coastpeddler1

Hi
My wife has an injured wrist and can longer use her usual bike to commute to the station. We are looking at upright hybrids with handlebars that reverse back a bit so there's no downward force going through the wrist. Unfortunately all these types of bikes, like the Bobbin seem to be quite heavy (there's a bit of lifting up stairs to be done). Does anyone know of such a bike that is also quite light?
Thanks

NormanF

My GT Eightball is rugged and light.

You might want to look at the Fairdale Weekender Archer, which is a similar bike.

Fat tire hybrids can be comfortable and also light and fast. I love mine.

Another possibility is a mini velo from Respect Cycles or the Cannondale Hooligan.

canklecat

The Trek Verve has an upright ride that felt good on my test ride. Upright bars combined with only a slightly crank forward design, so pedaling felt efficient. Probably weighs close to 30 lbs, maybe a bit less.

Lifting weight is a big deal to me as well, due to a busted up back and neck. I can manage 30 lbs for a short distance. Even adding a full water bottle to my frame makes a noticeable difference in lifting weight for me. Sometimes I'll detach my handlebar bag - actually a Lowepro camera waist bag - and put the water bottle and other stuff in it around my waist, along with the helmet, pump, etc., to minimize the lifting load. Helps.

Tires can made a big difference in lifting weight and uphill effort. My Globe Carmel is very similar to the Trek Verve. The original Specialized Hemisphere 700x38 tires felt reasonably light and fast, but after numerous flats (lots of goat head sticker burrs, broken glass and metal shards on our local roads), I switched to 700x40 Michelin Protek Cross Max. The Michelins feel twice as heavy in dead weight, a little slower on uphills, but not much different on flat roads or downhills. On the plus side, no flats so far.

If I had a bigger budget and fewer flat tire worries, I'd probably look for something with a much lighter frame, a single chain ring (I could manage with 7-8 gears/speeds), and the slightly better Specialized Hemisphere Sport or similar tires, which have a great riding feel on pavement, loose patches of sand/gravel, and moderate unpaved trail riding. Something closer to 25 lbs would be nice.

gsa103

Can you just get some swept back bars for her existing bike?
Something like: Handlebars - Components

NormanF

A Pedersen Bike is probably the most comfortable bike ever made:

practical

There are many hybrids now that are light as a road bike - and cost as much. Another thing she could do is to have the local bike shop convert her drop bars to a flat or riser bar. This would cost about $200 for parts and labor but it might be just the thing.

coastpeddler1

Thanks, we'll look at these. The GT is similar to what she has now and the body is too for forward over the bars, so heavy on the wrist. Fairdale Archer though has swept back bars may also mean she is leaning too far forward. There needs to be no forward pressure on the wrists.

coastpeddler1

Thanks canklecat! The verve looks good. We'll take a look at that one.

coastpeddler1

Hi, Hadn't thought of that. Worth a look and cheaper than buying a new bike!

coastpeddler1

Thanks NormanF - I'll suggest it!!! But I don't hold much hope of her being enthusiastic...blue's just not her colour.

Wrenchspinnerjr

There is also the Giant cypress. Comfortable position and pretty light

ganchan

I'm in the process of doing this with my "performance hybrid." I want to be a little more upright, with less pressure on my hands, but not totally upright. But retaining the flat-palm ergonomic grips, just in case I need them.

fietsbob

+1, Handlebars can be changed at point of sale to what ever bike is otherwise acceptable. a service your bike shop can offer.

ganchan

Here's my example: Jamis Coda Sport with North Road bars. This gives me the upright posture and natural wrist angle I wanted without having to go into full "comfort bike mode."