Question re "Flat Foot" Townie and 24" option vs full size
 

Hi,

I have bad knees and hip pain and am interested in getting a bike.

I have been reading up on the Electra Townie and it sounds great. I went to a bike shop in town today that sells them and tried one out.

They did not have the smaller model but I tried the full size 7D. In order to have "flat feet" they had to lower the seat as far is they could and, in fact, he said to truly get there he'd need to remove the rear reflector.

Then, when riding it, we found I could not fully extend my legs which might put some strain on my knees so he raised the seat higher, which meant I could only touch the ground on tiptoes, which I would prefer to feel more secure than that.

I asked about the smaller 24" option that is available, so I could try that as a point of comparison. They did not have one in stock for me to try but he said it would make no difference, I'd still have the same problem. He gave some explanation that I did not understand...I guess it did not make sense to me so I am not sure if he was correct or if he is confused or if he just wants me to choose from what they have in stock.

Does this make sense? Maybe he was saying that I'd be closer to the ground but no more able to extend my legs? I am not sure.

If the seat is properly adjusted your legs should be almost completely extended when the cranks are parallel to the downtube (the part of frame from cranks to the seat itself). It sounds as though this bike shop is more interested in selling the bike that selling you one that fits. If they had to remove the reflector to get the seat low enough for you to ride it and it is all the way down, the frame is too large. Don't buy that bike. See if you can find another bike shop that has the smaller one in stock. Call or email nearby bike shops and ask if they have the smaller frame available. Try REI if there is one near you. They the Townie models on sale through next Monday and I doubt they would sell you one that doesn't fit. If you are a member (lifetime $20) you get a rebate at the end of the year.

After looking at the Electra Townie at REI, I see only one frame size. You might also try other brands that have similar designs. I'm no expert on this type of bike as it isn't "my cup of tea". Look at Performance Bikes for similar designs http://www.performancebike.com/webap...&storeId=10052

You mean 24" wheels and tires..

A category of Crank Forward bikes is now in many bike brands catalog of model-types.


It is as if a very shallow seat angle, so you get leg extension to push the pedals, but the seat is low to stop flat footed.

.... kind of like a motorcycle..





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Flat Footed Townie ??
 

I had to join this forum because I am going through the EXACT same knee and hip issues. I did purchase a Townie yesterday for health reasons -- March 2021. I too tried to put my foot down and could not once the seat was in the correct position for my leg extension. I tested the bike and my knees were level with my chest. I did own a Townie about 4 years ago (I did turn it back in) but I seem to remember how comfortable it was to ride. The paint was soft and the chain jammed into the gear sprocket among other issues. Now I purchased another (the 26" was what I was sold) and I'm not nearly as comfortable as I remember the other one to be, and I cannot put my foot down either. 5' 2".