Please help me focus my bike search!

[NbyNW]

It was an interesting test ride. The Pashley is HEAVY! It really is a beautiful bike. It's such a different sensation to be on a bike so heavy. I'm at the low end of the height recommended for their smallest bike, so the bike did feel a little large for me. Granted, I think the tech could have spent a little more time with me to adjust the fit, particularly for height of the handlebars. I felt a bit twitchy starting and stopping, partly due to the bike and partly due to some nerves -- haven't ridden much at all this last couple of years, and it felt strange to be so upright. However, once I got moving the ride was super smooth and stable, even on cobblestone. I also practiced carrying it up and down a small flight of stairs. Difficult, but not impossible if I used good body mechanics. One area where the weight was a definite plus: it was a very gusty day, and there was no way the wind could blow me off this bike! I don't have a lot of balance and core strength right now, so the stability was a blessing.

The Bobbin Bramble was much lighter and I also liked the fit better. And, it was much lighter -- I actually did lose my balance when I got hit by a gust of wind. I'm not as upright and high up as on the Pashley, but my posture is relaxed enough that it's forgiving of my lack of core strength. The componentry is not as nice is what is on the Pashley, but all that can be upgraded at some point. I wasn't crazy about the particular thumb shifter that was on the bike, and would definitely put a different saddle on it. Also, the shop only had the 2012 model and I would definitely want the 2013, which comes with a matching rear rack. Guy in the shop advised me to call their central sales office to ask when they might be stocking the 2013. If I can't get a good answer, there might be another shop in town carrying it. If I can find the 2013, I think my search will be over!

Just for kicks, today I went to a shop specializing in Dutch bikes. I've heard great things about Gazelles and wanted to have a look. Well, they are beautiful bikes, but they didn't have anything in my size. Still I'm glad I went -- it's interesting to see how another culture is approaching bike design. I looked at a beautiful bike that would make a wonderful commuter, if only I had a commute. Lights and rack included, and all coordinated as a whole. This is a bike that I would only ride if I had a guarantee of secure bike parking!

[shootingstar]

I've never tried bikes that upright and that heavy...even though all of my bikes don't have drop down handlebars and are more upright but still leaning over/forward abit.

For certain I know I would have problems carrying the Pashley up stairs! Let us know how a Gazelle feels.

I honestly want/need light bike.

[NbyNW]

I wasn't able to test ride a Gazelle since he did not have anything in my size. The one he showed me had a rear derailleur and I was able to lift it. Then he showed me another with a hub gear and a front hub dynamo -- that was more similar in weight to the Pashley.

I doubt he will import anything small enough for me to test ride, as he had limited floor space. Unless I pay for it up front, which I'm not prepared to do.