What To Look For
Comfort bikes are built for riding at a casual pace on easy to moderately difficult terrain. Look for bikes with a well padded seat and a height that is easy to mount. Stability is very important with comfort bikes. Moderately wide tires and a solid frame that is not extremely light or excessively heavy. Many riders also like a storage basket on the front or rear of the bike. Schwinn and Trek both make models that fit the comfort bicycle profile.
Common Pitfalls
Comfort bikes have limitations and are not designed for long rides and difficult climbs. The bikes rarely have more than three gears and do not use tires with great traction. Comfort bikes are also limited off-road and do not have the shocks or tires for riding over rocks and making sharp turns on dirt or gravel. Some comfort bikes are more specialized for riding off-road or on steep road climbs but most are best fit for riding on town streets.
Where To Buy
Schwinn and Trek bikes can be found through dealers around the world. Bikes can also be found through Internet dealers and used classified sources. The best method of buying a comfort bike is by visiting a dealer in your area. Specialized bike shops will help measure you for a perfect fit and the dealers can order bikes if they do not carry the model. Both companies only work with certified dealers.
Cost
Trek and Schwinn both have several models of comfort bikes with a range of prices. You can expect to pay between $400 and $800 for a new bike. Bikes built for comfort fitness riding on roads and off-road terrain use carbon frames and have more gears and will cost over $1,000 for the top of the line models. General town riding comfort bikes cost much less than the more specialized fitness comfort bikes.
Comparison Shopping
Schwinn has the most diverse range of comfort bikes with several cruiser models and the Le Tour fitness model. The Le Tour is a specialized road bike built for comfort and it has a higher price than the average comfort bike. Trek manufactures the Bike Path Navigator series with WSD builds available. The bikes have suspension under the seat and on the front of the bike for a smooth ride.
Accessories
Comfort bikes are often used for commuting around town and storage is a common desire. Trek comfort bikes have a rear trunk storage system and the Schwinn Urban Commuter bikes come with a rear storage rack. Other accessories to consider include bike gloves, padded bike shorts, chain oil, portable pump and a patch kit for flat tires.
Insider Tips
Look for simple comfort bikes with a built-in storage system. Test riding several different styles before purchase will help you build an understanding of the style you prefer. Comfort bikes come with different frame and handlebar styles and each has a different feel. Visit a local dealer and ask for expert advice before committing to a specific model.
