Electra Townie 7D is a fun beach cruiser bicycle with several smart solutions that will help you ride a few extra miles and enjoy your time in the saddle.
If you are looking for a head-turner bicycle to do flat cruising around town, commute, and get things done, you’re in for a treat with this cheap and authentic two-wheeler.
Let’s find out more about the good and the bad!
Quick Overview
Electra Townie 7D is a bulky cruiser bicycle intended for urban settings and short to moderate rides. It’s characterized by original design, tubes flowing into each other, low price, and a comfortable riding geometry.
This bike is built with urban practicality in mind. That’s why it comes with a kickstand and a chainguard. You can easily park it wherever you want and don’t have to worry about ruining your trousers by the chain before an important meeting.
Main Specs for Geeks
Here’s a quick list of everything you’ll get with your Electra Townie 7D:
Frame: Townie 6061-T6 Alloy Flat Foot Technology®
Fork: High Tensile Steel Uni-Crown, Straight Blade
Tires: Semi-Slick Street 26″ X 2.0″
Crankset: Electra Custom Alloy 3-Piece 170mm
Chainrings: 44T
Chain: Taya Octo Nickel Plated
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tourney TX-35
Cassette: Shimano 7-Speed 14-34T
Shifters: Shimano Revo 7-Speed Twist
Pedals: Resin Platform w/Non-Slip Tread
Saddle: Ergonomic w/Shock-Absorbing Elastomers
Accessories & Extras: Internal Cable Routing, Alloy Kickstand, Stainless Steel and Anti-Rust Hardware
Note that to ensure proper assembly Electra bikes cannot be shipped to your home or other address. Instead, you should choose your preferred REI store and pick the bike there. It will be ready to ride and enjoy!
Men’s & Women’s Version
Electra Townie 7D comes in two main versions: men’s and women’s. At least that’s what the manufacturers call them. The truth is, from what we’ve learned about this bike, we’d just call them “step-over” and “step-through.”
The only difference between these two versions is in the size and the shape of the frame, as well as the colors. The men’s version is slightly bigger than the women’s and the frame is a step-over.
Therefore, we recommend choosing the bike relative to your height, the preference for the type of the frame, and the colors, rather than relative to your gender.
Related: Best Comfort Bikes
See the Step-Through Model on REI
Contents
The Frame & Fork
Townie 7D comes with a lightweight aluminum frame and a strong steel fork. Its weight is around 28 lbs, which is pretty low for a cruiser of this size.
Talking about size, due to its geometry, this bicycle is around one foot longer than a standard city bike. That’s something to consider if you plan to keep it in a small apartment.
Sizing
Unfortunately, Electra does not have a size chart for Townie 7D. However, we contacted the company’s support team regarding sizing and got this response:
“There is not a set height recommendation for those bikes as each rider’s body is different. Inseam and torso length play a big factor in sizing a bike. That said, most people from 5’0″ tall all the way through 6’3″ will fit on Townies. For people over 6’3″ we recommend the tall frame size, and for people under 5’0″ we recommend they look at 24″ bikes.”
So, if you are between 5’0″ and 6’3″, feel free to choose the standard model!
Flat Foot Technology®
The idea behind Electra Townie is to allow you to easily plant your feet on the ground when you come to a stop. That is achieved thanks to Electra’s Flat Foot Technology. The pedals are positioned in front of the saddle and slightly higher than on other bicycles which allows you to get full leg extension without raising the saddle too high up.
The men’s version comes in three colors: matte black, matte khaki green, and silver. The women’s model is available in SEVEN colors: light blue, blue, red, purple, green, yellow, and turquoise.
The frame also features internal cable routing for a clean appearance and plenty of eyelets to mount racks, mudguards, lights, water bottles, and more.
Components
Electra Townie 7D comes with a straightforward 1×7 drivetrain with a large 44T crankset and a 14-34T cassette in the back. You’ll shift gears with a Shimano Tourney TX rear derailleur and a Shimano Revo grip shifter.
Nothing too impressive, but it will definitely get the job done. Just make sure not to shift gears under pressure or you will not like the sound the derailleur makes.
These seven gears make the bike suitable for flat riding with some moderate hills in-between if you want to feel a burn in your legs.
The Tires & Brakes
Townie explores the city on 26″ wheels and 2″ semi-slick tires. The rims are double-walled, which means they are strong and won’t get damaged if you hit an occasional curb or a pothole. The 2″ tires are generally wide enough for a comfortable and confident ride.
This bike brakes using standard aluminum V-brakes which can be adjusted pretty well. Considering the bike is intended for flat riding, disc brakes would definitely be overkill.
Electra Townie Go! 7D
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Townie models have electric models too. Namely, the Go! indicates that the bike has a lot more to offer.
The Townie Go! models are a bit pricier than the original Electra Townie bikes, but they also offer a bit more value.
Electra Townie Go! 7D has been supported with a Hyena 250W motor. The 250Wh battery offers 16-40 miles of range, which is perfect for commuting.
How Does Electra Townie Ride?
This beautiful cruiser rides smoothly and comfortably. Even though there is no suspension, the overall length of the bike and the 2″ tires disperse vibrations quite nicely.
On flats, you will have nothing but a smile on your face. However, if you try to ride uphill, you might experience some issues. Due to the position of the pedals, it’s hard to stand up and sprint. Therefore, you will have to lean back and sweat it out. There’s nothing bad in a good workout, right?
Other than that, the brakes do a pretty good job of stopping this 28 lbs cruiser limousine and the shifters are pretty good for normal everyday riding.
Related: Trek Bikes Explained
Electra Townie 7D — Bicycle Guider’s Verdict
If you’re in the market for a simple, cheap, and extremely good-looking cruiser bicycle, then you will not make a mistake if you buy the Electra Townie 7D.
This is a bicycle that does not come without downsides, but its advantages definitely outweigh the few flaws. Especially so considering the low price!
Ride it to work, college, take your kids to school, do a grocery haul, or just cruise around the city and get some vitamin D. Electra Townie 7D can easily do it all.
Hello,
I’m a 5 ft 6’ lady. Looking at store availability? Would the townie go medium men size be a fit for me or would it too big? Thank you.
Hi Leilani,
Medium is ok for you 🙂 It’s just the right size.
I love my Townie but would like to increase the speed. Can I change out the 44 tooth chain ring for one with about, say, 68 teeth?
Hi David,
I suggest you get the bike to your LBC. They will be able to analyze what should be done because there are factors to consider. Townies are not means as race bikes. They are for cruising. If you want a fast bike then consider upgrading to a real road bike. However, do check with your local bike shop to see what needs to be done 😉
I own a womans Electra Townie 7D I’m about 5’4” tall.
Is there a exercise stand that I can purchase for this bike?
Hi Lucy,
Is this what you are looking for?
Hi Jeff 🙂 I have a Townie step through 7D and love it! My question is, does the forward foot technology put undue strain on the knees? Even though I am able to achieve full extension of my legs while riding I realized that the kneecap of my forward leg is not above the ball of my foot when in the 9 o’clock position which is what I read was the ideal position. Thank you in advance for your response.
Hi Shari,
Actually, there is no consensus that says you have to stretch your legs fully when you ride an urban bike. It is ok when there is a bend on your knee. These bikes are designed to have a lower bottom bracket to make mounting easy. Urban bikes are designed to be different from sporty road bikes, so I’d say you are safe with that.
Hi! My friend is selling their 24” 7d Townie. She is 5’0 and needed the 24”. I am 5’8”. Would this bike be right for my size? I know it needs new tires so trying ensure it’s the right fit and cost effective. My store is currently out of stock so I can’t buy new right now . Thank you in advance.
Hi Anne,
Before making such decision, please read my post on bike size chart. The tires aren’t really much of an issue. Pay attention to the frame size. You need to test the bike first, to ensure it is comfortable to ride. A bike that is smaller for you will give you discomfort in the long run. Make sure that the bike has a 16” frame size and is categorized under ‘medium’. If it is too small for you then it will give you problems in the future. Good luck!
Hi: I have an Electra 7D and I absolutely love it! I rode almost 20 miles today on a trail rail, and felt amazing. I’m 71! I have a question. We go to Hilton Head in the winter and I wonder if riding on the beach will ruin the parts of the bike? How would I keep this clean without ruining any of the parts?
I highly recommend this bike. It has given me freedom again!
Hi Carol,
That bike is ideal for road and beach environment. Here’s a good tip on how to prolong the life of your beach cruiser.
Hi Jeff,
We would like to place an order for the townie 7 D (2 bikes) for both my husband and I. I am ordering a step thru in either arctic blue or curry. Need to decide that soon. We are both over 60.
My husband is 5″11 tall and would also like the 7D step thru. Would this same bike also fit him? Based on the color choices, it looks like its meant to be a ladies bike.
Any recommendations are appreciated.
thank you!
Hi Isa,
Just make sure you get him a frame size that’s 17″ under the large category. This bike is meant for riding in comfort so it is ok for him.
Jeff, you suggested Leanne go to the 15”. Is that the 24 inch tire Townie 7D? I am 5’ 1” with 29” inseam and am considering the 24” tire size. Would that size work for me?
Hi Rose,
Yes that frame can still work for your height but if you can find something that’s an inch shorter would be better. You can still go with the 24″ tire size and it will still work for you.
Well placed our order for two Electra Townie EQ Bike’s on 5/18/20. Was told it would be in 6/23/20. I called today 7/1/20 and was told the bikes are on back order and will not arrive until December at the soonest. I had paid in full for the two bikes and the shop told me it is because Trek bikes are sold out everywhere. I asked why did they take my full payment than? They told me because you have to pay in full because they had to order it.
This has pissed me off. I guess I won’t get it u til next year. Good luck people. The shop also said 2500 other Electra bikes are on back order. So beware!!!
Hi Jay,
I am so sorry to hear about your frustration. You can always call them at 1-800-261-1644.
I was in the same situation but I lucked out and found a barely used step thru for my wife and , what I think was the last new step over to be found on the planet, at my local REI store. Picked em up 2 weeks ago. All the bike shops in my area ( SE Tennessee) are sold out of everything but the $3K plus mountain bikes, which I surely didn’t need. Every bike shop I visited had the same story , Covid has the supply line shut down and their store inventory is depleted and what little stock they receive goes out the door the same day. Be patient and don’t give up , after getting a few rides in I can say it will be worth the wait. Hang in there!!
Hi David,
Thanks for the input. Yes, never give up. This pandemic has affected everyone around the world and we just have to be strong.
We did not have to prepay a dime for my Townie. Showed up in about 6 weeks, right on schedule!
Jeff:
I just looked at the Electra Townie 7D, I am 5’3″ tall and older. I tried a Cruise 26″ wheel and could not handle the high bar, needed to go back to the pass thru. Still have my apprehension on the sizing. Wonder if you have any suggestions. The reviews are better on the Electra, then on some of the other bikes.
Regards, LTeplitz
Hi Leanne,
Make sure to get one that’s 15” under ‘small’ size to avoid discomfort.