<p>Gwen, for your purposes a professional bike fitter would be overkill. If you want an upright bike for 10-20 mile rides on bike paths, anyone who sells bikes like that can fit you, and should be happy to do so for free. Test ride to find out what you like.</p>
<p>When my H gave me my pink Townie for my B-day, he cherried it out with a cool bell, rainbow streamers and a “My Little Pony” basket. I’m stylin.</p>
<p>I have to disagree with Cardinal Fang and NJ2011mom about the benefits of a professional bike fitter. For most people, yes, a good bike shop can do a good job of fitting the person to the bike. But… Gwen said she has knee problems. A quick ride around the block and a pretty good fit might be enough. But… </p>
<p>I spent an hour getting the fit on my bike just so (adjustments of a few millimeters in set height, handlebar height, etc.) when I upgraded from my around-town bike (a Swobo commuter) to my Surly. The difference was substantial. I went from having a bike that was okay–and reasonably comfortable–to a bike I really enjoy riding, where I get off my bike (after a fifteen or twenty mile ride) feeling better than when I got on it.</p>
<p>I suspect a good bike fitter might make a huge difference— but the nearest one is 100 miles away. So I will likely be making do with bike shop help. “cherried it out” is a great phrase, thank you!!! You’ve got a good man there, musicamusica!</p>
<p>This is the business we are in. Electra Townie is an awesome bike and the pioneers in flat foot technology. We carrie them , but there are a couple of others too…such as Jamis Hudson .Those are two that I would recommend as they are really great for people with knee , back or hip problems…and some in a variety of models , speeds and even the frame materials. We carry three other brands , but these are the ones I like the best 
There was a major recall with another one …not feeling really secure with that one at the moment…good luck !</p>
<p>As a side note , you do not need a professional bike fitter for this type of bike. That is more important for a road bike , tri bike or other high end, competitive bike. We offer it in our shop , but a knowledgable bike person will be enough to help you without a machine</p>
<p>lje, thank you!!! I’m so excited about this I can hardly wait until September! I am going to start with Townie and Hudson…I’m guessing one of those will do it.</p>
<p>You’re welcome Gwen ! And if it matters to you at all , Jamis is a great company , not only family owned, but owned by a woman who treats all of her employees like they are family…gotta love that :D</p>
<p>My BIL, who is a dedicated triathlete swears by his Jamis bikes. He has bought several Jamis bikes including his tri bike, which anyone who knows triathletes, knows how picky they are about their bikes.</p>
<p>Two pieces of advice on actually shopping for a bike.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>September is the beginning of the slow season for bike shops. You may be able to get a discount off list price or negotiate a free tuneup down the line.</p></li>
<li><p>A ride around the block only begins to tell you how the bike feels. Try for a longer ride, at least a mile or two. Ride your favorite bike several times.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Great advice from dmd77.</p>
<p>Go to a couple of bike shops and get fitted. Yes, you’ll save money on last year’s model. Wish I had gone for the steel fork instead of the suspension/shock fork. Get a helmet and never ride without it. Gloves are helpful too.</p>
<p>And don’t forget those padded pants…just saying…</p>
<p>lje62-- it matters a lot to me re:Jamis. Also my favorite local bike shop carries Jamis but not Electra-- my daughter has a Jamis bike that she has loved. So many thanks!</p>
<p>Meanwhile two friends of mine have had bike accidents suddenly-- both wearing helmets but one broke his ankle and another lost two teeth. I’m starting to wonder if I should settle for a porch swing…</p>
<p>Glad to hear about your local store carrying Jamis ! Not glad about your friend’s accidents…same think happened to my daughter in Boston the other day. Thankfully she had her helmet on too , but still broke her elbow and took a couple od stitches…her issue wouldn’t be yours though , since it was a skinny road bike tire that caught in a road crack :(</p>
<p>Horrors, lje! I’m very sorry to hear that-- hope it heals well and she feels fine soon. We have tree roots causing heaves in the bike path pavement here…but it is so beautiful out there!</p>