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My daughter is moving into her own apartment this week in downtown Savannah. She wants a bike to get around on, also to take to the college campus to use there. She is a complete novice, I think the last time she was on a bike was when we rented some at the beach last year. I am thinking something like a Townie would be good, it is a coastal area here so no hills. Any other suggestions? Also, if it makes a difference, she is only 5' tall.
A townie would be the coolest. Fenders would help keep her clean as she goes to class and some even come with a coffe mug holder! I want one!! My only caution is that they are HEAVY, so if he has to carry it up and down stairs to her apartment, you might want to think of something else.
I would think that a hybrid would make more sense. It seems like that would have the ability to grow with her sense of riding.
Is she going to want to carry her books, groceries, etc on her bike? If so make sure she has a rack put on her bike and that she purchases a good set of panniers. You might check local bike stores to see if they have any slightly used bikes for sale.
Bike theft is a major issue on campuses here, not sure about the US, but I'd take that as a concern before I buy a brand new bike.
An older bike with some "personalization" is much less likely to be stolen than a brand new Townie.
This being said, I LOVE townies.
I also agree about carrying groceries, books, etc...
Have a conversation about the helmet thing. Here in BC most riders I know wear helmets when they go on the road. For some reason, they won't ride with their helmets when on campus. ??
I like the townie suggestion. Theft was a major problem at my school in the US and I know many Townies do not have any quick releases. This is something I would highly recommend, make sure whatever bike you get does not have quick releases, it will make things easier. Also, the townie will have fenders and racks to help carry stuff. This is assuming she wants something just for cruising to places, class, etc. If she wants to get in some serious riding, I would look for something different.
RE: the whole bike theft on campus thing....
I went to two schools with lots of bikes and thus lots of bike theft, and I have never had a problem, even with a brand new (albeit not that great) mountain bike. My one suggestion is to get a good lock, ALWAYS lock the bike to something (not just to itself), and make sure that both the front wheel and frame are locked (the front wheel is usually the one with quick release on many entry level bikes). Most bike shops will also sell a cable lock that locks the seat to the seatpost so you don't come out of school and have to seat to sit on! The only bike I wouldn't consider parking outside at school is my road bike, but other ones no problem, especially if she can keep it in her apartment or locked on a balcony instead of just out front overnight.
how much of a difference in weight will there be between the Townie and some sort of hybrid in the same price range?
Have you thought about a folding bike? They have smaller wheels and are easier to carry into apartments - I have two - a dahon and a downtube - I commute on the downtube a lot (it has fneders and a rack) and it fits easily into my small office and - if elevator is out - is a lot easier to carry up the three flights of stairs to office than my hybrid. I am 5'2 and the folders ride just fine.