Comfort Bike Technology IS PERFECT For Scenic Easy Rides

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.  

Electra Townie 21D in Seattle, WA. 21 gears, pedal forward technology, and a fun ride all in all. Electra is now owned by Trek. We got ours at REI in Oregon to save on sales tax and get our members 10% rebate. List for 2014 is $519. The 2013 model had a suspension front fork and was $545.

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.

My beloved E-Townie 8D in Irvine’s Great Park, with the famous balloon decorated for Halloween during the Covid-19 pandemic. In healthier times scenic tethered rides way up high are offered for $10/$5 kids. This is part of the North Irvine ride described in a separate blog post.