illinileo

I am an out of shape soccer mom in my mid 40s, and would like get in shape again, and bike with the kids/husband. Kids are 8, 10 and 12, so no massively long bike rides (yet), just some riding on local bike paths and parks, with an occasional gravel trail now and then.

I've ridden several bikes recently and would like some input on what next steps should be. The best LBS sells primarily Trek, and the REI nearby sells their Novara brand, as well as Marin.

I rode the Marin San Rafael and the Stinson, and a Novara (I think it was a Corsa) at REI. Unfortunately the REI person wasn't the greatest bike fitter, as he initially tried to put me in a size 15 San Rafael (I'm 5'9" with longer legs), which was WAY too small. I tried a size 17, and it still seemed small, but I did like the way the bike felt. I also tried the Stinson 17 which felt much better sized than the San Rafael 17- not sure why. I liked both, as they felt very smooth to ride, shift, etc. At first glance I liked the Stinson better, but have read conflicting things about whether I'll like the more upright style in the long run. Next I rode the Novara, and it was awful next to the Marins, bad position, bad seat, and terrible shifting. The gear area also felt like it was hitting my calf.

Next stop was our LBS where I rode the Trek 7000 and 7200 (both 17.5). Size felt good, but they felt harder to ride than the Marins. Not sure why, althought the Marins are both more expensive than the 7000.

So, I'm not sold on anything yet. I'd like to keep the cost as low as possible (as I do have 3 growing kids with their own bike needs). Are there any other brands/models to consider? I do think the overall geometry of the Stinson was the best for me so far, but am worried that I'll regret the more upright position. I have has lower back issues, so not sure which style woud be best. Looking for thoughts, etc.

Thanks in advance for any inputs.

irclean

A comfort bike may be fine when you're just starting out, but as you get more used to riding you may find yourself wishing you had bought something faster. I am speaking from experience, BTW. I like family rides, too and for that purpose I purchased an old rigid (no suspension) MTB and installed a 3" riser bar, a comfy saddle, and some slick tires; it's very comfortable. Total investment is less than $300:



I also have some back issues; I suffered a spinal fracture in 2006. Riding my bike(s) on a regular basis has done more for my back than months and untold dollars worth of physiotherapy ever accomplished.

If you're determined to have just one bike I would choose the Trek 7200 out of the bikes you listed. It seems a good all-around bike. Before you plop down the money, however, I think you should continue doing what you're doing and test-riding as many bikes as you can. Don't limit yourself to "comfortable" bikes and try out some more aggressive models (like the Trek FX line). You may just find inner speed demon is trying to get out. That way you'll be better able to keep up with your kids as they get older, stronger, and faster.

dynodonn 

Careful on selecting sizes of bikes with suspension seat posts since they will compress an inch or more. Though suspension seat posts are easier on the spine, they will require more pedal effort due to poor leg extension and if one corrects for that, then mounting the saddle becomes a major issue due to excessive height.

The wife, and daughter and I have 7100s for our family rides, which are great for low speeds, 10mph or less, but will go faster if need be, plus we average 15 miles when we ride together. Personally, go with the bike that makes you feel comfortable, and entices you to keep riding rather than turning you back towards home.

Timber_8

Well I would certainly stick with a bike shop rather than REI for a bike. I find REI overpriced on just about everything & a bike shop is better equipped to fit you better. The 7000 series bike has an adjustable neck for handlebar adjustments that change the hight and how close they are to you. I wouldn't be concerned at all about the compression seat post. What matters is you find the bike comfortable to ride so you enjoy riding it. If it is not comfortable you probably will not ride it long.

RJM

Adjustable stems are nice, but I can't say that about suspension seat posts. One came on my Jamis Aurora and I swapped it for a used rigid one, which I like so much better. Its an extremely easy swap too.

I would personally pick the Trek out of the bikes you are mentioning. I think they make a solid bike and most local bike shops that I have bought bikes from will be happy to work with you on fitting and tune ups. I personally am one to recommend local bike shops to anybody looking to buy a bike.

mikeybikes

To each their own. I actually find the local REI to be well equipped, and they have very comparable prices to other bike shops in the neighborhood. I also shop there to take advantage of the member dividend.

khutch

I agree, the local REI has reasonable prices and a knowledgeable staff. I consider it to be a LBS in effect, even though it is a national operation. Currently REI is offering a 20% discount on any one item (their Novara brand bicycles are definitely covered, you would have to ask about others) and then you also get an annual rebate on your total purchases for the year which is generally about 10%. So the price you pay at REI can be quite good if you can take advantage of all the discounts.

That said we have bought all three of our recent bicycles at a small, independent LBS so I certainly have nothing against them either. As I say, I just consider REI to be one of them. I think the LBS owner is more experienced at fitting and he has a lot of valuable experience on all kinds of local riding. The woman I talked to at REI was fine really although she did think I would want a suspension forked hybrid for the local trails. The LBS owner pooh-poohed that notion and put me on a rigid framed Fuji instead. I love the Fuji and it is going to be a great bike for my purposes. The rigid frame and narrower tires are fine on the gravel surface of some of the local trails, just as he said. But you know what? I hit a short stretch of one of those trails yesterday and while the gravel surface was no issue for the Fuji, what the horse traffic does to that surface turns it into the moral equivalent of cobblestones. The woman at REI had a valid point too. If I end up doing much riding on that kind of surface I would have been as happy with the suspension fork on the gravel as I am with the speed of the Fuji on hard surfaces.

I am the same height as the OP, though the opposite gender and I don't know how much difference that makes in frame size. Most people would put me on a 19, the LBS owner put me on a 21 and it fits fine. So the OP might want to try at least one larger frame size too before deciding. Personally I love a more upright riding position. I got used to it on my Dahon folder and now it just feels right. I appreciate the need for a lower position for variety and for fighting a head wind and I am working on options for that. Every time I push my limits on the length of an out and back run I find that without fail the head wind on the return turns into a gale!

Ken

mikeybikes

The 20% off is only Novara brand bicycles, FYI. Otherwise, I would've used it toward a nice Dahon folding bike

Cyclepup

I would try more Trek models. One I can personally recommend is the Trek Allant. I bought the Allant WSD recently and have found it to be very comfortable while still allowing me to speed up when I feel like it. Mind you, it won't compare to a full-on road bike, but then it's not meant for racing. I've taken it on an 18.6 mile ride and had no problems with the seating posture or gearing. This morning I hooked up a Bell child's trailer (converted to pet mode) to take my 15-lb Havanese on an 11.7 mile ride around the area. The bike handled the trailer and extra weight fine!

That said, I was also considering the Trek 7.3 FX model before I saw the Allant. The FX series looks like they'd be more aggressive (speedier), but I opted for the more upright seating. My back has gotten quite stiff in recent years and I try to switch between aggressive posture and relaxed to keep my back from hating cycling. However, if I'm ever looking for a faster hybrid I'm definitely giving the 7.3 FX a test ride.

Here's a post re: Allant (w/pics)
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...55-Trek-Allant

illinileo

Wow- Thanks for all the great inputs! I'm going to go out and ride a few more bikes and see how it goes.

Thanks!

Wanderer

My opinion isn't worth squat - buttttt, stay as far away from "comfort" bikes, as you can. They are only comfortable for short, slow, riding. Stay away from suspension seatposts, as they are notoroius for robbing energy from you, and getting loose and wobbly.

You would be much better served getting a Hybrid that is more road oriented. Easier to ride faster, farther, longer....... if it has front suspension, screw it all the way tight, or lock it out (if possible)....

mje

Best of both worlds, Novara FlyBy Shuttle built by Dahon
https://www.rei.com/product/784058

illinileo

Wanderer

Thanks for the inputs. I noticed in your signature that you have/had a Marin Stinson. What do you think of it? I rode one and liked it.

Gina

tdbmd

Are the Electra Townies a "comfort" frame? It seems like they are?

mikeybikes

I thought about it - but it was more than I wanted to pay. The local REI had a nice Dahon for ~$300.

lyncch00

I tried the Townie. They are very pretty and comfy. Very nice marketing. They do have a few commuter bikes. The Townie pedals are more forward than normal. That allows you to place your feet flat on the ground when stopped. If you're like me and stand on the pedals and coast every now and again to stretch out the back ... you can't do that easily with forward pedals.

kaliayev

Personally I would hit craigslist since it is something you are just getting into. Not to say you won't ride a lot, but there are garages full of best intentions. I found a mint Trek 720 for my daughter for $50. In my area it is no problem at all to find a really nice comfort hybrid pretty much anytime in the $100-$200 range. If you like riding you can always sell the used bike for most of what you put into it and buy what you want. If you don't like riding you can sell and break close to even.

kaliayev

Short slow riding is what she said she would be doing and with kids at those ages that is exactly what will happen. I have a thirteen year old daughter who loves to ride and we often go out for a 30-40 mile ride on the weekends. However, it is a day long venture as she constantly has to stop to check stuff out. They are always fun trips that I relish, but I could be on anything and would be fine.