Hello,
Nice forum you've got here! I am posting on a whim really, so please forgive my ignorance.
I haven't owned a bicycle for about 10 years, but over the last few years have rented them when I've been on holiday, and been out sight seeing for the day.
I took the better half to France last weekend and we cycled around a little island. She loved it, and subsequently has got her old bike out, to get it fixed up.
So, it seems I'm going to need my own bike, if I'm to see her much this summer!
The bikes I've hired in France, Holland, and alike have always seemed quite different, and superior, to the mountain bikes my friends own. The main things I liked where the fact I could sit upright, and look around. They had seats I actually wanted to sit on, and the bikes seem to almost run themselves when on flat ground. Very little effort, for a lot of motion. I suppose efficiency it what costs the money though?
Can you recommend me a budget bicycle that can handle panniers for weekend outings, mainly on bike trails / back roads? Money is a big issue, so I will try to get it second hand, probably from ebay.
Thank you for your time!