City Bike Recommendations?

[paiger81]

Ok, I already own a Giant OCR 1 that I've had for years and I love, but now I"m looking for something that I can use more for in-town/neighborhood errands type bike. Mind you, my neighborhood is near the Houston Galleria, so it can be traffic heavy at times.

Not sure if I need a townie or something a little more speedy. Would love to hear any opinions for good brands.

[Biciclista]

here's a review of a Trek you ought to read:

http://kentsbike.blogspot.com/2011/0...t-bicycle.html

[Biciclista]

welcome to TE!

[redrhodie]

You might find this blog helpful: http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/ She has lots of reviews of city bikes.

Also, if you go to the "search" function and type in "mixte" you'll find some good threads on bikes you might like.

[Velocivixen]

I had both a 3 speed Townie, then a 21 speed Townie. I did not like either. They are heavy, bulky, and due to the geometry I never felt "connected" to the earth while turning. I initially bought the 3 speed after more than 20 years off a bike (rode a Shwinn La Tour 10 speed road bike way back then). I then thought that riding would be "easier" with more gears so I requested the 21 speed as a gift.
This time I thought I wanted a quaint, "in town" bike and tried several. Each had it's issues, then the sales person brought out this "sporty" looking Trek FX 7.3, I test rode it and totally fell in love. I felt secure on this bike and it does what I tell it to do-very responsive. I put on some fenders, a rack, a kickstand and rear view mirror, along with headlight & tail lights and I'm ready for any in town or around town adventure.
Good luck and keep us posted on what you're considering.

[paiger81]

Thanks for y'all's help and advice. I swung by a couple of shops today. One shop, I just didn't feel like the guy was listening to me and they had very little in stock. After talking with second shop (I really liked this places staff) they said that given my love of my road bike, they feel I'd be better suited to a hybrid. Right now they are recommending a Cannondale Quick. Because I'm short (4'11"), they are building one of the extra small's out for me to come back and test ride on Friday.

I am googling tonight to find the nearest Trek dealer and hopefully I can check them out this week as well.

Thanks again and I will keep you posted (and check out the blog)