I went to Bike Source and sat on a Specialized Expedition Sport, small frame. It seemed ok, but I had to come back another day to actually test ride it. In the meantime, I went over to Trek, which now owns the Townie brand. I sat on their 26" and felt like I had returned home. Took it out for a test ride, and they worked quite a bit with adjusting the seat, especially, and giving me guidance on body position re: health for my knees. It was such an amazing smooth ride. Then, to honor the shop that put a hold on a Specialized for me, I went back over there, with my body still remembering how it felt mounting the Townie. It just never felt that good on the Specialized, and yes, Wilfred, you're right. It's really not a "crank forward" style.

I was again told that a Townie is built for 10-15 mile rides. This time I asked what they meant by that. Answer? Because the rider sits upright and is not in a good aerodynamic position. OH!!!!! So THAT'S it. I got up on my toes, looked him in the eye, and said I've done 40 miles at age 70. I'm not interested in speed; only comfort and endurance. So now we understand each other.

My 26" 21d Townie will be here within a week. Life is good.

The Townie does NOT have a steel frame. Their frames are aluminum. I put 250 miles per month on mine. I find the Townies (particularly with the internal-hub drive-trains) to be well-made, reliable, and reasonably-priced. I just found my wife a 3i model at a church benefit sale for $200. I just bought myself a (mens) 3i model from a pawn shop for $119.

The best deal in the Townie line, IMHO, is the "Balloon 8i:"



This has the range to go long distances, and the gears for climbing & descending if needed. Since I live in flat (flat) country, I need but the 3 speeds, but having the eight would be far more flexible. The wider tires also allow for pavement, dirt, or gravel riding without stability issues.

Happy shopping!

Ha! You kick ass over those arrogant whippersnappers!

A few thoughts... The crank forward bikes from Electra and others have a significant flaw in that you are pushing back against the seat. They seem great for a few miles until you realize how sore your back is getting keeping yourself on the seat. Also, aluminum can be quite harsh and hard on joints.

A bicycle with Dutch geometry (Workcycles, Gazelle, Batavus, Azor, etc.) will align your sit bone, back, neck, and head in a straight line which is much better for them and for your comfort. They are designed so that you should be able to tip toe the ground while seated on the saddle. There is very little to no pressure on your hands and wrists, you use your arms to steer not to support your weight. The geometry and fork rake provide for a very forgiving ride that is not hard on your joints.

As to longer distances, I've routinely ridden 60 and 70 miles in complete comfort. Thousands of people throughout The Netherlands and Europe do so every day including many seniors.

For her retirement my wife bought a Workcycles Gr8. She's been quite thrilled with it.

There is a reason that so many people around the world, and us older folk in particular, ride them.

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Great story and spirit!