Electra Townie?
01-29-08 | 03:17 PM
#26
Trans-Urban Velocommando
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 0
From: Lenexa, KS
Bikes: 06 Trek 1200 - 98 DB Outlook - 99 DB Sorrento
I was in REI yesterday, and I looked at the Electra Townie. It looks really good, I was impressed. I wanted to know if anyone out there owns it. Most of my trips right now are under six miles, to the library, grocery store, and such. I don't really care about speed so much, so its ok if its a little slower. They say this bike has "flat foot technology" where you can put both feet on the ground at lights and such. I don't have a problem starting or stopping now, I use clips and straps, but sometimes I try to come to rolling stops so I don't have to pull either foot out. Anyway I'm just imagining riding the townie with a messenger bag in regular clothes and jumping off to my destination. It will be a little while before I can get it though, right now I have no space... What do you guys think about the townie, and why is it that they don't seem to be hugely popular, or is it just me?
It's slow but comfortable and fun. My wife got the Townie 3S model. It has a chain guard, a nexus 3-speed internally-geared hub and front suspension. The front suspension is somewhat ridiculous, but it does smooth out the bumps that the front fork would otherwise pass off to your hands. The internal hub is nice for relatively flat areas. The lowest gear isn't low enough for a leisurely rider to tackle steep grades, and the highest gear isn't high enough to obtain high speeds. Pushing it pretty hard, you'd be unlikely to get to 25 MPH.
For comfort and just having a nice ride, though, it's an excellent bike. If you're not much for being in a hurry, not much for climbing hills, and just want to get around town to run errands and whatnot, it's a great bike. Even if you have a long way to ride, it's fine as long as you aren't hurried.
The bike itself IS HEAVY. It's at least as heavy as my steel mountain bike. Part of this might be the front suspension. I'm sure a Townie without front suspension would be a few pounds lighter. If you don't have to carry your bike up or down any stairs regularly, this isn't even an issue. I personally don't mind lugging a bike up and down stairs, but it gets on some peoples' nerves.
It has braze-ons on the back for a rack, and my wife picked up a rack and a trunk bag to go with it. The rack itself was from Electra specifically for the Townie and I don't know if generic mountain bike racks will work on it. The pedal-forward design is nice because there's absolutely NO chance you'll hit your feet on the panniers if you decide to go that route.
All in all, it's a good, solid bike. For my 30 mile hilly round trip, it wouldn't be practical. For my wife's fun rides on paved paths and running short errands, it works great.
01-30-08 | 07:34 PM
#27
cyclopath
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,264
Likes: 6
From: Victoria, BC
Bikes: Surly Krampus, Surly Straggler, Pivot Mach 6, Bike Friday Tikit, Bike Friday Tandem, Santa Cruz Nomad
The townie should fit fine in there..
Last edited by vik; 01-30-08 at 08:14 PM.
01-30-08 | 09:04 PM
#28
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Durham, NC
Bikes: Trek 7.2FX Hybrid, Puegeot, and an Electra Townie 8 spd internal
Eventually I learned that the living room holds three bikes and all spare equipment quite nicely.
01-30-08 | 09:19 PM
#29
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
I didn't like it. Test drove on three separate occasions. Heavy, the seating was not comfortable... I like to stand up when I ride to gain speed or for anyo ther reason. I can not stand and ride on this bicycle.
I love the Amsterdam though. The pricing is ridiculous. I suspect the pricing will move higher which is good for those that jump on the bandwagon as demand increases. Or like most fads the demand will decrease and the price will deflate.
Unfortunately, I am getting the feeling the Electra models are more fad/fashion...kinda like carrying the "teacup dog" phenomenon. I haven't seen anyone in my neck (S. Florida) riding one for commuting purposes. I have seen the Electra(Townies) at ice cream shops, the mall, South Beach etc. more recreational Sunday stroll kinda thing. Wealthy or pseudo wealthy want to own one because they heard everyone who is anyone is getting one. Kinda like reading the book "The Secret". Perception is everything in America. It's sad.
I am guilty too. I really wanted to do the whole beater look. I really vibe with riding a beater like in China or Japan and spending $50.00 on my bike and riding it until the wheels fall off.
Realistically, I found I was too tall and too Type A to ride a beater. I am going to have to spend money.
A lot of shops are getting the beater Schwinn's oiling the brakes and reselling them for $150.00-$200. They are making a mint literally "flipping" old bikes.
I love the Amsterdam though. The pricing is ridiculous. I suspect the pricing will move higher which is good for those that jump on the bandwagon as demand increases. Or like most fads the demand will decrease and the price will deflate.
Unfortunately, I am getting the feeling the Electra models are more fad/fashion...kinda like carrying the "teacup dog" phenomenon. I haven't seen anyone in my neck (S. Florida) riding one for commuting purposes. I have seen the Electra(Townies) at ice cream shops, the mall, South Beach etc. more recreational Sunday stroll kinda thing. Wealthy or pseudo wealthy want to own one because they heard everyone who is anyone is getting one. Kinda like reading the book "The Secret". Perception is everything in America. It's sad.
I am guilty too. I really wanted to do the whole beater look. I really vibe with riding a beater like in China or Japan and spending $50.00 on my bike and riding it until the wheels fall off.
Realistically, I found I was too tall and too Type A to ride a beater. I am going to have to spend money.
A lot of shops are getting the beater Schwinn's oiling the brakes and reselling them for $150.00-$200. They are making a mint literally "flipping" old bikes.
02-03-08 | 06:01 AM
#30
transport, not sport.
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
From: indonesia
........
And of course bikes like either of these can be built up from any old frame. I built up a Schwinn cruiser from Craigslist for $50 and it rides great. Old mountain bike frames can easily be outfitted for town trips cheaper than a new Townie. My opinions, YMMV.
And of course bikes like either of these can be built up from any old frame. I built up a Schwinn cruiser from Craigslist for $50 and it rides great. Old mountain bike frames can easily be outfitted for town trips cheaper than a new Townie. My opinions, YMMV.
you are missing a serious point here.
it is clear that the bottom bracket is slightly more forward positioned.
like rans zenetik, they are called "crank forward" geometry?
consequently, the overall length increases? right?
I admire the design, and seriously think that these bike suits old people, women, and those in stop and go traffic, who have problem with balance, so the security feel to put both feet on the ground is definitely a plus point.
05-24-08 | 10:29 PM
#31
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: San Angelo, TX
Bikes: Orange Electra Townie 7-speed
I had alot of trouble (if I may overshare) with bruising with a standard width seat (you would think my personal padding would help, but no) and that's what made me give up riding the last time I tried. I literally could not sit down after a 1 mile ride, and standing up to pedal didn't help. I love my Townie most of all because I don't feel as if I have been assaulted while riding it. That said, I still need a little bit of padding or a change in the angle for maximum comfort.A 5'2'' I really appreciate being able to put my feet on the ground. Those of you tall folks are used to being up high, but I do feel like I'm going to fall, even though I've never fallen off a bike. I also like that I can sit up straight, and that my bum isn't flying around in the air to get honked at while I'm hunched over pedaling. The hunched position also made my hands and knees hurt, and I've had none of that with the Townie.
As for it being a "rich person fad," I'm broke and going to college on the VA's dime. I bought mine to save money, and plan to sell my car ASAP to recover the cost. Don't be jealous because your bike isn't cute
05-24-08 | 11:57 PM
#32
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,475
Likes: 4,880
From: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, 86 De Rosa Pro, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Geometry.
Most bicycles have a 70 degree seat tube angle. But when I was a kid,I had a bike with a banana seat which you could slide back on. Thus, I got used to leg extension, while maintaining a low center of gravity.
When I was 12 years old, I sought a bike with a banana seat, but larger than the 20" wheel bike I had.
I joined the International Human Powered Vehicle Association https://www.ihpva.org
back in 1985 or '86. at that time, there were only 2000 recumbent bikes in America.
Being an Engineering student, I wanted to build a machine to patent and make a profit selling.
I did not want to build a true recumbent, which has a seat tube angle of zero degrees.
All I wanted was a bike with 26 inch wheels and a banana seat. But I also asked for the "impossible".
I had to have a fiberglass cargo box on the front of the bike, not attached to the handlebars, but attached to the frame, to carry 100 pound loads. And said box must be aerodynamic.
So, in 1991, my 6th cousin Mellisa asked me to adopt her. Good, I was in the Navy and needed someone to run my bike business while I was overseas. She invented the Fiberglass Ladies Bicycle.
Here is a picture:
As you can see, the seat slides back so the rider has a choice of position, like a banana seat.
The cargo box is based on the roof spoiler of a diesel truck. Good crash protection! I should point out that fairings (motorcycle windshields) are mainly for protection of the rider, and aerodynamics is a second consideration.
There is a synergistic effect between the heavy box and the seat position. If you had a box like that , and you couldn't move back, there would be a tendency to flip you over the handlebars.
$270.00 went into this bike, and so many kids were begging for me to sell it, I had to say $3,000.00 Or Best Offer. I actually recieved $1,215.00 for this bike. ( A guy bought it for his girlfriend). If I had commercial/industrial real estate, I'd put this bike into production.
The secret is out: People Want a Bicycle seat that is further back, and they can ride confidently without feeling like they are going to fly over the handlebars.
The bike pictured is type 9, there were some other attempts previous to this one. This bike is a "blivet" which means it is ten pounds of s _ _ _ stuffed into a five pound bag. One example is the aerodynamic fairing and cargo box, being the same piece of fiberglass. It's too much at one time. I should've built a plain box, without aerodynamics, OR , I should have built a windshield (fairing) without any cargo space inside.
A bike company only needs ONE improvement over existing bicycles. That can be their main selling point.
In this case Electra https://www.electrabikes.com
has a bike that will not send the rider flying over the handlebars. One idiot threatened to sic the Federal Trade Commission on Electra, claiming Electra is a monopoly. But Electra is only a small bicycle company, no where like a monopoly. ( that was a stupid thread from a month + ago.)
The main advantage of the Townie Geometry is that the rider feels safer; the bike will not flip the rider over the handlebars, and the rider can put the HEELS of both feet on the ground when making a stop.
Most bicycles have a 70 degree seat tube angle. But when I was a kid,I had a bike with a banana seat which you could slide back on. Thus, I got used to leg extension, while maintaining a low center of gravity.
When I was 12 years old, I sought a bike with a banana seat, but larger than the 20" wheel bike I had.
I joined the International Human Powered Vehicle Association https://www.ihpva.org
back in 1985 or '86. at that time, there were only 2000 recumbent bikes in America.
Being an Engineering student, I wanted to build a machine to patent and make a profit selling.
I did not want to build a true recumbent, which has a seat tube angle of zero degrees.
All I wanted was a bike with 26 inch wheels and a banana seat. But I also asked for the "impossible".
I had to have a fiberglass cargo box on the front of the bike, not attached to the handlebars, but attached to the frame, to carry 100 pound loads. And said box must be aerodynamic.
So, in 1991, my 6th cousin Mellisa asked me to adopt her. Good, I was in the Navy and needed someone to run my bike business while I was overseas. She invented the Fiberglass Ladies Bicycle.
Here is a picture:
As you can see, the seat slides back so the rider has a choice of position, like a banana seat.
The cargo box is based on the roof spoiler of a diesel truck. Good crash protection! I should point out that fairings (motorcycle windshields) are mainly for protection of the rider, and aerodynamics is a second consideration.
There is a synergistic effect between the heavy box and the seat position. If you had a box like that , and you couldn't move back, there would be a tendency to flip you over the handlebars.
$270.00 went into this bike, and so many kids were begging for me to sell it, I had to say $3,000.00 Or Best Offer. I actually recieved $1,215.00 for this bike. ( A guy bought it for his girlfriend). If I had commercial/industrial real estate, I'd put this bike into production.
The secret is out: People Want a Bicycle seat that is further back, and they can ride confidently without feeling like they are going to fly over the handlebars.
The bike pictured is type 9, there were some other attempts previous to this one. This bike is a "blivet" which means it is ten pounds of s _ _ _ stuffed into a five pound bag. One example is the aerodynamic fairing and cargo box, being the same piece of fiberglass. It's too much at one time. I should've built a plain box, without aerodynamics, OR , I should have built a windshield (fairing) without any cargo space inside.
A bike company only needs ONE improvement over existing bicycles. That can be their main selling point.
In this case Electra https://www.electrabikes.com
has a bike that will not send the rider flying over the handlebars. One idiot threatened to sic the Federal Trade Commission on Electra, claiming Electra is a monopoly. But Electra is only a small bicycle company, no where like a monopoly. ( that was a stupid thread from a month + ago.)
The main advantage of the Townie Geometry is that the rider feels safer; the bike will not flip the rider over the handlebars, and the rider can put the HEELS of both feet on the ground when making a stop.
Last edited by squirtdad; 05-25-08 at 12:11 AM.
05-25-08 | 06:17 PM
#33
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 1
From: Hampton Roads VA
Bikes: '07 Trek 520, '09 Gary Fisher Triton, '04 Trek 8000, '85 Trek 500, '84 Trek 610, '85 Trek 510, '88 Trek 660, '92 Trek 930, Trek Multitrack 700
Could be you saw it when this post was started in 2006.
05-26-08 | 02:29 PM
#34
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: New Zealand
Bikes: Electra Townie
Resting up for now
I thought I'd let others know how I got on setting up my Townie. Basically I'm a semi cripple, with old injuries, operation scars and current illness all restricting me to low distance and speed riding.
I bought a Cloud 9 seat (14" wide, with no seat horn) and a Thudbuster, which fortunately had the mounting paraphernalia to allow me to mount the Cloud 9.
First, the Thudbuster arrived with the wrong elastomers installed, so I had to change them, which was difficult, and because they supplied no lubricant, the whole shebang squeaks like a mad mouse while riding. The Cloud 9 removes the stability provided by a seat horn, so it takes a period of adjustment to acclimatize to slippin' and slidin' a bit at first. Don't go rough ridin' with this seat.
The combined effect? It's not luxury. There's not much padding on the seat, but it's the right shape. I could now ride for up to an hour and a half - my previous limit was 45 minutes before real pain set in with the standard seat. The Thudbuster took care of the back ache that set in on road transitions and crossing curbs and suchlike. The upright riding position does send bumps straight up the spine, just the same as custom or cruiser motorcycles. This is the cost of keeping weight off your hands, and therefore reducing arm/wrist fatigue.
For a long while, this combination allowed me to get fitter and reduce a bit of weight, until I got a bad case of 'flu. Waiting for three weeks to resume riding, I overdid it trying to keep pace with a fit jogger, and ended up straining my chest muscles and sustaining a bout of pleurisy. I live in a cold house, and was trying to same money on the power bills (but I did end up getting a $500 refund...), and I guess my body just can't handle it.
I'm being very careful over winter, still using the car for shopping, but I hope to make short rides on fine days until spring arrives. I still think the Townie is the only choice for me.
I bought a Cloud 9 seat (14" wide, with no seat horn) and a Thudbuster, which fortunately had the mounting paraphernalia to allow me to mount the Cloud 9.
First, the Thudbuster arrived with the wrong elastomers installed, so I had to change them, which was difficult, and because they supplied no lubricant, the whole shebang squeaks like a mad mouse while riding. The Cloud 9 removes the stability provided by a seat horn, so it takes a period of adjustment to acclimatize to slippin' and slidin' a bit at first. Don't go rough ridin' with this seat.
The combined effect? It's not luxury. There's not much padding on the seat, but it's the right shape. I could now ride for up to an hour and a half - my previous limit was 45 minutes before real pain set in with the standard seat. The Thudbuster took care of the back ache that set in on road transitions and crossing curbs and suchlike. The upright riding position does send bumps straight up the spine, just the same as custom or cruiser motorcycles. This is the cost of keeping weight off your hands, and therefore reducing arm/wrist fatigue.
For a long while, this combination allowed me to get fitter and reduce a bit of weight, until I got a bad case of 'flu. Waiting for three weeks to resume riding, I overdid it trying to keep pace with a fit jogger, and ended up straining my chest muscles and sustaining a bout of pleurisy. I live in a cold house, and was trying to same money on the power bills (but I did end up getting a $500 refund...), and I guess my body just can't handle it.
I'm being very careful over winter, still using the car for shopping, but I hope to make short rides on fine days until spring arrives. I still think the Townie is the only choice for me.
01-24-09 | 11:48 PM
#35
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,737
Likes: 10
Some people have Xtrafied their Townie. A CF bike makes a very capable grocery shopper with the right set up. I find I hardly need to drive to the store any more for groceries. I own a Rans Dynamik with an RAC and panniers. I can now ferry stuff home without fear of losing it on the road.
