Colin Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 OK, that one got stolen, I moved 3 more times. Now I am looking at copies inspired by the Townie and finding that a large corporation offers models with more features: front and seat shocks, adjustable handlebar stem, one-piece down tube, seven (albeit external) gears, but with a 34-tooth, hill climbing, rear sprocket (there are no real hills in Tampa, but there are bridges). <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> So now I am getting: Red Giant Suede http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?model=11312 Dont know why, but the original thread is locked: http://forums.klipsch.com/forums/thread/378131.aspx And no, this has nothing to do with the Tour d' France, although I am kinda paying attnetion to the race. Has more to do with summer and it takes me this long to make up my mind.[] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill H. Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 I have the FCR 3 bike and really love it! Light weight and a good road bike also. http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?model=11329 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelerFan Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 Well now I'm a bit jealous.[] I've had my Cannondale hybrid for almost nine years and love it but now I'm lusting for something with a suspension. Hey, I'm not getting any younger.[] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedball Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 Colin, That looks like a very easy and comfortable bike to ride and probably is good quality to boot. .......and sure.........getting a new bike because were not getting any younger is a perfectly good reason to upgrade. Wow, a nine year old bike, at least you probably got your moneys worth of riding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.4knee Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 Not what you are looking for but here is my ride. My advice is find a good bike store and get a proper fit kit done, this should be close to what you are looking for as well: http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/06/CUSA/model-6CS.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Shmoe Posted July 8, 2006 Share Posted July 8, 2006 Congrats! You will love the bike. Giant is a decent company! I also had my bike stolen... and unfortunately never got back into riding. I had the polished aluminum version, but here's the bike I unwillingly donated to some SOB.. http://www.mbaction.com/detail.asp?id=398 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt1stcav Posted July 8, 2006 Share Posted July 8, 2006 I've got an inexpensive Schwinn Sidewinder 2.6 FS front suspension mountain bike with treadless Continental road tires that I haven't riden in a year (don't know why really). It's a great riding 21 speed bike on the cheap, especially with slick rubber tires since all I do is paved trails and bike paths around our town's many lakes...I should get back into the habit of riding again. Thanks, Colin for the inspiration! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedball Posted July 9, 2006 Share Posted July 9, 2006 Even though I don't ride anymore going into a bicycle store is a real treat, they have come so far with technology since the 60's and 70's. Back then one manufacturer put dual brake pads on the rear and at the time it seemed so advanced. The wife does not know how to ride but I once thought about putting her on one of those goofy three wheelers. My wife is 54 and has never ridden a bike, her parents should be sent to their room without dinner for not teaching her how to ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Posted July 9, 2006 Author Share Posted July 9, 2006 I did not get any of these posts! I got the Electra Townies 2 years ago because I was going for nightly jaunts and might commute along the sidewalks to work. Comfort and safety was the primary consideration. Since something like 60% of bicycle accidents happened at night and a reflective vest improves viability 75%, I got a fluorescent orange vest too. The Cannondale looks nice, but I did not see them at my local shop. I do not need a lot of gear range, although I do have a 34 tooth rear sprocket. I do not need it though, even on overpass bridges, which is about as steep as it gets in mostly flat <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Tampa. Girlfriend, library, BK and Block buster are all about 3 miles away. Got removable front basket and OnGuard local and cable with $1250 of insurance I am an old man now! <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> Love the bike. So easy to hop on for a ride, Quite comfortable, very adjustable. Local bike shop ordered it without deposit and fitted me, but I may ease the handle bars back a bit. No pain after riding it 3 times in 3 days. [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddy Dee Posted July 9, 2006 Share Posted July 9, 2006 These bikes are new up on my radar screen, but they do look pretty comfortable to ride. What kind of range in price do these sweethearts run? What's a good deal, new or used... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.4knee Posted July 9, 2006 Share Posted July 9, 2006 Dee, They retail in the $300 to $500 range. I do not recommend getting a used bike, not saying there is anything wrong with the used bike but what you really want is to be properly fit and a good bike shop can do that for you and it will make your riding much more enjoyable and productive. There is more to being properly fit that just having it feel kind of comfortable. Cycling is phenomenal exercise and you can start easy and work up to whatever you want. http://www.performancebike.com/shop/sub_cat.cfm?subcategory_id=3060 R/Jim http://www.performancebike.com/shop/sub_cat.cfm?subcategory_id=3060'> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddy Dee Posted July 9, 2006 Share Posted July 9, 2006 Jim, Thanks. Those sound like decent prices to me. Definitely good exercise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Posted July 10, 2006 Author Share Posted July 10, 2006 The fit with the comfort style bikes seems to a lot less important than with traditional road racing style cycles. First, you are seated upright, so there is not so much need to fit the frame (and top tube) to the rider. Second, the handlebar stem and seat post are long, plus the stem angle is adjustable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dflip Posted July 11, 2006 Share Posted July 11, 2006 The more expensive the bike the lighter it gets, which is great when you are going uphill or just want to go for a longer ride. The less expensive bike have heavier frame, wheels, rims, gears, pedals, etc... Buy what you can afford and get the bike shop to fit the bike to you, you will appreciate the time because the ride will be more enjoyable on your knees and back. For interest sake, this is what I take for a ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksonbart Posted July 11, 2006 Share Posted July 11, 2006 isn't that Red Giant Suede a ladies bike? Thought men's bikes have the straight bar so you really can take it in meat and potatoes when you fall. Looks comfortable though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dflip Posted July 11, 2006 Share Posted July 11, 2006 One model up from Giant, the Sedona DX, but it will work for comparison. Men's bike. Woman's bike: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Posted July 12, 2006 Author Share Posted July 12, 2006 Dont know why they even bother with the different gender models, since the top tube is not in the way no matter the gender of the rider. The frame is universal. It fits all sizes. Extra strong seat tubes and adjustable handlebar headsets make up the differences between riders. Plus, as the industry moves to a Henry Ford style of bike colors only one or two per model the comfort cycles could really be going in the opposite direction. Lots of color choices. Simply let the dealers fit the bike of your color choice with the equipment of your choice. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> The Giant, like other comfort bikes, is a cross really between the relaxed, upright posture of the cruiser and the technology of the mountain or trail bike. Like the trail bikes, it has strong but light frame, wide tires, shocks and gears. The wide tires on the ones I have seen usually have smooth center ribs, so street riding is on a narrow and fast surface. The width of the tires makes quick transitions from road to sidewalk to grass to trail easy, safe and secure. No thin, lightweight 10-speed commutes as easily in the varied urban environment as a mountain or trail style bike. This cruiser-trail bike combo handles a variety of terrains and surfaces with aplomb. [] Along with the shocks, the wide tires not only absorb rough roads, they also eat up the riders energy. These are not fast bikes. The wide gear ratio is sufficient for the rolling hills around <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Tampa. But even in the seventh gear (smallest sprocket on the rear cluster), on the down-side of a hill, this bike doesnt pass the cars. Neither is the lowest (34-teeth) sprocket wheel really necessary, except on the longest, steepest hills, which in Tampa are Lilliputian compared to the rest of country (elevation is only 56-59 feet just how steep can a hill be?). No, the second gear is great for starting off from a dead stop or short rises, the three to five gears are wonderful for the gentle up and down of roads to keep your pedal speed consistent. If I remember correctly, the most energy efficient way to use a bicycle is to maintain a steady pedal rate, up and down hills. This rate should be something like 120 to 150% of your resting pulse. In other words, if your resting pulse rate is about 80, your pedal revolutions per minute should be about 96. It seems high at first, I know, but after a while, it becomes effortless. The gears then, are used to regulate, not bike speed, but pedal speed. You use them to maintain a steady pedal rhythm. If your resting pulse is 60, use the gears to adjust the pressure against your legs so that you are pedaling at a 72 beat per minute rate. Use the gears this way and you will go longer, further and easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piranha Posted January 16, 2007 Share Posted January 16, 2007 How's the cycling going guys? Nice bikes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pauln Posted January 16, 2007 Share Posted January 16, 2007 Sitting upright on a bike makes the road shock compress your spine. A rracing bike where you lean forward and make your spine more horizontal natually disipates the road shock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricktate Posted January 16, 2007 Share Posted January 16, 2007 The frame size does matter even on comfort bikes.You need to get fitted at a good bike shop i work part time at one.Not only do you get the right fit the bike will be put together right....Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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