Easy riders: Comfortable bikes for casual cyclists

Riding a bike appeals to you. Spandex shorts, skinny tires and a Tour de France training schedule do not.

Fear not, casual cyclist.

It's your turn now, thanks to a new class of cycles that cater to riders who want to buzz around town for errands and groceries, bike to work or cruise paved trails.

Though bike makers have offered retro-style cruisers for decades now, so-called casual cycles, sometimes known as city bikes, fitness bikes, urban cycles or townies, are cooler and sexier.

The Electra Bicycle Co. in Vista, Calif., a company founded about 15 years ago, has been an industry leader in casual cycles.

Today we'll use one of Electra's bikes, the Townie 3-speed ladies model, to illustrate the features of a casual cycle.

Prices for Townie models at Bicycle Centres in Everett start at about $400.

Saddle: Cushy, wide seats are situated behind -- not over the top of -- the pedals. This allows riders to sit on the seat and put their feet flat on the ground when not pedaling for the ultimate in ergonomics, stability and confidence.

Frame: There's no high bar, also known as a top tube, to launch your leg over or to injure you in a spill. Men's models have slightly higher top tubes.

Pedals: Riding is easier because the seat is lower and the pedals are farther forward.

Handlebars: Instead of curling down and forward, these handlebars reach up and out. Riders have better control and balance, plus reduced tension in the neck, shoulders, arms and wrists.

Gears: Twist-grip controls at the handlebars control shifting. No derailleur is required, which means maintenance is simpler.

Tires: Wide, smooth tires balloon out around the sides of the rims to provide a cushier ride, stability and efficiency.