My husband and I are wanting to start riding the local trails and the roads around our house.. we are mid 40s. Obviously, with the pandemic, there aren't a lot of options right now. We went looking over the weekend and I fell in love with the Electra Townie. Would this be a good starter bike for me? I was hoping for another color besides the navy blue but I'm afraid if I want too long, there won't be any options.... I also rode a Marin.. there's just something about the Townie that I liked but I don't want to get something that I won't be happy with down the road.

Thanks,
Jen

If you find a bike that you're comfortable riding and it seems like fun, you'll ride more and enjoy the sport maximally. Sounds like you discovered a winner for now; maybe in a year or two you'll be more adventurous and add to your stable; won't be the first time this has happened. Don't let analysis paralysis overwhelm you.

Probably worth it to spend a little time searching the forums, no surprise that this question comes along pretty much weekly - and a lot of folks have chimed in with tons of advice. But, they're not going to retype the advice every time - so, spend a little time on terms like "first bike" and "help me choose" and phrases like that. Quick takes for you: 1. know in advance your long-term maintenance and repair plan. a local bike shop (LBS) is a legit plan. taking it back to a big-box retailer is not a plan. self service is a plan. 2. be realistic about your budget, and do NOT go cheap. cheap catches up with you in the long run. investing "up" pays you back in longevity, reduced maintenance, even resale. 3. the best bike is the one that calls to you to come and ride. you love the bike, that's the one. don't love the bike, there it sits. 4. get the help of someone, or do the research yourself, to make the bike fit. an incorrect fit violates rule#3 above.

Not knowing what "Marin" you were looking at makes it difficult to assess what the Townie is being compared to. I'm going to assume you saw them both at a bike shop so they would have been professionally assembled That said the Townie is a nice bike. They are comfortable, well built and easy to ride and if the only thing you could find not to like was the color that's a plus. Like you said bikes are hard to come by so it can be a crapshoot trying to find one.

I've been a Electra owner for 10 plus years and have had 3 different bikes, while I havent owned a Townie, I haven't heard many, if any complaints about them.

I agree with the previous comments!

Agree with 2Old. Be sure to get something you like and you'll be more inclined to ride it often. As you ride you'll learn more about your preferences (bike trails, paved paths, etc.) and possible limitations of the bike you have. If you like the bike and it suits your needs fantastic! If not perhaps some simple upgrades (tires, grips, etc) would will work or now being more educated/informed you'll add to your bike collection with a specialized bike that allows you do to a little more. Best of luck! And let us know what you decide and post some pics!