill with no problem.

SarahBeth

Thank you. That's the color I want! When you speak of handling like a mountain bike, what does that involve? I won't encounter any hills. I'm riding along the lake in the midwest. It's very smooth. I've walked this path as well. Most people with mountain bikes ride on the sand instead.

As for the Bianchi, how does that compare to the Milano Dama?

oddjob2

Go to a Trek dealer and check out the Verve 1, Verve 2, and FX 2 and FX 3 if you want a brightly colored bike. Price range is $440-$650, but Trek's hold their value better at resale time than almost any other line.

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...=1&pageSize=24

rgconner

By Mountain bike handling, I mean it is more nimble than a true cruiser, but not twitchy like most road bikes.


It is going to have a little better handling compared to the Milano Dama, as well as being a little stiffer. Those step through bikes are a compromise. Easier to "step through" but the lower top tube means losing vertical stiffness.

the current Milano (no Dama) is probably the closest you are going to get to the Cafe in handling and stiffness. The external gearing means a little more maintenance, but not too bad as there is only a rear derailleur.

Easy stuff to learn, good classes by REI will cover everything you need to do.

MRT2

It isn't so much racing as riding, as opposed to cruising. in season, I like to go on anywhere from 25 to 50 mile rides, occasionally multi day rides. Solo or group rides. I would never want to do that on a cruiser like the Townie, which is better suited for shorter rides of maybe 5 or at most 10 miles.

There are so many bikes that would work better than the Electra, but as far as the look of the cruiser, that is a tough call. I really like the look of the new Fairdale Weekender Archer in light green. Check it out and see if you agree. As far as function goes, I would say something like the Trek FX 3, Kona Dew, Giant/Liv Alight, Specialized Vita would be better. If drop bars are your thing, that is a whole other kettle of fish.

MRT2

I actually owned a Bianchi Milano. Loved the look of it. Hated the ride. I wanted to love it, but just didn't. It came with an 8 speed internal hub. I thought it was maybe me, so I gifted it to my wife when I bought my Salsa Casseroll. Unfortunately, she also hated the ride. We sold it and bought her a Jamis Satellite Sport (renamed the Quest Sport Femme a few years ago).

CliffordK

Whew, that would be a complex task to make a racier cruiser.

One thing to keep in mind that the "step-through" frames were designed in a large part so that women could ride them with dresses and skirts. If you're only riding them with pants and shorts, then they provide a little convenience, but are unnecessary.

With that in mind, it opens up a lot of different bikes and bike styles.

But, back to the "Women's" bikes. A unique styled bike is the Mixte. A bit of a blast from the past. For example, the Soma Buena Vista.

Buena Vista Frame Set | SOMA Fabrications



However, I think it is primarily sold as a bare frame, so either you, or a good custom bike shop has to build it up into a bicycle. That gives you the ultimate flexibility to build anything from an internal gear hub bike to a multi-speed derailleur bike. Skinny tires or fat tires. However, it can also be costly.

There are also quite a few vintage mixte bikes that show up on Craigslist, with a mix of casual styling and racier styling. Often for quite a bit less.

I'm not sure where Sarah Beth is. We don't have a local Trek store, at least nothing with a broad range of bikes and styles, but there is a local Performance store with a huge variety of bikes to drool over, less tied to a single brand. Lots of other bike shops too, some specialize in one type or another bike. So, it is worthwhile to look around a bit.

Clyde1820

Sure.

For example ...

• Rodriguez Adventure, in the step-through model.
  
• Rivendell Cheviot -- which you can have a good bike shop build up.
  
• Chapman Mixte
  
• Cube Touring
  
• Genesis Borough
  
• Cube Access
  
• Giant Roam or Rove
  
• Many of the Breezer lineup -- Uptown, Downtown, Greenway, Liberty.

With the appropriate stem/bar/seat combination, you could have much of the look you're interested in while retaining the improved functionality above a Townie.

MRT2

That Soma looks like a winner. If my wife didn't already have three bikes that she loves, I might get this one for her.

MRT2

Fairdale Weekender Archer. Look at the one in light green.

2017 Weekender Archer | Fairdale Bikes

SarahBeth

Thanks for the recommendation. I'd written off Trek because I'm not a fan of the darker aesthetic, but I wasn't aware that they had a few upright sitting bikes in their catalog. And the white doesn't look too bad. As for the trade-in, this will be a keeper. When I'm ready for something different I'll buy it.

SarahBeth

That will make perfect sense with time and practice. It's like learning a new language.

How does stiffness affect the ride?

Thanks for the suggestion. I hadn't considered a class.

SarahBeth

That's a good point and thanks for sharing your experiences. It helps to frame my own and gauge the frequency and length I have in mind. Right now I'd like a bike that will allow me to ride for 1—1 1/2 hours during the week and a little longer on Friday through Sunday. Since I work from home it's imperative that I get out each day.

The Fairdale is gorgeous! As for the bar, I want the luxury of wearing a skirt and that is one of the reasons I like the cruisers. I'm not commuting and my path is only a block away. There is an element of leisure implied and I don't mind it. In fact, it's a big selling point for me.

SarahBeth

What didn't you like about the ride? Were her reasons the same?

SarahBeth

That is the plan. I want to be comfortable and have the option of making a stop without worrying about my attire.

The Soma has a really nice vintage feel. I like it. Thank you for the suggestion about the mixte bikes. That's another option. I'll be very informed thanks to this thread.

I'm in Chicago. We have quite a few bike shops and some specializing in Trek as well.

MRT2

Somehow, managed to feel sluggish and harsh at the same time. All the down side of aluminum, none of the upside. Might also have been the upright geometry. This is counter intuitive, but sitting bolt upright on a bike isn't optimal. I am much more comfortable with a slight forward lean.

SarahBeth

That's a motherlode of links! Thank you. They were very helpful in fine tuning what I like and what's aesthetically pleasing in turn. And you've given me quite a bit of eye candy in the process. That never hurts!

In essence, I'm looking for my first bike. With the understanding, there will be others to follow as my interests and preferences change. Much like putters, there are bikes for specific purposes and the general variety which many choose.

I simply need a bike that I can ride for an 1–1 1/2 hours each day with longer stints on the weekend. It won't have lots of bells and whistles and that's okay. My needs are pretty simple at this point. But as they alter it's probable that a different bike will fit the bill. And I think you've pointed me in the right direction when that time comes. Thanks again.

SarahBeth

Can you address the geometry by chance? I like the upright position. But what's the downside of it? I imagine one aspect is that you can only ride in the state for short distances.