Originally Posted by
MRT2
My guess is, more hilly than Chicago, but then again, just about every place (except maybe Kansas) is more hilly than Chicago.
You might be right. And I think the scenery is much prettier there. But I'm biased.
As far as recommendations go, I started by throwing out the Fairdale Weekender Archer. If a mixte is more your thing, the Soma Buena Vista mentioned above looks like it is worth a look. The Rivendell Betty Foy looks great, but expensive. Another possibility is to seek out a quality vintage mixte frame and work with a bike shop to restore it, or build it up to your requirements.
I don't know my thing. I know what appeals to the eye but the body could have a different opinion. That will take firsthand experience but at least I'm narrowing down my options (or expanding them thanks to you). But the end result will be a bike. I want to have this settled by the beginning of June so I can make the most of our weather. I started out with Electra and now I have a heap of possibilities worth considering.
My first bike may not be spendy but I have an inkling there will be a pricey love child on the horizon.