As far as dismounting goes, there is no rule that the bike needs to be perpendicular with the ground. It's OK to lean to one side or the other.

I rode motorcycles for decades. All of my bikes had higher seats than my inseam. One was 6 inches taller! Just had to be aware of the slope of the ground. If I put my foot down on a downsllope, motorcycle would continue over to the ground. No stopping a 600 pound motorcycle. Did it once, then I made sure to do it right. Realize a bicycle is so much easier, 40 pounds versus a 600 pound motorcycle. And you tend to do less damage to a bicycle.

Stand over IMHO is perhaps one of the MOST over-rated criteria. You don't ride a bicycle like the Flintstones drove their cars. It's all about distance between the saddle and the pedals.


One thing about FB Marketplace, not every bike is a bargain, but it is where I find 90% of my bargains out there. FB marketplace is so POORLY organized, it's hard to even find bikes for sale. Meanwhile, CL has one OBVIOUS category.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of Raleigh three speeds. Steel rims = poor braking, extremely heavy (50% to 100% higher than comparable bikes), and fewer gearing choices. More gears allow you to match exertion versus strength. Even with very few hills, there is that thing called WIND. And a road that may appear flat, get on a bike, and can find out it's not flat at all.

My budget choice continues to be a rigid MTB, so called 26'er. I've converted them to North Road style bars, trekking bars, and drop bars.


Tires are easy to find for 26'ers. I go relatively narrow, 1.25 to 1.5 inch wide.