The newest type of comfort bikes are known as "crank-forward". What design characteristics make this one of the most comfortable bikes to ride? There are several small geometric changes that combine to make this bike different from a standard diamond frame comfort bike.

The crankset is moved forward from its traditional position directly below the seat. Also, the seat tube is laid back at a more relaxed angle. The result is your center of gravity is lowered, you have a more upright riding position, and the pressure is relieved from your wrists and hands. We also offer Crank Forward bikes made by Rans. You may find them on our Recumbents page-some people refer to them as semi recumbents.

Most of the following information about Comfort and Hybrid bikes came from: http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_cn-z.html#comfort

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.

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. Comfort bikes have:

• 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.

Comfy riding, great looking, and extremely fun and functional. The TC150 by KHS is great for a ride around town, in the country or on the bike paths.

Hybrid Bikes

A hybrid is a cross-breed, the result of taking features from two different sources and creating something different, with aspects of both. The term has two common uses in bicycle usage:

Hybrid bicycles, also known as "cross" or "fitness" bicycles are a cross between a mountain bike and a touring bike. The best of them have the handlebars and control levers of a mountain bike, with the frame, gears, wheels and brakes of a touring bike.

Hybrids usually come with 622 mm (700c) wheels like road/touring bikes, but with wider tires than are normally supplied for touring. The larger 700c road wheels will roll fast. The result is a bike that is great for a quick ride across town or a casual country ride. Hybrids and Comfort bikes are great choices for riding the TowPath Trail!

Mountain Bikes

"Mountain bike (MTB) is the currently preferred term for bicycles made for off-road use. Mountain bikes use 559 mm wheels, have at least 15 speeds, and usually have cantilever brakes...The mountain bike is in many ways a hybrid design, a cross between a BMX bicycle and a touring bicycle." (from: http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_m.html#mountainbike)

Mountain Bikes are intended for off-road use in rugged terrain -- this is where their smaller wide tires and heavy-duty frames shine. On smooth roads or reasonably even trails they become unnecessarily fatiguing. For riding Towpath or other bike trails or moderate road rides, a Comfort or Hybrid bike is a better choice.

29ers

The 29 inch tire is not a new size- bikes with these tires use a 700c wheel. They use them with fat tires. The result is a bike with different riding characteristics from either a mountain bike or a hybrid. The larger diameter decreases the wheels' "angle of attack". This means that the wheels roll over obstacles in the trail or street with greater ease. Also when combined with the larger wheels' impact on gyroscopic forces the result is a wheel that has significantly more momentum. Translation- a rider can cross rough terrain quickly.

In addition to narrow tires and drop handlebars, Road Bikes are lightweight. They are intended for racing and long touring rides on smooth surfaces. The bent-over posture they require reduces wind resistance and, in combination with light bodies, ensures that you get the most mileage and speed out of every stroke of the pedals. They are favored by people who routinely take long rides. For towpath riding; urban/suburban commuting, relatively short rides, or any riding on rough terrain, Road Bikes are not recommended.

Based on women riders' feedback, Marin has designed a custom handlebar and unique grip system that is slightly smaller in diameter for smaller hands to comfortably hold onto without excessive fatigue. Included with this system are a set of shims that allow the brake levers and shift levers to be positioned in the most effective positions for performance and comfort.

• How the Women's Fit Geometry bikes are different:
• Shorter top tube reduces the reach to the handlebars
• Slightly relaxed steering geometry makes the bike feel more stable
• Smaller diameter handlebars and grips reduce fatigue for smaller hands
• Women's specific saddles provide more consistent support for a women's anatomy.

Also, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Women's Fit Geometry bikes will be donated to Breast Cancer Research in hopes of helping to find a cure for a disease that effects so many.