Fairmont

My wife and I bought the Trek Pures, and they are extremely comfortable and easy to ride. With each bike I've owned before (hybrids mostly, and a couple WalMart mountain bikes) there was always a compromise. Hands hurt, or back, or butt (especially).

But the Pure (and I assume the Electra Townies are the same) is so comfortable.

My wife loved riding bikes, but was very clumsy, and has a normal torso but very short legs, so she had a hard time with slow speeds, often falling over (which scared her, scarred her, and ticked her off).

I bought her the Pure (even though she refused to "let" me) and she was hooked. Now she loves riding.

Pretty darn cool. And they are light as a feather.

We bought the seven speeds (one front sprocket, seven in the back) which makes it really easy to shift for hills, and my wife likes that she only has to think about one hand.

I just wish they made them in kid sizes. It's a great cruiser.

This is mine (in Florida, with a camera bag attached to the handle bars).




And this is my wife (far left, with the basket on the front). She loves it. This particular ride was about ten miles (Ana Maria Island, Fl).

flippin_bikes

Nice review. I have never ridden the Trek, but have owned a couple of Townies (a 3 speed and then a 24 speed). They are great bikes for just getting out seeing things and getting some exercise. I was always impressed with how fast you can scoot along on these bikes without breaking much of a sweat or getting out of breath. You use different leg muscles which allow you to pedal at a slower cadence.

The same reason that makes these bikes so pleasant is also the same reason I sold both of mine. I never felt like I could really hammer on the pedals which is something I really enjoy doing when I am on a bike. Still, I have my Electra Rat Fink for when I want to slow it down an cruise. I didn't really need to have 2 cruisin' bikes.

Also, you can get child size Electra townies. They make both a 20" and 24" wheel version. The latter 24" is only available in a ladies frame version, though. It is intended for teenagers or very small women, as it is listed with the adult bikes.

Sorry to hijack the thread and turn it into a "hey look at the Townies too" deal, but I think this category of semi-recumbent, comfort bike is worth a look for a lot of people. Folks who are scared of being up high and balancing a typical bike can really get to look something that sits a bit lower. I have recommended these to a lot of people. Currently, I am trying to find a good used one for my mom.

jethro56 

The pedal foward design is a great idea for a sightseeing bike. Kinda reminds me of my old Stingray only better. Glad you like your's.

Fairmont

Thanks for the Townie reference, Flippin. I have two girls, so it's always a good idea to find out more. The only reason we went with Treks, vs. the Townies, is that we have a Trek Superstore in our town. It's brand new, two stories, and is always packed with new inventory. The other local bike shop is great, but it's more of a local core shop, with a small selection of bikes, but a group of guys who are really into riding and such. It's been around longer and is a true mom and pop. Unfortunately, they have few bikes on the floor, and when you start asking questions they pull out catalogs (which is something we can all do at home with our computers).

So, when we go to Trek they always have plenty of bikes to try out. They know me by name now (because we now have four new bikes from them, each bought one-at-a-time).


As far as getting a workout, yes, they are not idea (standing while riding is not ideal, based on the geometry of the Pure/Townies).

I have my eye on a single-speed chromoly frame mountain bike that I might get soon. No suspension, but a strong bike. I want to ride dirt roads and mild (very mild) singletrack, along with curb hopping, grass shortcuts, etc.

I forgot to mention: I'm about 210 pounds on a bad day, 204 on a good day, but at six feet tall should ideally be 170-185 (for my age group---mid 40s).