Townies, Hybrids, etc.

[Grog]

Wait, Pooks' bike is not a one-speed.

The gears are in the hub (or hiding somewhere else). (!!!)

Unfortunately I can't explain to you how it works.

My point about the comfort bikes is not that they're heavy or anything. It's about the geometry of those bikes and the position they put you in, and how this position may (or may not) be compatible with recruiting your strongest muscles for effort (either for going up numerous steep hills fast or training at a high cadence).

My concern is not about the bike not providing a workout, quite the opposite. I also have two hybrid bikes and they sure make me work harder than my road bike!! I'm just concerned about the effects on joints and on the back of repeated muscular efforts on a bike of that geometry.

But I will say it again, if pooks (and whoever) is feeling fine on their bike, and have no issues whatsoever, then there is nothing to worry about. If someone starts having knee, hips or back issues, then I wonder if the bike (and its fit) corresponds to the use they make of it.

And it's not about hybrids in general but about the so-called "comfort" bikes which have a very specific, very upright position.

[mimitabby]

Well, even better that they are not heavy bikes (but some ladies write in who do have heavier 1 speeds) so maybe the position isn't optimum. She'll still get a workout. I sit pretty upright on my road bike. my handlebars are higher than my seat.
I think you're right about the fast cadence stuff. I try to do that on my worksman and it is very very hard to do.