Here is my dilemma: I went to 3 local bike shops and had trouble finding something that fit. Women's bikes hurt my knees and no one had small unisex bikes. They offered to order a bike, but they couldn't estimate when bikes would be delivered (I'll explain this problem below). After having so much trouble,I decided to buy something online...but now I am suffering from confusion induced by information overload.
A few things:
1. "Women's" bikes are for all intents and purposes unisex. There are very few differences between what is called a woman's bike and a "regular" bike.
2. Knee pain is likely a function of two things: First, a seat that is too low (or in rare circumstances, too high), and secondly using a gear that is too hard to pedal (placing excessive pressure on an overly bent knee). New riders tend toward both of these issues - they want to intuitively set the seat low, because it makes it easier to balance the bike when stopped (in general, when stopped you should be on your tiptoes if you stay on the seat), and use too hard a gear, because it takes a while to get used to a faster pedaling motion.
Where will I be riding? I'm not 100% sure as I am moving somewhere in Zurich in September. I am imagining some up and down, but no serious mountain biking.
Why do I want a bike? I will not have a car and need transportation around town and to work. I want to buy it now because prices in Zurich left me with sticker shock.
Have you spent time in Zurich already? Public transportation in Switzerland puts public transportation almost anywhere else to shame. Buses, trams, and trains are clean, plentiful, subsidized, run on time and get you just about anywhere. A bicycle is definitely a healthy alternative, but many Swiss get by on a combination of walking and using public transportation. You may find you don't have much of a need for a bicycle.
re: sticker shock - be prepared for sticker shock on just about any spending. Switzerland is not cheap, and with the high Swiss Franc, it will be even worse if you're converting dollars.
Women's bike commentMy experience doesn't match this at all. I think it is because I have long arms and legs for someone my height (I'm short). When I test rode womens' bikes, each adjusted by a local bike shop tech before I left on a ride, I could feel pressure on my knees almost immediately. There's something about the distance/angle between the seat and pedals that doesn't work for me. I tried several bike brands in a women's fit - Marin, Trek, Raleigh, BMC, Jamis, and a few others I don't remember - and I had similar knee issues with all. The best way I can describe the feeling is that it feels like I'm engaging my muscles differently on women's bikes. My muscles don't feel the same way on unisex frames.
New bike rider commentI am not a new rider, I just don't know anything about bikes. I have been riding the same Marin mountain bike since 2000! I'm leaving my trusty Marin with my mom because she recently started borrowing it to exercise (this has been a big battle for me and I want to encourage her as best as possible). I currently ride 12 miles a day - I know this doesn't make me an expert by any means.
Switzerland Yes, I have spent time in Switzerland. Luckily, I will be a "local" employee, so I don't have to worry about converting funds. I made the comment about sticker shock because I considered buying a bike during my last trip and changed my mind at the last minute. When I compared the price for the same bike at home, I was shocked with how much more expensive the bike was there. I really want to buy my bike here to save a few hundred $ since I can include it in my shipment at no additional cost.
Kona bike[/b]Do you mind looking at the Kona that I posted? Are the breaks decent (I've read confusing reviews)? Should I worry about it only having gears in the back (again, I've read conflicting reviews/opinions)? I love the fact that this bike comes with fenders, a basket, a bell, and a few other bling items without additional cost (these are the types of things I typically care about).
http://www.konabikes.com/product/2014-dew-deluxe/I rode a 2016 version of this that felt like a dream, but I was stretched out pretty far to reach the handlebars (this hurts my shoulders). The local bike shop where I test rode said I needed a size smaller than they had. I called all Kona authorized sellers/resellers in Texas, and no one had the bike in the size I need. I'm left to wait for the 2017s, making a gamble as to whether it arrives on time - too much risk for my taste; or I can buy the 2014 version at half the price, but with different components and geometry. I have no idea how the difference will impact my liking the bike.
I don't know exactly where I will live, but my goal is to be near enough to the office to ride my bike regardless of the weather. I know the Swiss public transport system is amazing, but after living in Houston for as long as I have, I can't imagine picking a bus/train over riding my bike around a lake to get to work. I crave the outdoors like some people crave food.
Thanks in advance for looking at the 2014 Kona.
Please excuse any typos!