Originally Posted by
kingston
A few years ago I found a Gazelle Tour Populair on Craigslist and bought it for my wife for casual rides around town. They are probably fine for short distances, but she hated it. Rode it exactly one time and told me to get rid of it. Luckily I was able to sell it for what I paid for it.
One time? If you're riding upright you're using your muscles differently.
It's a heavy bike but I believe the importance of weight is terribly exaggerated. If you climb a mountain of course it matters, but for short inclines it isn't a big deal. I've ridden lighter bikes regularly, never noted much difference other than an uncomfortable riding position and unstable steering. It's just something you have to get used to, than it isn't very different.