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Permalink Reply by Jessica on May 12, 2008 at 10:20am

I must confess to a small bicycle addiction, so was really happy to see this thread! I recommend what they are now calling a commuter bike - usually the seat is a little cushier and the handlebars are higher up and slightly curved towards you so that your arms rest in a natural way when you pedal. A good example is this Raleigh Coaster:

http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/women/coasting/

It's well priced (I think around $500), has the little basket shelf on the front (sooo cute!) and a step-through bar in case you are wearing a skirt. It's only three speeds though so if you have a lot of hills you wil probably want something with at least 7 or 8 speeds, like this:

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/women/1270/29310/

A bit more expensive (I think it says $760 US) but it is lightweight, has enough speeds to keep you happy on hills, plus is also very cute! I love that there are so many new bikes coming out with upright geometry, it is a lot easier on your back and shoulders when you are riding. For everyday riding I have a folding bike, the Dahon Glide:

http://dahon.com/archive/2007/us/glidep8.htm

because I don't have room to store a full-size commuter bike in addition to my mountain bike :) and I love it! This is probably too much information but I get excited talking about bikes!

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Permalink Reply by Carolyn on May 12, 2008 at 8:47pm

That folding bike rocks my world.

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Permalink Reply by Winona on May 12, 2008 at 10:36am

i ride a Marin, for $350, and i do lots of road riding and it's perfect!!

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Permalink Reply by bitt on May 12, 2008 at 8:47pm

bikeforums.net

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Permalink Reply by Carolyn on May 12, 2008 at 8:50pm

I was feeling so sad to give up my yellow bike, but now I am starting to get excited about getting a new baby!

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Permalink Reply by Jared on May 12, 2008 at 9:23pm

Either a hybrid/commuter bike or a road bike. It depends on the position you like to be in when riding. If you go with a road bike for commuting you would probably want a good solid set of tires, like Armadillos, to prevent punctures. And carry a spare tube just in case!

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Permalink Reply by Allison on May 12, 2008 at 10:11pm

My partner works in a bike shop & has four bikes. I was not a cyclist, but eventually he got me one as a gift & I absolutely love it because it fits my life so perfectly. I am quite similar to you, --I have back pains from other things & a 'regular' bike just exasperated things.

I have a Batavus Old Dutch & adore it (hopefully the photo attached properly below). I don't do the distance daily that you do, but on my longer journeys its been just dandy. Maybe a cruiser or hybrid-type is more your style!

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Permalink Reply by Carolyn on May 13, 2008 at 8:20am

Wow! What a beauty! I work in the arts, so I have to admit beauty will rival function in making my decision. I don't care what anyone says, bicycles are way cooler than cars- and better looking.

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Permalink Reply by Jessica on May 13, 2008 at 10:44am

Oooh my longtime lust object is the Old Dutch, I dream of the day that it will be mine! For now I just visit it at the store...sooo jealous!

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Permalink Reply by Allison on May 13, 2008 at 10:51am

It will be someday if it's an issue of lust. I never thought I would love a bicycle like I do. Ultimate endorsement! ;]

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Permalink Reply by Carolyn on May 13, 2008 at 9:31pm

I just went and visited this beautiful rusty red one in a local bike shop. So pretty. I think I need something with gears for my purposes, but what a work of art that bike is!

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