I have a budget mountain bike... or should I say torture rack. But a couple weeks ago I had an experience that has me shopping for a new bicycle.
While on vacation I drove to Peninsula State Park in Door County, Wisconsin. About to drive into the park for a bit of hiking, I noticed a bike rental place just outside the entrance. I thought, why not? Use the entry fee for bike rental, ride in, and I can travel more of the park's trails riding than walking. So I backed up and went in and rented their lowest priced bike, a 7 speed that looked decidedly sedate.
It turned out to be a real eye opener! This bicycle, a Trek Pure "comfort bike", had the pedal crank positioned farther forward instead of right below the seat tube. I couldn't get over how easily it pedaled compared to my usual ride. And my tailsection stayed in the seat instead of gradually sliding forward. It really was comfortable and a nice ride. A nice upright position with a more natural and effective pedaling motion. I rode 13 miles, which was quite a bit for me. Although I did have to stop and walk the bike up two really steep hills (on the way to Eagle Bluff; and they don't call it that for nothing, it's quite an elevation gain), I know my mountain bike would have done me in long before I even reached those grades.
Since returning home I've been researching as many of these bikes as I can find, comparing and learning. They are sometimes called crank-forward, or pedals-forward, or semi-recumbent. And since a fair number of flashaholics are bike owners also (and even used their lights on their bikes), I thought I'd ask if some of you have experience with any of this type of bicycle, and if so, what brand you recommend (& why).
The only negatives I felt about the Pure were the appearance (looks like an "old fogey's bike" to me... although I'm getting to be one of those I'm not willing to advertise the fact) and the steering (somehow it didn't feel as sure and solid as I'd like; but maybe the higher, wider handlebars were throwing me off). Oh, and the $450'ish price tag... I'd like to find something like that for about half that if I could.
While on vacation I drove to Peninsula State Park in Door County, Wisconsin. About to drive into the park for a bit of hiking, I noticed a bike rental place just outside the entrance. I thought, why not? Use the entry fee for bike rental, ride in, and I can travel more of the park's trails riding than walking. So I backed up and went in and rented their lowest priced bike, a 7 speed that looked decidedly sedate.
It turned out to be a real eye opener! This bicycle, a Trek Pure "comfort bike", had the pedal crank positioned farther forward instead of right below the seat tube. I couldn't get over how easily it pedaled compared to my usual ride. And my tailsection stayed in the seat instead of gradually sliding forward. It really was comfortable and a nice ride. A nice upright position with a more natural and effective pedaling motion. I rode 13 miles, which was quite a bit for me. Although I did have to stop and walk the bike up two really steep hills (on the way to Eagle Bluff; and they don't call it that for nothing, it's quite an elevation gain), I know my mountain bike would have done me in long before I even reached those grades.
Since returning home I've been researching as many of these bikes as I can find, comparing and learning. They are sometimes called crank-forward, or pedals-forward, or semi-recumbent. And since a fair number of flashaholics are bike owners also (and even used their lights on their bikes), I thought I'd ask if some of you have experience with any of this type of bicycle, and if so, what brand you recommend (& why).
The only negatives I felt about the Pure were the appearance (looks like an "old fogey's bike" to me... although I'm getting to be one of those I'm not willing to advertise the fact) and the steering (somehow it didn't feel as sure and solid as I'd like; but maybe the higher, wider handlebars were throwing me off). Oh, and the $450'ish price tag... I'd like to find something like that for about half that if I could.