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Thread: Speaking of bikes--any recommendations?

  1. #1
    Senior Member catherine's Avatar
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    Speaking of bikes--any recommendations?

    A couple of bike posts have popped up, which makes me think of my intention to bike when I get up to Vermont. The island is pretty flat, and many of the things I see myself visiting frequently (supermarket, farmer's market, church, library, greenhouse) are within a 2 mile range--perfect for biking.

    But I haven't bought or ridden a bike since high school!! I always used the foot kind of braking and I never got completely comfortable with handbrakes, although I know they are standard, so I'll just have to get used to them.

    I am short, 5'2" and I would want a bike basically for transportation on town roads. Does anyone have any recommendations? My realtor said that she'll loan me a spare bike she has until I know I want to get my own (or not). But she's a lot taller than I am.

    Thoughts? Recommendations?
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  2. #2
    Senior Member herbgeek's Avatar
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    You'll probably want a cruiser bike (I call it my geezer bike, but that wouldn't go over well for marketing). A cruiser bike has you sitting upright, as opposed to humped over like a racing or mountain bike. Grand Isle is relatively flat, but does have some inclines so you'll want multiple speeds.

    I have this awesome bike basket: https://www.bicyclehero.com/us/detou...ag-basket.html. It snaps on onto a permanent mount on the bike. I like it because it looks like a normal tote, and this is something you can bring to the farmers market, load up, and snap back on to your bike. Easy on, easy off. Holds a lot and is very sturdy and comes with a rain cover should you get sudden showers.

  3. #3
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    Bike seats and handlebars are adjustable for height. I'd say Borrow your friends bike and adjust it - 5' 2'' isn't that short. And see if you like it.

  4. #4
    Senior Member Rogar's Avatar
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    My suggestion would be what they’ve called a hybrid, which is between a road bike and a mountain bike. They typically have flat handle bars for an upright riding position, tires wide enough to handle some road damage or gravel, and multiple gears. I am not a fan of cruiser bikes. They are usually heavy and many don’t offer a selection of gears, which even on flat ground will be helpful for a variety of fitness levels. Many also have the swept back handle bars, which I think are harder to control.

  5. #5
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    I would recommend a three speed women's cruiser bike with internal gear hub and coaster brakes. Or you could go with a single speed. The one on the web site would require assembly. I would pay (probably $60) to have it done done professionally. Especially if I got the three speed. Yes I have assembled bikes out of the box. The guy at the local bike store has the exact tools and has done hundreds of them. Guess which bike I'd rather ride.

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  6. #6
    Senior Member Ultralight's Avatar
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    I suggest the Giant Sedona -- ride one to make sure it fits.

    This is the bike I used for commuting for the past couple years.

  7. #7
    Senior Member JaneV2.0's Avatar
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    That cruiser looks like the one my friend--a lifelong bike rider--has, and is quite happy with.

  8. #8
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    when we lived in SC, I used my bike to go everywhere and do all my errands. I bought a cheap cruiser one speed, which I enjoyed very much. There are many footbrake bikes out there like the ones we grew up with, which are perfect for a flat terrain like an island.
    I just bought whatever one was cheapest and fit into the car, nothing fancy, around a hundred dollars, I think.
    I would do that first, and then when you get into it and want something fancier, you will figure it out and have the first bike as a spare for company, since you are going to need five or six bikes eventually!

  9. #9
    Senior Member Rogar's Avatar
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    I might add, another nice feature to look for is a front fork suspension. It is much easier on my aging shoulders. I like UL’s suggestion as a nice hybrid.

  10. #10
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    Best hybrid bike, according to wirecutter.
    https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/be...commuter-bike/

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