VISTA, CA (BRAIN)—Electra Bicycle Company is rolling into the Bicycle Museum of America.
The New Bremen, Ohio-based museum selected two of the company’s popular Townie models to add to its permanent collection.
“I am honored that the Bicycle Museum of America has added a pair of Townies to their exhibits,” said Benno Baenziger, Electra’s founder and co-chief executive officer. “It’s really a testament to the Townie aesthetic, utility and popularity. I set out to create the Townie to give recreational riders something different from the typical comfort mountain bike that was prevalent at the time.
“The Townie was designed with a clean slate and was built upon a new riding position and a unique look and feel. The resulting sales success just reinforced my opinion that riders were looking for an alternative to a warmed-over mountain bike.”
Electra introduced the Townie family of recreational bikes in 2003. The models to be displayed by the museum represent the next evolution of the Townie line and include the men’s Townie Balloon 9D and ladies’ Townie Holiday 3i in Apple Green.
“We recognize the impact that Electra’s Townie line has had on the recreational bicycle market over the past five years,” said Annette Thompson, curator of The Bicycle Museum of America. “They not only redefined the recreational category, but also added a healthy dose of style to it.”
Both bikes feature Electra’s proprietary Flat Foot Technology with innovative updates to the classic Townie design. The Townie Balloon 9D floats over potholes and cracks in the pavement thanks to nine speeds and Schwalbe Fat Frank 2.35-inch balloon tires, while the Townie Holiday 3i sports a unique monochromatic look and stylish front tray, creating a great combination of practical performance and style.
