Are there any Mustachian thoughts on this Craigslist bike?

[mc6]

Any thoughts on this bike for an out of shape lady in a pretty hilly landscape?  I always rode simple cruisers as a kid so this style appeals to me.  I have been in touch with the seller about potentially seeing it this weekend if she hasn't sold it by then.   Purpose would be to gradually get used to biking again then bike to the grocery/park/vacations.  Any thoughts?  I appreciate it!

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik/3839621728.html

[kevin78]

Gosh... thats a tough one.  I've never owned a bike like that and I wouldn't want to.  Probably pretty heavy, and probably impossible to put on a bike rack.  If you have any intentions of any serious riding I don't think it would be wise to buy that.

I could be wrong, just my opinion.  I've made a few bad bike buys myself as seen in other threads here. 

On the plus side, the fenders and the rack are good to have.  I think having no gears would be problematic since you said its a hilly area.

Also if you do get that bike and ever want to put it on trunk mounted rack you'd need something like http://www.walmart.com/ip/Allen-Bicycle-Adaptor-Bar/10812004

[Deano]

It's a version of what we call a "low-boy". You can put both feet on the ground flat when stopped. You can do that because the seat is way behind the bottom bracket...that enables you to get a more reasonable leg extension. The problem is, as any recumbent rider experiences, when you are way behind the pedals, you don't use all of the muscles in your backside to push the pedals. It's terribly inefficient, particularly going up hills. Add to that it's either a single speed or maybe a 3 speed (can't tell from pic) and you have a recipe for walking up hills.

Stay away from this bike, there are many good choices out there, just not this one.

It's a nice colour though, I'll grant the seller that.

[AboutTime]

There are no redeeming qualities about this bike other than its cool retro appearance and functional front basket.  Riding this thing around a hilly area will either make you into a world class cyclist or kill you.

[mc6]

Add to that it's either a single speed or maybe a 3 speed (can't tell from pic) and you have a recipe for walking up hills.

Yes, it's a 3 speed.

[markstache]

This old Schwinn isn't as pretty as the Electra, but will get you around really well:

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik/3846684058.html

Likewise:

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik/3842380747.html

If you are looking for a step-through 3sp:

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik/3845573989.html

And, while a more costly divergence from some of the others (and my personal favorite of the bunch), this would be a heck of commuter bike at a great price if it fits. I'd snap that up for my wife if I was in MD:

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik/3846688347.html

Good for you for looking for a bike!

[Rollin]

Too heavy, too expensive, and only comfortable for a block or two.  After that the low position, the wide seat, and the extra weight will tell you to put it up for sale on Craigslist.  If you really want one of these type bikes they can be had for much less $$.

[Bakari]

http://biodieselhauling.blogspot.com/2012/01/buying-bikes-from-craigslist.html

[wheatstate]

I like it!  Your bike needs to do two things; Fit you and excite you.  If it doesn't do both, you won't ride it.

This bike is great for a casual, cyclist that is new to biking.  It will be easy to touch the ground and have extended legs when peddling.  Extended legs when peddling are much more efficient. The 3 spd hub is brilliant, easy to use and has a good gear range.   Riding position is very upright.  Fenders and basket make the bike practical around town. 

I see this as a easy-to-ride, good introduction into biking.  A "hybrid" bike would be more efficient version of this bike in a more traditional form.

CL is giving you a 1/3 off on this bike.  New Electra's are usually about $500.  A good deal if you are going to ride several times a week.

Your homework is to test ride this bike on that big hill that you are thinking of climbing.  This test could be more effort on this bike than others.  I don't know your fitness level or the steepness/length of the hill.

This would be an interesting newish hybrid bike; Specialized Globe Work 1 Hybrid/Commuter Bike - $350 (Baltimore City)
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik/3856120249.html

[mc6]

Thanks everybody.  Does this one seem better?  http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bik/3861859790.html

The Electra's flatfoot technology appeals to me.  I'm not looking to aggressively commute on a 10-speed. 

[Deano]

Thanks everybody.  Does this one seem better?  http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bik/3861859790.html

The Electra's flatfoot technology appeals to me.  I'm not looking to aggressively commute on a 10-speed.

This bike is very good at standing at a stop light with your feet both on the ground and your ass on the seat...it does nothing else well. If you truly want to ride a bike as a utility vehicle you must buy one that is more versatile. It does not have to be a "10 speed", there are many many bikes in between the bike you are looking at and a road bike with drop bars. It might be worth it to visit a local bike shop, at least for the advice.