Originally Posted by Rosie8
I would be interested, Recycle, if you find a rear rack for your wife's bike since that sounds handy to have. Wondered too about the seat being so close to the back tire.
Just got back from my first ride on the Suede. Had a blast: rode through sand, crushed rock, bumpy dirt trail, nice smooth pavement, (saw 5 antelope on the way back) and a gust of wind that about knocked me sideways. The bike handled well, is comfy, etc. The sand was a little scary. The only thing I noticed is a sore forearm muscle - I think from shifting the twist shift! Guess I'll have to get used to that. Have to say it was the right choice for me. I practiced stopping at stop signs, looking out for car doors opening and people backing out their driveways, etc. Loved it.
Did you get the antelope to race with you???
Glad you're having a good time with the Suede. I wish you many happy miles on it.
The only problem with the seat being so close to the tire is that you can't buy just any rear rack and expect it to fit. The seat post isn't long enough to allow a post mounted rack like the one stapfam suggested ... we haven't found one at least. The rack has to be adjustable fore and aft as well as up and down to clear both the tire and the seat. There are a couple of high end racks that will fit, and possibly one fairly low cost one from REI. We also have to check with Giant. They may have come out with a rack to fit the Suede this year.
I'll let you know when we get ready to buy one. For now my wife is happy to let me haul the gear