New here, and trying to pick a "pregnant" bike!

[Jolt]

What about an older, non-suspension mountain bike? You could put a riser bar on to be more upright and accommodate that growing belly. Or, if you wanted to spring for something newer/nicer, a Surly Troll with a riser stem/bar. Slick tires can be put on for street riding. Good luck, and congratulations on the coming new addition! Six kids--wow! I give you props for being able to manage such a big family and stay sane, not sure I would be able to do that.

[merrysmom]

I haven't even looked at mountain bikes. Would they be preferable because they lack the suspension? It might be worth considering because some of the roads we ride around here are gravel. My two oldest girls have mountain bikes (not super nice ones but they ride them everywhere.)

I love the look of the Troll, but I think I'd rather spend less on a bike now and more on a bike I can ride with my husband after things get back to normal around here. It will be good to ride something in the meantime to get my riding skills dusted off and the muscles I've neglected toned up a little.

I just want to find something easy and comfortable to cruise the neighborhood, but nice enough that I won't be frustrated riding. I'm willing to consider all suggestions- I really am a beginner. I am feeling a small time crunch however, since my days of being able to comfortably ride in the immediate future are dwindling...

[merrysmom]

I tried the Townies and while it was really fun to ride, it felt a bit heavy and bulky to me. (My husband absolutely LOVED the Townies- I wouldn't be surprised to see him choose one for himself for his "putter around" bike!) Which made me sad because they are SOOOO cute! I am having a very difficult time separating my desire for a bike I love the look of and a bike that "feels" right. (Why do girl bikes not come in more colors, by the way? And NOT purple? Granted, color is not a deal breaker, but it sure might make me happy!)

[merrysmom]

I just looked at the Trek Pure Lowstep and it is super cute! I'll have to track that down and try it. I'm assuming it's advantage over the Raleigh is the lack of a suspension system? (And if I'm totally wrong, please correct me!)

[merrysmom]

I see! (I actually rode the Townie in orange- my favorite! Purple is probably my least favorite color, but it seems like the only color besides grey or black that most girl bikes come in is purple. I just don't think I could buy a purple bike...)

So it's more about the sitting position, then. That makes a lot of sense. I definitely don't want to be falling. I am reasonably tall, too, at 5'8", so it's a long fall if I go down!

Thanks so much for the explanation- that definitely gives me more to go on!

[merrysmom]

What about something like the Giant Cypress DX (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...w/18812/76155/) I rode it at one of the first dealerships, which is where the guy helping me suggested the Raleigh Venture 4.0 instead, saying that it had better components and would be more fun to ride. I like the Cypress (although I vaguely remember liking the trigger gear shifter thing on the Venture a lot better than the grip shifts on the Cypress, which probably had as much to do with me not understanding exactly how they worked as anything- I've improved with my weeks of test riding...)

[merrysmom]

Easy peddling is a priority for me. If a men's bike will make it easier, I can definitely look that direction. I rode a men's Giant bike (can't remember the model) yesterday and it was pretty comfortable. I just keep coming back to how comfy I was on the Venture bikes. But it could be as simple as switching out the seat for a girls version that fits better, too.

Did I mention I hate making decisions?

[roo4]

Can you borrow a bike from a friend instead of buying? It sounds like you want to use it for 4 months, then upgrade to a different bike after delivery. I wouldn't put much money into a bike for that short of a time frame. Go cheap and put the money you save into the post-baby bike.