By Richard Fox 2014, Updated 2020
Comfort bikes are all the rage, especially with those who prefer not to ride hunched over on a traditional bike. Bikes with pedal-forward technology allow the rider to put their feet on the ground while sitting in the site, adding to their stability and feeling of security. It also makes pedaling either and combined with the upright handlebars allows for a relaxing ride while taking in the scenery along the way, rather than staring down at the road. I started my pedal forward years on an Elektra Townie 21D (21 gears) and it was a game changer for me.
And now comfort moves to a new level with the e-Townies that I have graduated to. Can you be in love with an inanimate object? This comes close. I own the TownieGo 8D ($2200). I’m glad they changed the term “women’s bike” to “step through” because with a rear carrier it’s very difficult to lift your leg all the way around to get on or off. The only problem is it’s hard to go back to a regular bike after getting used to an e-bike. Although I vowed to go back and forth when I got the e-bike… I haven’t unless when necessary like when the e-bike was in the shop for a couple of days once.
