sunflowerflyer

After our second child, my wife was carrying a more weight than she wanted, so we're trying to bike more. I of course wanted her to get a mild road bike, but she wasn't comfortable at all. So we bought her a Trek 7300 fx. It was a wonderful bike, but her hands would go numb after 3-4 miles, and we had to turn for home. At the bike store she test road a Townie and fell in love. But... wanting to do some long rides, like the 200+ mile Katie trail, it needed some upgrades! *evil grin*

So to start we special ordered the 700c version. Then we ordered strong but reasonably light hand built wheels, with Ultegra hubs and Mavic CXP22 rims. I wanted plain spokes to allow repairs at bike shops while on tour (been there, done that). Then we bought lightweight Panaracer Tourguard 700C-32 tires for the gravel trails (about perfect balance btw).

It came with cheap Shimano 7x3 twist shifting, with a "mega-range" gear, that never shifted well. So a new SRAM 9 speed cassette was added. Then went on SRAM X-9 rear dérailleur and X-7 thumb shifters. It now shifts wonderfully through all gears. I still need to change out the front dérailleur. Were also debating some clipless platform pedals, but will put in separate thread.

Of course she requested a wicker basket, rack for touring, fenders to keep the rocks off, and some flower stickers. If she's happy, I'm happy =].

This bike is actually a blast to ride. The low center of gravity inspires a lot of confidence to toss it around in circles, figure eights, etc... lol. The lightweight wheels are deceptively quick! When I'm pulling our son in our trailer I can barely keep up with her. Her hand numbness problem is all but gone. I'm considering building myself one to replace my Trek cross bike I ride on trails.

One downside is the physical frame layout and long wheelbase stop it from going on most bike racks that hold by the frame. Another is as she is only 5'-2", it's sorta big for her, but no turning back now. I see they are now shipping a 24" version (my daughter in one pic is on a 24" bike), and perhaps we should have modified a 26" with 650C wheels. But after 2-3 years of trying, I think we have found a bike she absolutely loves.

Rosie8

Very stylish, fun looking set up. Those smiles say it all.

Floyd

Glad to hear you found the right "wheels" and what goes with-em. Enjoy