Roy Wallack: Gear
Laid-Back on Two Wheels
LATimes, October 9, 2006
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Benno Baenziger ought to be blushing. In two years’ time, the Townie bicycle he designed turned his Vista, Calif.-based Electra Bicycle Co. – the little beach cruiser company he co-founded 14 years ago – into an industry player and the bike was copied by several major brands.
With their chopper-like frames that lower the seat, push the cranks forward and raise the handlebars, the Townie and its ilk eliminate the fear of falling and the back, neck and hand discomfort that can come with conventional bikes’ lean-forward position. The result: Riders can place their feet on the ground while seated and ride with a comfy heads-up, straight-back position on wide, cushy seats. These so-called flat-foot bikes aren’t the greatest hill climbers – it’s hard to stand up out of the saddle – but they are comfy for all-day riding, will usually accommodate everyone from preteens to 6-footers and come with a wide-screen, picture-window view of the world that other bikes can’t touch. Continue reading Roy Wallack of the LA Times: Gear Section – Laid-Back on Two Wheels