A few months ago I started reading, researching and testing Woman’s bikes that would meet my requirements. This is a picture of a Blue Electra Townie. As soon as I take a picture of mine I’ll put it on the site. I bought a 21D Leaf Green Electra Townie.
I thought it would be so simple to find a great bike, but in reality it took me a long time and lots of testing.
One feature I was looking for was multiple gears for serious riding, I wanted to be able to get up and down steep hills, and ride for miles.
Also high on the list was a comfortable bike, good set of comfortable handlebars, comfortable seat, good brakes and correct size and proportions ergonomically for me. I’m 5’7″. I found most of the woman’s bikes were just too tight between the seat and handle bars and made me feel crowded.
Then there was the consideration of ease of mounting and dismounting. Quite honestly I’m not as limber as I once was and before I become a super bicycle athlete, I just want to have the ability to bike for fun and exercise, without doing serious injury to myself or others.
I had a certain list of basic requirements that were absolute must haves. For one I needed to have the bar scooped down so I could get on and off fairly easily. I learned there was something called flat foot technology. This was so that the rider has more control when starting and stopping and can always put both feet down on the ground for balance.
I found one bike called Biria. It’s Easy Boarding style had the bar so low to the ground, so I was concerned it wasn’t really going to clear curbs. It might be a good bike to check out if you need a bike that is completely easy to mount as it places the bar about a foot off the ground.
After visiting bike stores and test driving most of the brands of woman’s bikes I decided to get the Electra Townie 21 D. It’s comfortable, has a great saddle, good ergonomics, multiple gears, good brakes, handles well and is easy to start and stop with my feet on the ground and is a great looking bike!
It’s been extremely hot so I’m looking forward to using it more as the weather gets cooler.
Living in a very hilly neighborhood, (so much of San Diego is) it’s a matter of adjustment to get used to shifting and practicing in such steep terrain. Looking forward to taking it out to some of the flatter areas by the beaches and bay which will be really fun.
I am working on gaining competency in removing the front tire so I can take it in the car rather than getting a bike rack. Look for more posts soon on bike accessories. Should be some videos of riding the bike, putting air in the tires and demonstrating how to manage removal of the the front tire for taking the bike in the car.
Click here to see my latest post on Comfy Bikes for Boomers. If you want to view bikes made by the Electra Bike company use the link here. Link to Electra Bike Company.
Tags: bikes
