Author Topic: Electra cruiser bikes  (Read 13629 times)

Loretta

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Electra cruiser bikes
« on: August 27, 2014, 05:03:49 PM »
Does anyone here have firsthand ownership experience with Electra cruiser bicycles?   The flat foot technology is very appealing to me.  Also my hind parts are more voluptuous now than they were when I last rode a cruiser and in their advertisings Electra riders look more like real people than Lance Armstrongs.  :) 

Goldielocks

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #1 on: September 01, 2014, 10:08:42 AM »
Hi Loretta,

I just won one at the company safety raffle.  It is very well made lightweight, and great around town.  I would not choose it for distance riding as other frames are more economical for power.  My 700 cc tires on a hybrid sit up position is preferred for distance.  I am OK with not having feet down in return for the speed.

Love electra for urban riding.  Eg groceries, 2 mile errands, etc.  I need to move my paniers onto it still.  It is not great at hopping curbs like a mountain bike, but acceptable.

I can't comment on the value as I only paid $10 for my raffle tix.

I tend to replace the seats on bikes with a cushy version, when I don't ride much, but a standard non cruiser seat is best for daily errands.  Your rear gets used to it in about 10 days and the cushy ones do hold the rain!

Loretta

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #2 on: September 01, 2014, 11:02:16 AM »
Wow congrats on the bike win, Goldielocks!

Ricky

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #3 on: September 01, 2014, 05:12:19 PM »
I've never owned a "lifestyle" bike per-se, but I wouldn't buy one as my primary bike if I ever felt like I'd travel >8 mile round trip. And often, under that probably. It's the least efficient bike due to ergonomics/weight. I've always loved the "urban" type bikes with panniers and mudguards.

You can change out the seat on any bike you get, so don't let that factor into your decision. I ended up going with a hybrid as basically my "only" bike. I can always add panniers/mudguards if I ever do any "serious" urban cycling. I love it though because the stock tires are in between road and mountain, making for a more plush ride. The positioning is not too upright and not too parallel to the road. Some even have front shocks and a quasi-rear shock which are godsends for bumps.

Also, I wouldn't fall for marketing tactics from bike companies. "Flat-foot technology" can be had on any bike, simply by lowering the seat. There's a reason that bike companies aren't analogous to Apple. Marketing doesn't really work for them since you can only do so much to a bike therefore there are no public bike companies.

In the end, cruiser/urban type bikes are the most aesthetically pleasing, and I think it's worth owning one; but, I don't see how it could be anyone's primary bike.

As far as Electra, from what I've read, they make a solid bike. You get what you pay for. With bikes, especially.
« Last Edit: September 01, 2014, 05:19:37 PM by Ricky »

Reddleman

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #4 on: September 01, 2014, 05:29:36 PM »
Yep.  Any single speed "cruiser" type bike will be fine for riding around casually, but really fall flat when they're asked to do any real work. 

A hybrid is really much more practical, and can be modified to be "flat footed" pretty easily, as well as used for serious (20 mi. roundtrip) commuting without much hassle or expense.  Its what I usually recommend.

If you like the less "serious" look, you can always get an old three speed Raliegh or the like.  They're very sturdy, have a decent gear range for smaller hills, and are built to carry some luggage too.  They also come with nice wide seats and a comfortable upright riding position.  They were the transportation of the masses for much of the world for 100 years, and continue to be in many parts of it today.  Pretty stylish too, I might add.

If you outgrow it, you can probably sell it for what you paid, and keep your fond memories. Whatever you buy, have either a shop or a knowledgeable friend take a good look at it for safety reasons.

CatchingFire

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #5 on: September 01, 2014, 06:31:43 PM »
Is it a three-speed?

I have a (pre-MMM) Nirve cruiser, 3spd, which I've been using for transport.  By the time I put a rack and foldable baskets on it, it weighs in at an excruciating 51 pounds.  I, fortunately, work at home and live in a city, so it gets used for trips to the grocery, library, get kids from bus, etc.  No commutes more than a mile and fairly flat.  It's very smooth and you barely notice a load of groceries or books, LOL, but I can't imagine it being practical in any other situation to be honest.  If the bike thing "sticks" like I'm hoping/planning, a lighter more practical bike will be in my future next summer.  For now, my hair is on fire in a few spots, so I'm calling it a workout.  ;)

CatchingFire

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #6 on: September 01, 2014, 06:34:03 PM »
If you are wanting a more upright, city bike, check out Public Bikes, Civia, Breezer, Linus, etc.

Fleacircus

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #7 on: September 01, 2014, 07:23:13 PM »
Last summer we picked up a used Electra Townie for our daughter, and several family members enjoyed riding it so much we bought several more over the course of a year (all used, mostly craigslist). 

I think the Townie is similar to the Cruiser, but has slightly higher end components and more gears available. I'm not sure about the "flat-footed" description, but the Townies have a crank-forward design, so that the pedals are slightly in front of you instead of directly under your feet.  This makes for a very relaxed and comfortable ride, even if not the most mechanically efficient.

We use them for toodling around the neighborhood, errands, and local paved trails.  The kids (teen girls who didn't ride much previously) feel stable and secure on them, and think they look cute.  I felt confident riding one even though I hadn't been on a bicycle in over 20 years.

Ryli

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #8 on: September 01, 2014, 09:45:58 PM »
After a very long bike search several years ago (in which I initially was looking for a cruiser bike) I bought an Electra Amsterdam Sport 9D. I absolutely love it and have put thousands of kilometers on it! It is very light weight and I really like the upright position for riding. My experience with the quality of the bike has been very good. Unfortunately they don't make that model anymore but the style is similar to the Electra Ticino. In the end I didn't go with a cruiser because weight was important to me as I have to carry it up several stairs at work and I occasionally put it on the front of the bus. Also we have a few hills around my city and several speeds on a bike make life much easier. Good luck with your bike search!

Thegoblinchief

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #9 on: September 02, 2014, 06:53:00 AM »
Cruisers are dumb.

If you're out of shape, buying the least efficient type of bike is a terrible idea, because getting into biking is that much harder.

On the off chance you really do love it, if you ride it a ton, you'll still end up wanting a better bike later because the design is so inherently limiting.

Louisville

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #10 on: September 02, 2014, 07:52:56 AM »
Wife and I bought Electra Townies a few years ago. Comfortable, yes. Inefficient, hell yes. If you plan to really do some living on your bike (commuting, grocery, general transport), get something else. If you just want to ride around the park, then an Electra (or any cruiser bike) is ok.
Our Electras seem mechanically solid at the core, but we've had a bitch of a time with adjunct pieces like fenders, racks, reflectors. The attaching hardware seems cheap and stuff keeps falling off.

TrulyStashin

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #11 on: September 02, 2014, 08:32:56 AM »
I love my Electra Townie, "Carmen" (she's coral and turquoise with flowered fenders).  I hadn't ridden a bike in thirty years when I bought her last year with proceeds from a garage sale.  I wanted something that felt safe and stable with an upright posture.  She has been a great entry bike and I ride nearly every day (city environment).  I'm thinking about shifting to a hybrid soon, but Carmen got me re-started with biking and will always have a spot in my heart for that.  I'll have to find a picture of her to post....

Loretta

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #12 on: September 02, 2014, 06:02:52 PM »

1967mama

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #13 on: September 02, 2014, 06:35:48 PM »
I got an Electra townie this summer and love it!  I hadn't been on a bike in almost 25 years and feel quite stable and safe on my bike.  Plus, it's super cute! turquoise blue with a white basket out front!

Edited for typo
« Last Edit: September 03, 2014, 11:02:45 AM by 1967mama »

4alpacas

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #14 on: September 03, 2014, 10:30:46 AM »
Cruisers are dumb.

Huh.  Fascinating.

Cruisers definitely have a purpose.  They're comfortable for short rides and provide a lot more stability than other bikes.  However they're really heavy, so be prepared to have your bike positioned in an easy roll-out location. 

Also...cruisers are so cute!

I don't have a cruiser.  I'm all road bike because I like the speed.  However, I would consider getting a cruiser for rides 2-5 miles away. 

BlueHouse

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #15 on: October 15, 2014, 02:39:19 PM »
Does anyone here have firsthand ownership experience with Electra cruiser bicycles?   The flat foot technology is very appealing to me. 
I checked one out at REI.  I wanted the Amsterdam model, but they didn't have it in stock.  The flat foot technology appealed to me due to limited mobility after an accident,  and the need for more stability stopping and starting.  Turns out, flat-foot technology isn't really flat-foot technology.  I spent a lot of time having the salesperson explain to me that because of the geometry of the bike, there's no way not to have the proper leg-extended position and still be able to flat-foot it on the ground.  He really should have waited until I sat on the bike.  My feet were in no way flat.  I had to stand on tippy-toes.   

I ended up getting an internal hub gear, step-through bike from Public Bikes.  I love it.  Not only that, but everytime I'm riding that bike, someone yells out "I like your bike"!  The internal gear was great for me because with so many stops/starts in the city, I like to be able to change gears when stopped. 


GuitarStv

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #16 on: October 16, 2014, 06:19:59 AM »
You should never remain on your saddle while stopped on a bike with your foot flat on the ground.  If you can do this, that means that your seat is too low.  You should dismount and straddle the crossbar.  Most people on bikes that fit them can do this easily with flat feet.  Having your saddle too low can cause knee problems (as well as making it much more difficult cycle efficiently.

hybrid

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #17 on: October 16, 2014, 06:50:53 AM »
You should never remain on your saddle while stopped on a bike with your foot flat on the ground.  If you can do this, that means that your seat is too low.  You should dismount and straddle the crossbar.  Most people on bikes that fit them can do this easily with flat feet.  Having your saddle too low can cause knee problems (as well as making it much more difficult cycle efficiently.

Good point. A cruiser is already handicapped compared to other bikes, at least make the most of what you are riding. An aside, I have seen TrulyStashin's bike, and it is definitely cute. For her short ride to work each day it is perfectly acceptable, the ride simply isn't long enough that the type of bike will make much of a difference. My ride is a lot longer so I use a not nearly as cute used road bike. It's been my starter bike and I've enjoyed it but I will also look at hybrids next spring.

1967mama

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #18 on: October 16, 2014, 04:30:48 PM »
This article explains why you actually DO have your feet flat on the ground on a properly fitted Electra Townie:

http://www.bike123.com/crank%20forward.htm

Still enjoying my Townie! This is my bike:

http://www.electrabike.com/bikes/townie/original-21d?g=ladies

Mine is Polished Blue with a white wicker basket. Yep! High on the cute factor, but also very functional for this 47 year old who hasn't ridden a bike in 20 years.

BlueHouse

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #19 on: October 17, 2014, 05:31:41 AM »
You should never remain on your saddle while stopped on a bike with your foot flat on the ground.  If you can do this, that means that your seat is too low.  You should dismount and straddle the crossbar.  Most people on bikes that fit them can do this easily with flat feet.  Having your saddle too low can cause knee problems (as well as making it much more difficult cycle efficiently.
actually, that's exactly why they changed the geometry of the bike. You get proper leg extension when pedaling because they moved the crankshaft forward. So the hip to knee to foot angle is different from on a regular bike.

Edit:  great reference 1967mama. Thanks for sharing
« Last Edit: October 17, 2014, 05:35:41 AM by BlueHouse »

GuitarStv

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #20 on: October 17, 2014, 05:57:00 AM »
Huh . . . so this geometry is optimized to maximize discomfort on your bum at all times.  It forces an upright posture so the pressure that should be held by your hands goes to your bum, and then significantly reduces the weight that should be carried by your feet - transferring it instead to your bum.  No wonder they can claim "No wrist, arm or neck pain".  :P

BlueHouse

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #21 on: October 17, 2014, 10:28:40 AM »
Huh . . . so this geometry is optimized to maximize discomfort on your bum at all times.  It forces an upright posture so the pressure that should be held by your hands goes to your bum, and then significantly reduces the weight that should be carried by your feet - transferring it instead to your bum.  No wonder they can claim "No wrist, arm or neck pain".  :P
I cannot help but laugh at this post.  The idea that a forced upright posture with the majority of my weight transferred from hands or feet onto my ass is somehow uncomfortable is just laughable.  Signed, couch-potatoes of america. 

TrulyStashin

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Re: Electra cruiser bikes
« Reply #22 on: October 20, 2014, 10:55:42 AM »
I sit on my bum every day -- either on my Townie or elsewhere.  My Townie is super comfy and I've done rides as long as about 15 miles with no issues.   I would not commute long distances on her (my daily commute is about 2 miles, each way), but for short distances around town, I love my Townie.

OP, find a local bike shop that has a Townie in stock and go for a whirl.  If it puts a smile on your face, then it's a great starter bike for you.   Anyone just starting to bike again should prioritize feeling safe and having fun -- that will keep you coming back. 

Edited to add:  My Townie has 7 speeds which is plenty for tooling around town. 
« Last Edit: October 20, 2014, 10:58:40 AM by TrulyStashin »