I’m moving to Eugene OR soon. I had a stroke in January and it doesn’t look like car driving is coming back anytime soon. So! Biking it is 😀Please give your advice on what I should look for in a bike. I’ve been searching through this subreddit so I have some ideas: steel, step thru, with flat bars (am I saying that right?). How many gears? Is a chain cover needed? Thanks so much for your help! (Pic of my new city)
by bookwormj
6 Comments
A “Dutch-style” step-through with flat bars is a great bike for Oregon. And yes, a chain cover and fenders are great to have, especially in the rainy climate. Eugene is a beautiful part of the country with a great biking culture.
One that fits full fenders!
Consider an ebike especially if you can not drive
Class 3 E-bike. I use one for my commute and errands in Seattle. I forget that hills exist on it.
Add fenders, some lights, rack and bags, and personally I have a suspension seatpost to make the ride even more comfortable.
Belt drive is worth the extra money – easier maintenance, will make your drive train last longer in this rainy climate. Otherwise you’re constantly cleaning/oiling the chain.
Absolutely make sure to get disc brakes instead of rim breaks. I used to have rim breaks until it rained and I realized I had zero stopping power