donnamb 

Ooh, pretty. Is that a B-66/67? How does she like it?

notenspeed

Some of these posts are making me think that an older bike might work for me, especially if I customize a few key components. This post is very helpful, because your wife probably has similar issues. I looked at Craigslist in my area, and there are 2 women's bikes that might work. I left messages asking if I could take them for 1-2 hour rides.

Since I don't know yet how my body will respond, how sore I will be and where at, a used bike is probably the best solution for now. That way I can experiment with stem, saddle, bars, etc. and even get a totally different type of used bike if its not working out. Then I can keep my eye out for a new bike next summer if all goes well and I'm riding as much as I would like to.

Thanks, L

cooker

I think it's not really a question of old vs new but more a question of what style and configuration works for your health issues. We don't know, and you won't 'til you try and report, whether a recumbent will be easiest on your butt, or will actually hurt more, or whether the upright position of a cruiser or a Townie will be more comfortable than leaning forward on a road bike.

However, since you want to go on a week long tour, you're going to have an easier time with a road bike or recumbent because the aerodynamics are much better than for a Townie or hybrid, and you'll want tires that are thinner than the typical mountain bike tires in the 2"/50mm range, because those are the two main limiting factors on a long road ride.

Having said that, you're right that buying used is safer because it allows you to change your mind and/or learn by experience more cheaply.