Buying bike from Performance online?

[badgercat]

I think if I were to swap out the saddle and grips for black, it would take it down a notch, so I might do that.

Also thinking about returning it and finding something in a more neutral color. That is not easy to do in a women's beach cruiser; they all seem to be in pink, aqua, etc, flowery, etc.

Still thinking on it...if this were for the US, I'd keep it in a heartbeat, but the fact that it's going to a foreign country, I am considering the cultural implications.

If you're concerned about it being too flashy, I agree, black seat/grips probably would tone it down a fair bit. Since those are fairly easy things to swap out, maybe try that before making a decision on trying to find a different-color frame?

Then again, I would think that being seen as a "rich gringa" would be as much about how you carry yourself as what you're carrying (or riding, in this case). You don't really strike me as the type to go around with your nose up in the air. I've never been to Belize, though, so you would of course know the culture better than I--if your gut is telling you this bike is too much, I certainly won't try to convince you otherwise.

[kermit]

Everybody on the island will know thats YOUR bike, thats cool!

[hebe]

I do like a bike that matches itself, and that is outrageously pink!

I think that Globe do a 3 speed women's cruiser - Carmel? But honestly, you seem kind and considerate enough to fit in fine, regardless of the colour of your bike.

[Cataboo]

I would think as long as you are out and about and riding your bike and trying to speak the language some - as opposed to living behind a gated walled community and not speaking the language at all for 10 years or whatever, you'll be fine..


I am not sure I know anything against the color pink in Belize, but I've never been - but I think most of the south/central american countries love color and you'll be fine!

[sandra]

I think the bike is awesome and I wouldn't change a thing! The countries south of the USA that I've visited all love bright color.

[emily_in_nc]

Thanks for all the kind replies, ladies.

I am still thinking on it (where's that scratching chin smiley from Yahoo IM when you need it?!)

[Jo-n-NY]

My first thought when I saw the pic was "what a pretty bike". I love it. However, you know Belize best since you have been there so I cannot comment on that. The cup holder is so cool. Let us know what you decide.

[sandra]

Most importantly - how does she ride?

[GLC1968]

Emily - In addition to switching out the grips and saddle, could you find tires that don't have white sidewalls? I think that would take down the 'flash' factor a couple of notches as well.

It is definitely a cute bike though!

[emily_in_nc]

Ok, here's the update in this continuing saga... I took the very pink Schwinn out for a ride today at lunchtime, and she rides just great and is very comfy, but I have two problems with her (besides her flashy looks):

1. She's really heavy -- 35.5 lbs. My DH's Trek Cruiseliner weighs two lbs. less than that, and he's a lot bigger than me, so it's easier for him to heft his bike around. I know cruiser bikes are heavy, but I can't even carry her up stairs. So that's a big minus for me.

2. When I got out of the saddle to go over a little rise, my knees hit the flared out part where the cupholder is. Not good. I am sure they never expect anyone to stand on a cruiser bike, but without a full arsenal of gears, it's the only way to get over little rises, and besides, I *like* to stand an accelerate -- gives the tush a rest too. I got out of the saddle quite a bit on the rental bikes we rode in Belize. Also, the cup holder is way too tiny - the only bottle I think would fit in it is a thin purchased water bottle, not a regular water bottle. Maybe a can, but I don't typically drink sodas anyway.

So...I think three strikes, and she's going back to Performance. I am sure someone will absolutely love her, but I want to get something lighter and simpler. I think I'm going to just go for a single speed to save weight. The 3-speed hub is nice but adds weight and is kinda distracting since it clicks as you roll along, and I'd rather just stand on the small hills.

I found another aluminum cruiser bike I really like - a Giant Simple Single W - and it's carried at an LBS in Raleigh. According to their stock list, they actually have one in stock (and there are two others in this chain that claim to have one as well), so I may go take a look at it in person, see how bright and flashy it is in person (learned my lesson on that!), pick it up for weight, and ride it around the parking lot. If that doesn't work out, I'll keep looking as there's really no rush, but I was hoping to get a 2010 on sale rather than pay the 2011 prices.

Thanks for all the kind support, ladies!

[emily_in_nc]

Emily - In addition to switching out the grips and saddle, could you find tires that don't have white sidewalls? I think that would take down the 'flash' factor a couple of notches as well.

Good point, GLC! For some reason, nearly all the women's cruiser bikes come with white-sidewall tires, and the men's don't. Same with all the pastel, girly colors. Some even have pink or aqua rims! I could definitely change out the tires, but since I'm changing out the whole bike, I guess I'll have to see if I need to with whatever bike I end up with. I hate to be wasteful and spend money unnecessarily to replace brand new tires.

[emily_in_nc]

And a very happy ending it is. I was looking at beach cruiser bikes on craigslist the night before last, and found one I hadn't seen in my extensive research online before at all - a Marin Heart's Desire single speed. It was much less showy (no white sidewall tires even!) and less $ than the Schwinn since it was used. And aluminum, which I wanted for the anti-rust and weight benefits. I called the seller the next morning (yesterday) and it was still available. Went to see, rode it around some, and bought it (even bargained the price down a bit since it had been listed for a week)!

I absolutely LOVE this bike -- I couldn't wipe the smile off my face the rest of the day yesterday. And isn't that how it's supposed to be when you buy a new bike?! I've named her "Flor" (Spanish for flower). I haven't had a second to take any photos yet, but here she is in the Marin catalog: http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2...hearts_06.html. She's in great condition, hardly been ridden, and lighter than the pink bike. She'll be perfect for Belize and even matches my DH's navy blue Trek Cruiseliner really well. They look like siblings!

The pink bike goes back to Performance this weekend. I don't expect any problems other than feeling bad about having to return it.

Thanks again for all the nice comments and support!

[Cataboo]

That is really cute. Remember that salt corrodes aluminum (it pits, but doesn't rust) - so still rinse her every so often.

[sandra]

I love it when things all come together and work out! I can see where you would be much happier with that bike, PLUS, you saved $$$ and that's always good! I'm happy to hear that it all worked out. I like this bike better too!

[Crankin]

Take some pictures on the bike, when you get it.
It looks a lot less "girly" than the pink bike. I have nothing against pink, but I understand how you felt about bringing a screaming pink bike to another country.... one of my friends is currently on a 3 week cruise to Italy, Greece, and Egypt. They are spending a lot of time off of the boat. When she was preparing for the trip, she was raving about the things she purchased: a breathable rain jacket from Land's End, new sneakers, and a fanny pack . Since she's not doing any hiking on the trip (and she's a good friend), I reminded her how the fanny pack, especially, would brand her as an "ugly" American. She asked me how in the world I dressed when I did a lot of walking in Europe. When I told her my goal was to look as much like a European woman, i.e. flat, stylish walking shoes, a scarf, and my regular large black tote bag, she told me she thought that would mark me as a target for robbery! Like, carrying a regular bag would mean I was going to get robbed.
Sorry to get off of topic.