bettybl

I'm 5'2", female.
I live in a 6 floor walk-up apartment
I'm in NYC - I will only be riding it at Central Park or the NYC Greenway for leisure and exercise. I won't be riding in traffic with cars since I'm too chicken. I prefer to sit upright and speed is not important that important to me (I think?).

With that said, does anyone have any recs for me? I need a light bike that I would be able to carry up the stairs, and not a giant bike either since apt space is kinda small.

JonathanGennick 

Walk-up? As in six floors with no elevator? Ouch. That'd be good for the cardio, but it might get old too. I don't recall ever seeing a building that tall with no elevator in it.

If you have the money, you might look at folding bikes. Dahon is a common and easy-to-find brand, though I am more impressed with the -- sadly more expensive -- Bike Friday models.

I'm not familiar with all brands out there, but you could look at a Specialized Globe. My LBS has a single-speed Globe Centrum in stock that tempts me from time-to-time. It's not heavy, and it had me in a fairly upright position. You might look at something like that.

Being in New York City, you probably have a plethora of bike shops to visit. I'd go visit a few, and take some test rides.

jellen

+1 on the folding bike.... easier to carry up and down stairs, it would take up much less apt. space, then its much easier for you to take it on the train or the bus, or even a cab to ride in another part of the city (without riding in traffic).

DieselDan

https://www.strida.com/
There's even an ad for it on the left of the page. Lightweight and low maintenance with a belt instead of a chain. I can't speak for it really, just a thought and with you living in the biggest market in the USA, shouldn't be too hard to find.

NormanF

I'd recommend either a Raleigh Twenty or a Bike Friday Tikit. You should able to carry a folder bike up the stairs and it should store easily in a closet. The Tikit might be a better choice in New York City.

pwdeegan

check out: https://www.bikefriday.com/
they have mojo

badmother

The stock R20 is h e a v y.

Strida it is

NormanF

With alloy wheels, it just flies down the road. And its less expensive than a Bike Friday!

Esteban32696

I would shop around for a folding bike. BUT, many are pretty heavy , so take note of that. Also, see how you like it's fit, ride it before buying, & see if you can get a case to pack it up in [ many times the shops will toss that in free ]. Grease on your clothes, on the bus/train, is not acceptable, so a bag is great.

DieselDan

That's why I recommended the Strida. No chain, no chain inducted stains.

social suicide

sunflowerflyer

No idea on models, so will leave that to others with experience with these, but another vote for a folder. Anyone have experience or preference of belt or chain?

Longfemur

A folder is for carrying places a full-sized bike won't go. Unless you can buy an obscenely expensive one, they are not for lugging up 6 floors. You would be better off with a relatively light road bike. It doesn't have to be one that is meant for racing.