Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
2007

Summary:
I only test rode the Electra Townie, but I went to the bike shop intending to buy one after admiring the bikes on their website. I am a tall woman (5'9") so I was disconcerted to learn there is only one frame size. The bike shop owner adjusted the seat for me and put it quite high, insisting I didn't need my feet flat on the ground. I argued that one of the Townie's selling points is the flat foot technology. I guess he was worried about my long legs. I deferred to his judgement. As I was riding the bicycle I did not feel comfortable, even when I lowered the seat. The frame was obviously too small for me, my knees ached and the huge seat chafed a bit. I was very disappointed, because I loved the bike's purple custom-painted frame. I would say don't even bother with the Townie if you aren't an "average" size for your gender.

Strengths:
Stylish and "flat foot" is a great idea

Weaknesses:
One size does NOT fit all

Price Paid:  $400.00 at Motion Cycle Fitness

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Electra Townie

Bike Setup:
Bike shop set it up, tested the tires, made sure everything was running great.

Summary:
I LOVE this pink Townie! I've ridden bikes my entire life, and I was in the market for a new one. When I walked in the bike shop and saw the Townie, I fell in love! It rode like a dream on the test ride. I got a basket for the front and a kid seat for my 3-year-old grandson. We ride all the time.

Strengths:
Rides great, gears are easy to shift, hand brake and coaster brake, conversation starter!

Weaknesses:
The design of the bike didn't allow for a lot of room between the seat and the child seat I installed on the back.

Price Paid:  $375.00 at Raleigh,NC

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Townie 21

Bike Setup:
Stock

Summary:
Most people aren't racing bikes. So, why have to ride leaning over, staring at the pavement? I remembered the big, red, fat tired one-speed I rode as a kid and wondered why we can't ride bikes as comfortable today? The Townie fit the bill to a "T". I live in a coastal community, so I don't exercise the gears that much, but I've never had such an effortless ride. And, it elicits smiles from everyone who sees me riding by!

Strengths:
Smooth ride. No stress on the body. You can look around (both at the scenery and to watch for cars).

Weaknesses:
None!

Similar Products Used:
I have a mountain bike (Trek) that's very comfortable but stresses the lower back. Haven't ridden my road bike in years (also a Trek).

Price Paid:  $570.00 at Bow Cycle, Calgary,A

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
21Electra Townie

Bike Setup:
awesome.

Summary:
I love it! The strain and pressure on my shoulders and arms was so painful on my mountain bike. This bike and handle bar design has eliminated that. I feel like a kid again riding my bike..wheeee!

Strengths:
So comfortable and so pretty-mine is powder blue. Have to shop for matching outfits now!

Weaknesses:
None so far but still have to figure out how to best transport it without scratching the paint. Also, please design a LOCK and LOCK HOLDER for the bike, preferably retro looking and one that doesnt scratch the paint but is strong and discouraging to thieves!!!

Similar Products Used:
Let's start a Townie cruising club! Any other enthusiasts in Calgary area who want to go for sweet cruises and mochas afterward??

Price Paid:  $369.00 at The Bike Gallery

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
The Esplanade

Bike Setup:
I made a lot of changes. The bike is now up to the standard that I was looking for. The saddle was replaced with a Brooks B66 and a FSA seat post. I built up wheels with Mavic 317 rims, Dt spokes and Shimano XT hubs. I used Avid Single Digit 7 brakes with Avid brake levers. Had to replace freewheel with 13-34 cassette. Put Shimano 324 pedals on . Used Salsa grips. Tires are Schwalbe Marathon Racer 26 X 1.50. With these changes the wheels and brakes function much better. The brakes were spongy now they are one finger firm. The shifting is much better with the cassette and the pedals are smoother. The rear view mirror helps and I mounted the water bottle on the right seat stay. I ride a Longbikes custom long wheel base recumbent and a Cervelo SLT. I modified these to fit my desires just like my wife's bike.

Summary:
I purchased this bike for my wife so she could ride with me on shorter rides. She had a GT mountain bike but due to a hip problem the Townie was ideal for her. We have had a lot of fun now that we can get back out on bikes together.

Strengths:
The bike frame is well constructed and the geometry was great for my wife. The riding position is much more comfortable than her previous rides. If you want a bike with a good foundation that can be modified to be really nice buy this bike!

Weaknesses:
I was looking for a higher quality set of components than were available stock on the Townie 21. I feel that the largest compromise to quality for the price is the wheel set which is rather poor.

Similar Products Used:
Gt mountain bike, Trek road bike