Originally Posted by jbwbrooklyn

Hello! I'm a not very experienced but not total novice biker in NYC. My new commute is short but ROUGH. And I don't have the best back. I need a new bike, and I suppose I'll get another hybrid. I got one years ago that was not very good from the start. But I'm wondering what are all the embarrassing granny-biker things I can do to the bike to make the ride smoother that will actually make a difference. In the past I've gotten a super cushy seat and worn padded gloves to absorb some of the shock from the handlebars. What else? Do suspension stems make a difference? How wide are hybrid tires normally and what width would be cushier? Any specific bikes you'd recommend? What's a good bike shop in NYC where they won't laugh at me for my questions and will be thoughtful and helpful? THANK YOU!!