Comfort, Style

I spent two months this summer riding a decent well-fitting road bike across the country. Road bikes are great for those long days of riding, and for going fast!

Recently though, I find that riding around a fancy set of road wheels isn't always the most fun. Usually I'm in spandex, and riding clothes, tools, gear, etc. But what about those simple rides around town? How about a leisure ride in the park, or lolling about on campus?

Way back when, bicycles were different. One style in particular, balloon tire bikes, have caught my attention. Balloon Tire coaster bikes are simple! Often they have one speed, and a simple back-pedal braking mechanism, thanks to the coaster hub brake. Big wide tires provide a comfortable ride, often with fenders for weather protection. They're not quite as challenging to 'mount' like a road bike, which lends to wearing more comfortable clothes, even a dress or skirt if you fancy it.

I did a little shopping on my local Craigslist and picked up an old Sam-Sco Ladies Coaster Bike for my fiancée. It needs a lot of work, and I will post more pictures and status updates as I go along.

Have a happy ride today!