Electra's New Townie

[valiumland]

My first time here, and I am wierded out by how many of y'all have had a similar experience with the Townie that I had--- the test drive that made you just not ever want to get off! For the last year and a half I have been riding a Trek Navigator 300 comfort bike, and truly loving it--- and loving the 35 pounds of gooey flab that have melted away too. But when I rode the Townie 24, I found myself sprinting[I][B] (!!) which is something I don't really do a lot on my Trek. Plus, the Townie is just so much cooler looking-- the semimatte black paintjob and aluminum pedals give you a certain street credibility that the more matronly Trek can't manage. Long story short, I ordered one. I couldn't help it. My bike shop tells me three weeks at least-- and if I'm left hanging much longer than that I may not survive-- I sold my Trek to my older brother!

[explorer]

So next time you post about it maybe you should add a disclaimer, eh? Stealth posting in online forums is fraudulent, and does not dispose the reader to look kindly on the company that does it.

RichC

I'm not intimidated just because he works for the co., I checked out the Townie at my local bike shop, it's on my Christmas list (sooner, I hope) - the bike is beautiful, and feels solid, and did I mention, going to be mine

[royalflash]

why does this whole thread feel like one big stealth advertising campaign- so many newbies who have never posted before gushing about Townies!!!-at least try and make it credible--

how about I save you the trouble of making anymore posts

newbie: "the Townie is so great - I have never cycled before but now I have had a St Paul on the road to Damascus type conversion to cycling-just a shame that I cannot buy blah blah expensive add on"--reply from Electra boss- "glad you like the Townie just by coincidence blah blah expensive add will be in your LBS next week"

I mean cmon at least try and make it credible- just how stupid do you think we are?

[explorer]

[QUOTE=royalflash]why does this whole thread feel like one big stealth advertising campaign- so many newbies who have never posted before gushing about Townies!!!-at least try and make it credible--

how about I save you the trouble of making anymore posts

newbie: "the Townie is so great - I have never cycled before but now I have had a St Paul on the road to Damascus type conversion to cycling-just a shame that I cannot buy blah blah expensive add on"--reply from Electra boss- "glad you like the Townie just by coincidence blah blah expensive add will be in your LBS next week"

I mean cmon at least try and make it credible- just how stupid do you think we are?[/QU

Who is "we" - you representing everyone? _ All newbies aren't equal, or do you already know that?

[sukispop]

why does this whole thread feel like one big stealth advertising campaign- so many newbies who have never posted before gushing about Townies!!!-at least try and make it credible--

I mean cmon at least try and make it credible- just how stupid do you think we are?

Hi RoyalFlash,

First off, I respect your opinion, and your right to express that opinion. I believe this forum welcomes and supports that...in principle.

It's very unfortunate, indeed, when bike company marketing execs enter these forums and impersonate innocent new bike owners/owner "hopefuls" who can't wait to "gush"(your word) all over about how wonderful and life-altering their bikes/desired bikes are...all in a dishonest attempt to market their bike. It's crumby, it's cheesy, and it's just plain lousy...and I believe that this is what you're alluding to in your post...right?

But the Townie is extremely popular. While I don't have any sales reports to support my assertion(because I'm not an Electra employee), anyone who's into bikes and bike riding, and who's spent more time at his/her LBS than is normal(you all know who you are! ), has probably stumbled upon some bike shop conversation about the Townie...about how hot a seller it has been. Hell, Bicycling Magazine, a publication dedicated to road and mountain bike aficionados, recently declared the Townie the cruiser/comfort bike to lust after!

Is it possible that marketing execs are entering internet forums(like this one), pretending to be normal folk, incredibly happy and delighted about the Townie, and who can't wait to "gush" about their experiences? Sure it is...and it would be a shame. But I, for one, enjoy these forums, and, when I enter one, I have faith in the system. As far as I'm concerned, it's just normal, bike loving folks that I'm sharing this forum with. I enjoy this community, and am thankful for it. And if I do run into marketing suits pretending to be us, and discover their true intentions...then, like the rest of you, I will help to reveal them for what they truly are, and join in admonishing them for their deceit. And then I'll go right back to enjoying this community.

RoyalFlash, you could be right in your assertion...but then again, you could be wrong...and if so, try to think of the good folks that you've just offended....

'Just food for thought....

[royalflash]

Hi RoyalFlash,

First off, I respect your opinion, and your right to express that opinion. I believe this forum welcomes and supports that...in principle.

It's very unfortunate, indeed, when bike company marketing execs enter these forums and impersonate innocent new bike owners/owner "hopefuls" who can't wait to "gush"(your word) all over about how wonderful and life-altering their bikes/desired bikes are...all in a dishonest attempt to market their bike. It's crumby, it's cheesy, and it's just plain lousy...and I believe that this is what you're alluding to in your post...right?

But the Townie is extremely popular. While I don't have any sales reports to support my assertion(because I'm not an Electra employee), anyone who's into bikes and bike riding, and who's spent more time at his/her LBS than is normal(you all know who you are! ), has probably stumbled upon some bike shop conversation about the Townie...about how hot a seller it has been. Hell, Bicycling Magazine, a publication dedicated to road and mountain bike aficionados, recently declared the Townie the cruiser/comfort bike to lust after!

Is it possible that marketing execs are entering internet forums(like this one), pretending to be normal folk, incredibly happy and delighted about the Townie, and who can't wait to "gush" about their experiences? Sure it is...and it would be a shame. But I, for one, enjoy these forums, and, when I enter one, I have faith in the system. As far as I'm concerned, it's just normal, bike loving folks that I'm sharing this forum with. I enjoy this community, and am thankful for it. And if I do run into marketing suits pretending to be us, and discover their true intentions...then, like the rest of you, I will help to reveal them for what they truly are, and join in admonishing them for their deceit. And then I'll go right back to enjoying this community.

RoyalFlash, you could be right in your assertion...but then again, you could be wrong...and if so, try to think of the good folks that you've just offended....

'Just food for thought....

yes that`s what I meant. The Townie may very well be a good product and I personally have no problem with the marketing guys coming on the forum and letting us know it. Just do it honestly. I myself have bought stuff that was recommended on this forum. See for example Pippa0520`s post in the following thread:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=55239

Pippa0520 could have come on and said "I have used this product for years and it is the best. it parts the rain like Moses at the red Sea". She was honest, however and said that she worked for the company. I made an order for the product. That is an example of how it should be done. There is no need to try and pull the wool if you have a good product.

If I am wrong about the stealth marketing then I apologize. Just look at the posts yourself and decide.

[sukispop]

yes that`s what I meant. The Townie may very well be a good product and I personally have no problem with the marketing guys coming on the forum and letting us know it. Just do it honestly. I myself have bought stuff that was recommended on this forum.

Hi RoyalFlash, I absolutely agree with you--forums like these can benefit greatly by having bike company reps join in, and share their product knowledge and technical advice...but they need to be upfront about who they are and what company they represent. Nothing spoils this kind of community worse than when company reps join in under false pretenses. Like you, I too have made a purchasing decision based largely on how members in these(and other) forums have felt about the product in question. Heck, I bought a Rans Fusion bike based on what other members here have said about it...and I never had the benefit of having seen one in real life, nor the chance of test riding one! It has turned out to be my best bike purchase ever(well, okay...maybe a tie with my GS GTO purchase)...it's a wonderful ride!

Pippa0520 could have come on and said "I have used this product for years and it is the best. it parts the rain like Moses at the red Sea". She was honest, however and said that she worked for the company. I made an order for the product. That is an example of how it should be done. There is no need to try and pull the wool if you have a good product.

You're right...if only all company reps could act with the same honesty and integrity that Pippa0520 did in your referenced thread. It's really terrible that we live in a world where this kind of dishonesty and deceit occurs. I guess that there's enough marketing research that proves that positive "reviews" on these types of forums SELL PRODUCT...and it sucks that there are some "bottom- feeding marketing types who are willing to stoop to this kind of product "spinning"...the gamble is that, if they're found out, not only do they cause their company to look really bad, in addition, their product, even if it's truly wonderful and life-altering, suddenly loses a lot of appeal or interest....

If I am wrong about the stealth marketing then I apologize. Just look at the posts yourself and decide.

Thank you, RoyalFlash...while I hope that your suspicions are wrong, I'm not naive...stealth marketing on these forums certainly do exist...and the good folks here should read these posts with a reasonable amount of caution and savvy...and decide for themselves...I guess that, for me, it's always been a question of balance--whether to approach the world with more pessimism...or more optimism...and whether to give the benefit of a doubt...or be very guarded...I guess I choose the benefit of a doubt...and accept the risk of being burned....thanks for writing back...take care....

[valiumland]

OK, looking back now, my entry may have been a tad gushy, but I assert with all honesty I am not some slithery marketing drone. I just liked the bike a lot, and happened to stumble onto this website after googling 'Electra Townie'.

[angiebuettner]

My first time here, and I am wierded out by how many of y'all have had a similar experience with the Townie that I had--- the test drive that made you just not ever want to get off! For the last year and a half I have been riding a Trek Navigator 300 comfort bike, and truly loving it--- and loving the 35 pounds of gooey flab that have melted away too. But when I rode the Townie 24, I found myself sprinting[I][B] (!!) which is something I don't really do a lot on my Trek. Plus, the Townie is just so much cooler looking-- the semimatte black paintjob and aluminum pedals give you a certain street credibility that the more matronly Trek can't manage. Long story short, I ordered one. I couldn't help it. My bike shop tells me three weeks at least-- and if I'm left hanging much longer than that I may not survive-- I sold my Trek to my older brother!

I have been a mountain biker for years and decided to look at some cruisers this past weekend for road/park trails. Rented a Jamis 4 speed which was very comfortable on an 8-mile ride (hike/ bike paved trail). Moderate slope to flat terrain. Great ride. Wanted a PHAT Pink Kaddy bike but no shops carried it. Finally tried a men's Townie 21 and it was the lap of luxury. Fell in love with the women's blue but have decide the men's silver will be more rigid and stable. Was told by 3 shops this bike has exceeded demand and may be awhile before they can get one in. Have found the men's dark blue but nothing else. Amazing! Angie

[angiebuettner]

These "bikes" are for folks who ride for a few miles at a slow, casual pace on Saturday and Sunday only.
They are not REAL cyclists and these "bikes" are not REAL bicycles.


Personally, I wouldn't ride one. They look extremely uncomfortable to me.

Very comfortable. Roade one quite a bit yesterday and I am a mountain biker. Angie

[angiebuettner]

FWIW, Sheldon Brown had nice words to say about one he rode at Interbike:
http://sheldonbrown.com/lasvegas/

Still, at $720, I have trouble thinking of this as a low end bike.

I priced a Townie 21 yesteray and they are now $359.00 at local shops in Cincy, OH. Angie

[angiebuettner]

khuon,

Are you sure the townie is similar geometry to what hardcore mtn bikers are using?

I'm interested in the townie for my wife also. A test ride is inevitable.

My big question is how much more difficult is it to pull a hill on the townie as opposed to a standard double diamond frame bike?

The url for townie has now changed to: http://www.electrabike.com/04/bikes/...wnie_home.html

Rodea Townie 21 yesterday and needed to raise the seat for comfort. It put my knees pretty close to where I liked the handlebars so standing to do hill climbing wasn't the best position! But the gearing was sufficient to do a few good-sized hills. Angie

[Lagerhead]

I have been riding MTB's and recumbents for about 8 years and I can tell you that the riding position and feel on a Townie is a lot different than a mountain bike. The first thing that came to mind when I started riding the Townie was that it reminded me of a Bike-E. It's not quite as laid back as a recumbent, but I couldn't get the Townie to wheelie or endo. I could get the front wheel high enough to clear a curb and whatnot, but no cool "hey look at me" BMX type stuff.
The bike and position were very comfortable.
Recumbent=lawnchair
Road bike=wedge
Townie=Bar Stool...

[MiataWoman]

This is my first post to a forum and I just couldn't resist! Being a middle-aged woman with a knee replacement in my future, I have been using a Schwinn recumbent stationery bicycle for a couple of years for therapy. I was wearying after a couple years of pedaling in a spare bedroom with only the TV or a book for entertainment. With the lovely Oregon coast weather this time of year, my patience was wearing a little thin. The Schwinn is quite comfortable, and my goal was to find a "regular" bike with the approximate configuration of pedals to seat. I went to a bicycle shop in Beaverton, OR three days ago and explained my situation to the manager. He said I was the first person to actually come in and ask for the pedals a little forward, seat a little back, configuration, and pointed me right to the Townie 21 speed. After a test drive in the parking lot of the shop I knew I had found what I had been looking for (but that I truly thought did not exist prior to that). Took it for about a 10 mile ride on Sunday and enjoyed the comfort, scenery, and exercise very much. I am not into bicycle competitions, mountainbiking, cross-country treks - but I am into hooking it to the back of my RV and doing my casual leisurely pedalling throughout the U.S.A., as well as frequent biking trips right here at home! The only downside that I can see - after checking Electra's home page I see the saddle bags that are shown with the Townie's - mine did not come with one. Any reason?

[valiumland]

<< The only downside that I can see - after checking Electra's home page I see the saddle bags that are shown with the Townie's - mine did not come with one. Any reason?>>

They're extra-cost options. I had to release the whole idea of outfitting the Townie with a bunch of accessories-- the chrome bullet lights, the bags, the bells-- I just let it go. I already have a very handy underseat bag from Specialized that I got at my bike shop last year-- it may not be as jaunty, but it holds my wallet and glasses case just as well. Power to the people.

[lobo]

Can you even ride these things for a century? My wifes Trek Nav400 is killing my butt after only 4 miles!

[tacomee]

I test rode a townie (21 speed, cheeper model) last weekend.... and it's not a heck of a lot different than other (and cheaper) comfort bikes. It's a 30 lb cruiser. Personally I'd buy something like a Fuji Crosstown and get a 100 bucks worth of gear/clothes for the same price as the cheapest Townie. The Bianchi Milano is cheaper... and in my mind, cooler. I know the classic Italian lines of of the Milano will be way cooler in 5 years-- after the flash in the pan of the townie has burnt out.

Yeah, I'm sure lots of new cyclists love the Townie-- but in reality, bike shops are chock full of quality comfort bikes that most every new cyclist would fall in love with.

And to all you worthless Electra employees shamelessly hyping your bike as the greatest thing since sliced bread... it's just bike, kids. I'll personally race any of you on my old Wards 3 speed I bought for 20 bucks 8 years ago.... and even though I might lose, I'd have just as much fun for a whole lot less money.

Electra-- cool, overpriced bikes that look like they were bought a garage sale. Why not just go to a garage sale and buy thr real McCoy? (and spend $500 bucks saved on beer?)

[randya]

Aww, now that's just not very nice, is it? Well, it's only your opinion and opinions are like whatchamacallits, everone's got one, so why dontcha just lighten up a bit, eh what?

[shecky]

I know the classic Italian lines of of the Milano will be way cooler in 5 years-- after the flash in the pan of the townie has burnt out.

The Milano's lines look more classic American than Italian.

Then again, I've never given much consideration to what will be cool in 5 years.

[angiebuettner]

I bought the men's Townie 21 this week and they do not come with the frame bags. They are available as accessories. I am trying to get the red vinyl one but I'm waiting fro Electra to tell me if it's available any longer. All the accessories are listed on their website.

This is my first post to a forum and I just couldn't resist! Being a middle-aged woman with a knee replacement in my future, I have been using a Schwinn recumbent stationery bicycle for a couple of years for therapy. I was wearying after a couple years of pedaling in a spare bedroom with only the TV or a book for entertainment. With the lovely Oregon coast weather this time of year, my patience was wearing a little thin. The Schwinn is quite comfortable, and my goal was to find a "regular" bike with the approximate configuration of pedals to seat. I went to a bicycle shop in Beaverton, OR three days ago and explained my situation to the manager. He said I was the first person to actually come in and ask for the pedals a little forward, seat a little back, configuration, and pointed me right to the Townie 21 speed. After a test drive in the parking lot of the shop I knew I had found what I had been looking for (but that I truly thought did not exist prior to that). Took it for about a 10 mile ride on Sunday and enjoyed the comfort, scenery, and exercise very much. I am not into bicycle competitions, mountainbiking, cross-country treks - but I am into hooking it to the back of my RV and doing my casual leisurely pedalling throughout the U.S.A., as well as frequent biking trips right here at home! The only downside that I can see - after checking Electra's home page I see the saddle bags that are shown with the Townie's - mine did not come with one. Any reason?

[angiebuettner]

My first time here, and I am wierded out by how many of y'all have had a similar experience with the Townie that I had--- the test drive that made you just not ever want to get off! For the last year and a half I have been riding a Trek Navigator 300 comfort bike, and truly loving it--- and loving the 35 pounds of gooey flab that have melted away too. But when I rode the Townie 24, I found myself sprinting[I][B] (!!) which is something I don't really do a lot on my Trek. Plus, the Townie is just so much cooler looking-- the semimatte black paintjob and aluminum pedals give you a certain street credibility that the more matronly Trek can't manage. Long story short, I ordered one. I couldn't help it. My bike shop tells me three weeks at least-- and if I'm left hanging much longer than that I may not survive-- I sold my Trek to my older brother!

I was able to get my Townie within a week of ordering ir (last Wednesday). Hopefully, you'll get yours quickly as well! Angie

[angiebuettner]

I test rode a townie (21 speed, cheeper model) last weekend.... and it's not a heck of a lot different than other (and cheaper) comfort bikes. It's a 30 lb cruiser. Personally I'd buy something like a Fuji Crosstown and get a 100 bucks worth of gear/clothes for the same price as the cheapest Townie. The Bianchi Milano is cheaper... and in my mind, cooler. I know the classic Italian lines of of the Milano will be way cooler in 5 years-- after the flash in the pan of the townie has burnt out.

Yeah, I'm sure lots of new cyclists love the Townie-- but in reality, bike shops are chock full of quality comfort bikes that most every new cyclist would fall in love with.

And to all you worthless Electra employees shamelessly hyping your bike as the greatest thing since sliced bread... it's just bike, kids. I'll personally race any of you on my old Wards 3 speed I bought for 20 bucks 8 years ago.... and even though I might lose, I'd have just as much fun for a whole lot less money.

Electra-- cool, overpriced bikes that look like they were bought a garage sale. Why not just go to a garage sale and buy thr real McCoy? (and spend $500 bucks saved on beer?)

I purchased a Townie 21 last week after having ridden a lot of cruiser-type bicycles. I wanted a bike that was comfortable yet some style to it. The forward pedals and gearing were perfect for my needs. All my other bicycles are mountain bikes and I wanted something sporty to look at and comfortable as well for training rides. This bike was $350, not $500. Lots of other "cruisers" didn't have gears and were much heavier bikes. So I am happy with the quality, style and price I paid. Angie

[TJBrass]

So, Angie, what you're trying to say is you bought a Townie 21 and you are excited about it?

[Orion]

why does this whole thread feel like one big stealth advertising campaign- so many newbies who have never posted before gushing about Townies!!!-at least try and make it credible--

Hmmmmm. . . . .similar posts and phrasing/grammar, . . . . . .


Anyway, I'm sure the Townie is a nice ride. . . .physically, but asthetically, I personally don't care for the way it looks. I'd much rather have a hybrid setup....





I mean, is there really any question about which one LOOKS better? And the latter is less money with better components.

But then, as I always say, that's why they make so many different looking makes of a similar product. Wide range of personal preferences.

[shecky]

Actually, I think the townie looks more stylish. I think a lot of the hybrid/comfort bikes look a bit ungainly, though perfectly functional. The Townie looks more like a chopper. It's a bit difficult to tell from the picture, but is much more evident when you see them being ridden.

They do seem to be pretty popular around here. I've seen several around town, fitted with baskets, ridden by conscientious, helmet-wearing cyclists. The LBS seems to move them pretty well. They seem to be popular with folks who like to ride bikes, yet don't view themselves as "bicycle enthusiasts".