Trek Pure or Trek Shift or???
 

I'm a 53 year old wanting to get back into bike riding - mainly for enjoyment with my kids and husband mostly on paved rails-to-trails, around the neighborhood, for light exercise, while out camping with the family, etc. I had a bad fall a few years ago on my Trek Mtn Track 830 and have also put on a few pounds, the knees and back are now aching, and find it hard to mount/dismount. So I'm looking for a low-mount step-thru type Woman's bike.

I plan to visit our LBS but want to come prepared. I'm looking at the Trek Pure and the Trek Shift Comfort line (maybe the Verve?) - and the Electra Townie - but are there any other brands/models in the $400-$500 price range that compare? Does anyone know the difference between the Trek Pure and Shift models and/or own either? Thanks in advance!

Welcome to Bike Forums :)

To better assist those who might help you, here are the links to the two models you mentioned.

Pure- http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...pure_lowstep/#
Shift- http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes.../shift_1_wsd/#

I haven't had the time to compare the two, but note that basically all of the major brands will have similiar models for any given price point.

Okay, after a quick look, the main differences are that the Pure has 'flat foot/crank forward' technology that allows you to place feet flat on the ground while stopped without getting off the saddle, has more color choices, but only comes in one size. The Shift has a suspension seat post and comes in 3 sizes.

Mechanically, their very similar. Neither will be a speed machine, but depending on your height, the Pure may be a better choice if you have any kind of balance problems while moving at less than a walking speed or stopped.

Trek Pure, Shift, Verve or Electra Townie?
 

THANKS! I've been lurking here awhile; just my first time to post.

Did the online comparison at Treks website comparing the Pure, the Shift 2, and the Verve 2. Since this post I've also added the Electra Townie to my short list. Trying to find LBS that carries all the models to accurately compare - tricky! Would love to hear from someone who owns and/or has ridden any of these models to see what they liked best - or any other brands I should look at.

Welcome

My wife at 75yo rides a Trek hybrid. She started on a Specialized ladies model mtn bike at 60yo, then tried a Cannondale R300 road bike for about 600 miles, but never liked it. She loves the ladies model hybrid and uses the mtn bike as an indoor trainer.

I doubt this adds much to the discussion, but just wanted to say welcome.

Hi DnvrFox! Thanks for the welcome - which model Trek does your wife have?

I get confused when it comes to "hybrid" and "comfort" - some sites combine these as one; others not so much! Looks like the current hybrid is Verve? I found a great deal on a Trek 7500 (prior year model on closeout).

I really like the idea of feet flat or crank forward (for the knees and to keep from falling again); sitting upright as much as possible (for the back); and the low-step, step-thru models since I have difficulty mounting/dismounting (my kids get a laugh, though, when they see me try!). Obviously I need a bike to get back into shape, but I need a bike that I can easily mount, fun to ride - without pain - to motivate me to keep riding!