For the everyday ride

Think “cycling as exercise” and it conjures up images of spandex-clad riders bent over handlebars, legs pumping furiously. Some people, on the other hand, want to enjoy a more relaxing ride while still reaping the benefits of aerobic exercise. For them, there are Townie bicycles.

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Townie bicycle: Something of a cross between a recumbent bike and a retro cruiser, the Townie lets riders place both feet flat on the ground when stopped -- no more teetering on tippy-toes. “I believed there was a market out there for a comfortable, casual bike,” says Benno Baenziger, chief executive of the Carlsbad-based Electra Bicycle Co. “These are for people who want to incorporate cycling in everyday life, instead of becoming a cyclist.” The design features a seat that is markedly lower than the handlebars. The pedals are slightly in front of the seat, allowing for full leg extension. Seats are adjustable, and Townie models range from three to 24 speeds.

Price: About $370 to $720. Available at Helen’s Cycles (stores in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, Manhattan Beach and Arcadia), I. Martin Imports in Los Angeles, H & S Bicycles in Burbank, and Jax Bicycle Center stores in Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Yorba Linda and Long Beach. See the Townie bikes online at www.electrabike.com.

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-- Jeannine Stein