01-28-2007, 03:04 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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| | Re: Biria Bikes?
Bill Sornson wrote:
> A dear friend of mine (older lady, sedentary but in good health and shape)
> just bought a Biria bike from an unknown-to-me shop in our beach area. A
> quick net search indicates she got an EZ Boarding Top 3 (Nexus 3-speed):
> http://www.biria.com:80/bicycles/ez/eb_top_3.jsp.
>
> I stopped by to see it and it's very cool, but the front fender (a bit
> off-center) has a small dent and the white paint has an unsightly blem on
> the down tube. (Looks like grease but doesn't come off.) Also, the springs
> on the front brake looked rusty to me -- not terribly so, but not brand new
> either. (The handlebar has a small scuff that looks like a bell or
> something was installed on it.) The bike was represented as new to her.
>
> She's having buyer's remorse somewhat, so I told her I'd research a little.
> She paid $270.00 out the door for it, but the guy didn't give her an owner's
> manual or paperwork until she went back and then it was just a tag and the
> Shimano Nexus Hub technical instructions. I doubt they were for that
> particular bike. No registration material, either.
>
> Still, the bike seems solid and well made. The prices I "quick saw" on the
> net were a good deal higher ($350 +), so maybe she did OK?
>
> I seriously doubt she'll ride the bike much, but the design is ideal ("easy
> boarding" is quite apt) AND it fits in the back of her car without removing
> anything. Other than a folder, I can't imagine anything better suited to
> her needs.
>
> What do you folks think? I wrote her a "preliminary" reassuring e-mail just
> now, but also said I'd ask around for more opinions.
>
> Thanks for any input,
>
> Bill "well, the hub is pretty cool" S.
>
>
My answer would be that if she can ride it at all then she should. Any
kind of ride is better than a couch and a soap opera. You didn't say how
old she was, so I will assume that means older than you, which probably
means younger than me. If she paid $270 for it and it gives her an extra
year or two of healthy life then it is a no brainer that it was worth it.
Bill Baka
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