Review of Nirve Starliner Women's Hybrid Cruiser Bike (price, reviews, purchase)

[reviewer]

Nirve Starliner Women's Hybrid Cruiser Bike

Rating: 4 out of 5

• Currently 4.0/5.0

This bike was my first new bike in probably fifteen years. I don't remember exactly when I purchased my old ten-speed bike, but I had it in college and am now the mom of three small children. I bought the bike because we recently moved to a house that abuts a great neighborhood park with a biking trail and I wanted to ride with my two older children. This has been great for my health, but has also been a really fun way to spend time with my kids.

I spent more for this bike (about $420) then I had been planning to, but when I was shopping for bikes, this one struck me as being so much better made than a lot of the less espensive bikes I looked at. For the quality of construction, it was also surprisingly light. I'm very small, so that was a big factor for me.

On the topic of my size (five feet tall), this bike is a very comfortable ride for a smaller woman. The high handlebars make it possible to sit up fairly straight, which is a big plus if you have lower back issues, as I do. At the same time, I'm able to stop and stand very comfortably with this frame. The seat is also very comfortable and well-cushioned.

My only quibble with this bike is actually not really a problem with the bike itself. The only drawback to this bike, for me, is that it's probably more bike than I actiually will ever need. There are seven gears, which make it possible to ride on all kinds of grades and terrain, but I really only ride on the bike trail. I suppose I might one day take it somewhere where I'll need more gears, but so far I've only used two or three. That being said, I consider the higher price to be paying for the quality of construction and the longevity of the bike, not for the versatility.

Review by professional reviewer, Aug. 25, 2011