Hello!
I've narrowed my search to a Trek Verve+ 4S, Electra Vale Go! 9D, Specialized Turbo Como 4.0 or Gazelle Ultimate T10, but I can't decide among them. The models I'm looking at are all step-throughs (a must), Class 3 and pretty similarly spec'ed. Price-wise, the Electra Vale is best, and I really enjoyed the ability to put a foot down while remaining in the saddle. The Verve is next most reasonable. I also really liked the adjustability of the Verve and Gazelle handlebars. Unfortunately, I can't find a Gazelle Ultimate T10 anywhere to test ride. I've ridden other Gazelles, but I found that I have a very, very strong preference for a derailleur. I rode a small Verve and liked it, but LBS and I think it'd be wise to ride a medium Verve to see if it's a better fit. (Still need to do that.)
About me: I ride primarily in the city or on paved (rarely, packed gravel) bike trails. I prefer an upright posture both for watching traffic and, more importantly, for relieving my achy back. (When I'm riding through the city, I also have lots of stops and starts, so the Electra would handle those best.) I rode a Como 4.0 for 5 years and loved it, but I began to feel that it was a little big for me (at 5'6", I'm often "between sizes" on frames and generally opt for the larger to get the leg extension I like). Plus, on longer rides, I felt I wasn't sufficiently upright. So, I bought a Lectric XPress 750. Big mistake. Although it was supremely comfortable, I didn't like the biking experience. I want to feel I'm on a real bike, but assisted. (I have bad knees.) The Lectric felt like riding a motorbike to me. I'm not the kind of cyclist to use a throttle.
One Verve-specific question: The new (3rd) generation of the Verve+4S has front suspension, whereas the 2nd generation has a rigid fork. Is it worth the extra $550 to get the suspension to handle bumpy roads?
I would be so appreciative if people shared their experiences with these bikes--especially if they wrestled with similar choices. Or any other thoughts you have about these bikes. I'm open to other suggestions as well, but I really need a step-through, upright riding posture and a derailleur.
Many thanks!
I've narrowed my search to a Trek Verve+ 4S, Electra Vale Go! 9D, Specialized Turbo Como 4.0 or Gazelle Ultimate T10, but I can't decide among them. The models I'm looking at are all step-throughs (a must), Class 3 and pretty similarly spec'ed. Price-wise, the Electra Vale is best, and I really enjoyed the ability to put a foot down while remaining in the saddle. The Verve is next most reasonable. I also really liked the adjustability of the Verve and Gazelle handlebars. Unfortunately, I can't find a Gazelle Ultimate T10 anywhere to test ride. I've ridden other Gazelles, but I found that I have a very, very strong preference for a derailleur. I rode a small Verve and liked it, but LBS and I think it'd be wise to ride a medium Verve to see if it's a better fit. (Still need to do that.)
About me: I ride primarily in the city or on paved (rarely, packed gravel) bike trails. I prefer an upright posture both for watching traffic and, more importantly, for relieving my achy back. (When I'm riding through the city, I also have lots of stops and starts, so the Electra would handle those best.) I rode a Como 4.0 for 5 years and loved it, but I began to feel that it was a little big for me (at 5'6", I'm often "between sizes" on frames and generally opt for the larger to get the leg extension I like). Plus, on longer rides, I felt I wasn't sufficiently upright. So, I bought a Lectric XPress 750. Big mistake. Although it was supremely comfortable, I didn't like the biking experience. I want to feel I'm on a real bike, but assisted. (I have bad knees.) The Lectric felt like riding a motorbike to me. I'm not the kind of cyclist to use a throttle.
One Verve-specific question: The new (3rd) generation of the Verve+4S has front suspension, whereas the 2nd generation has a rigid fork. Is it worth the extra $550 to get the suspension to handle bumpy roads?
I would be so appreciative if people shared their experiences with these bikes--especially if they wrestled with similar choices. Or any other thoughts you have about these bikes. I'm open to other suggestions as well, but I really need a step-through, upright riding posture and a derailleur.
Many thanks!
