TREK’s new “LIME” model of cruiser road bike is the latest attempt to halt the downward spiral of riders who ride at least 6 times per year.
During the peak year 1995, 56.3 million people said they road at least 6 times per year. By 2005 that number had dropped to 43.1 million (even though our total population continued to increase during that time).
TREK’s solution, the LIME, is a $500 3 speed that shifts automatically at 7 mph & 11 mph, and uses an old-style coaster brake that many people remember from their bike riding youth.
The 3 speed gearing is made by Shimano. Their research revealed that most people want to ride for fun and enjoyment and could care less about high performance.
The lesson learned for mountain biking is that we need more “beginner” trails, those with grades 10 percent or less and no technical features to help attract the non-enthusiast. On a “loop” system, this could easily be the inner loop, with additional trail sections, further away from the trail head, increasing in complexity and technical challenges for the more seasoned rider.
Having lived near
Having lived near southeastern Pa., and enjoyed the trails systems around there, I'd have to agree. There are many rail-trails in Pa, and they get quite a bit of bike traffic. Also many mtn.bike trails, and while they get their share of use, I don't think it is anywhere near what the rail-trails get. There was a rail-trail close to my prev.home that the only time you'd want to be near it was a week day. It was a traffic nightmare on the weekends!! Got to admit, for a good, easy ride during the week (the one near my home was 32 miles long), it could be enjoyable if you just wanted to take it easy and enjoy the canopy of trees and the great trout stream that ran alongside of it.
Rails-to-Trails would be
Rails-to-Trails would be perfect for the LIME, and I'm sure that's the crowd that TREK is going after.
Speaking of Rails to Trails, one of the best in the country starts just outside of Cincy and heads north. It's the Little Miami River trail, and like you said, during the busy warmer months, it's so crowded that the closer you get to a trail head, the more cautious you need to be.
It's also bodes well for the 100 mile loop that's being discussed around Louisville. It would most likely me a great ride, for all types of bikes, and would hopefully have trail spurs that lead to off-road trail systems.