Just a short post to thank everyone for their bike advice. Tomorrow afternoon (after services) I intend to go do some test rides. The short list, which may change, includes the following:
At REI:
At Bicycle Den, Granada Hills:
At Reseda Bicycles, Reseda:
I’ve eliminated the Novara—that’s an REI house brand that I think would have little resale. In terms of features, I’ll try a non-drop handlebar, but still prefer something more appropriate for an upright seating position. I don’t need shock absorbers, and it appears an aluminum is better than a carbon frame for my use. I need to make sure there are the holes for a rack. The ability to accomodate wider tires is better. I’ll also ask questions about the maintenance.
Of course, I’m still open to suggestions. As background, I’m mostly going to be riding on the (ahem) excellent streets of the San Fernando Valley here in Los Angeles. The worst weather might be a light mist, although there are puddles at times. The terrain is mostly flat, but there are hills to the north. I prefer to ride upright, not bent over.
L’shanah Tovah.
