Unique unisex bicycle, safer for older rider

[Mike160304]

In a previous thread in 2023
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/f...gh-pioneer-dawes-windermere-any-ideas.293420/
I asked about bicycles for older riders, and I got a lot of helpful replies, and chris667 mentioned the Electra Townie 7D - so I bought one on Ebay.
Here is mine, it is now unique, because I dumped the ape-hanger "Harley Davidson" style handlebar and fitted a low-drop handlebar that gives the bike a kind of 1930s look - and I am from the 1930s, so it suits me!

You can see that the pedals are set further forward than on a standard bike, providing a slightly reclined riding position and enabling you to get both feet flat on the ground without sliding forward off the seat. It also has good low step-thru.
It is nicely engineered, with plenty of light alloy visible, so it is relatively light. It has 7 gears.
To me, it is a thing of beauty, and I enjoy just seeing it in my garage.
BUT - I am surrounded by a sensible family telling me NOT to get onto 2 wheels again, and I think they are right, so the bike will have to go, with regret.
So if anyone is interested in this bike, please contact me by private message. I have not yet advertised it as for sale.

 

[fossyant]

Sensible family, I think not !

 

[Fredo76]

At least you got to work on it...

 

[I like Skol]

If it were me (and my advice may have a government health warning attached) I would ride the bike and take that boat on the water too !

 

[FrankCrank]

I believe that type of bike is known as 'crank forward' - they're popular in the US.
They do look comfortable to ride, surprised we don't see more of them really.

 

[Mike160304]

Being able to get both feet straight down on the ground, e.g. after an emergency stop, is just great. Last accident I had, years ago, on a normal tall bike, was when Jenny said "Wow, look at those flowers . . ." - I stopped, struggled to get a foot onto firm ground, and neatly fell over to the left into a nettle ditch. Luckily, it became more funny than serious, a bit like that classic clip of Del Boy leaning on a bar in "Only Fools and Horses" (UK).
Mike

 

[Bristolian]

That is a thing of beauty. I do hope you have managed to at least ride it a little before you sell it

 

[Mike160304]

That is a thing of beauty. I do hope you have managed to at least ride it a little before you sell it

Thank you!

 

[PaulSB]

A beautiful bike. 👏

 

[Mike160304]

Good morning all,
For anyone interested in unusual pedal bikes, I am selling my Electra Townie 7D in a John Goodwin auction on 19 February 2025:

https://www.easyliveauction.com/cat...ors-furniture-tools-c/sale-details/?showTerms
John Goodwin Auctions is a member of Easylive Auctions, designed to be very user-friendly online, and the bricks-and-mortar Auction is near Malvern, Worcestershire starting at 10 am.
My bike is not yet listed (I am still trying to get it into my car to take it there!). I'll update this when it is listed.
I had fun writing my description, and I am not sure how much of this fascinating information will get into the actual Auction Catalogue.
"UNIQUE CHARACTER BICYCLE, UNISEX, IDEAL FOR THE OLDER OR MORE LEISURELY ADULT RIDER
This bicycle is a slightly modified Electra Townie 7D pedal bicycle. "Electra" does NOT mean that the bike is electric, it is an American brand name dating from around the year 2000. "Townie 7D" is the model name. The brand and model names have belonged to the Trek Bicycle Corporation since 2014, and spares, accessories and service are available from the widespread network of Trek Bicycles.
Please do not confuse this bicycle with the Electra Townie Go! 7D, which is an electric model.
This style of bicycle is often described as an "American Beach Cruiser", as they became popular in both East Coast and West Coast beach resorts.
But this bike has unique design safety features for older or more leisurely adult riders here in Britain today. These features were originally patented by Electra under the name Flatfoot Technology, as follows:
You can see that the pedals are set about 9" further forward than on a standard bike, providing a slightly reclined riding position and enabling you to get both feet flat on the ground without sliding forward off the seat. The bicycle also has a good low step-thru, Unisex, frame. Both these features make it feel safer and ideal for the older or more leisurely rider.
The bicycle is nicely engineered, with plenty of light alloy visible, so it is relatively light, weighing 13kg/28lb. It has 7 modern Shimano gears - 6 for general riding and 1 extremely low gear for the occasional really steep hill. It is NOT a mountain bike.
This particular bicycle is truly unique, you cannot go out and buy one like this. The bicycle came to me with its standard, very tall "Chopper Style" or "Ape Hanger" handlebars. I replaced these with subtly semi-dropped handlebars, they are much more practical and they give the bike a "1930s" look and feeling.
I love this bike and I am only selling it because I am old, and my family say that I am already dangerous on feet!"