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Originally Posted by areellady What is a comfort bike???? |
I didn't know what a "comfort bike" was either until I recently started looking for a new bike. Here's some info I found that explains what a comfort bike is:
"Comfort Bicycle"
The original runaway popularity of mountain bikes was mainly related to their greater comfort for casual cyclists, compared to the drop handlebar , skinny-tire sport-touring bikes that had been the predominant adult style through the '70s and early '80s. As mountain-bike racing became more organized, mountain bike designs started to morph into a more competition-oriented riding position, with longer top tubes, lower handlebars, narrower saddles, shorter wheelbases and more upright frame angles.
By the late '90s, this trend had gone so far that many casual/beginner cyclists were finding mountain bikes uncomfortable.
In response, the industry came up with what is commonly known as a "comfort bike." Typical comfort bikes resemble mountain bikes in wheel size, brake and gear equipment, but also differ in several ways:
- Shorter top tubes, for a more upright riding position.
- Taller, often adjustable, handlebar stems, also for a more upright riding position.
- "Riser" handlebars, also for a more upright riding position.
- Wider saddles with springs (and/or suspension seatposts.)
- Smooth, wide tires for quiet and comfort on smooth surfaces.
- Lower bottom brackets for easier mounting/dismounting.
In many respects, the comfort bike harkens back to the riding style/position of the classic English Roadster , only with modern gears and brakes. Comfort bikes are often seen as slower, stogier versions of "hybrid bikes", and are targeted at pretty much the same market.
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The last bike I owned (20 years ago

) was the classic 10speed, skinny tire, low-handlebar model. I hated that bike. Hunching over the handlebars killed my back. I need a more upright style of bike with some cush for my tush! My only problem now is which one to choose. What is everyone else riding out there?