Comfort MTB

Richard is our Reid Rider of the Month for April!

Richard is our Reid Rider of the Month for April on his Comfort MTB, after reaching out to us with his amazing stories of his bike rides with his Reid. We caught up with Richard to find out a little bit more about him and his adventures on his Comfort…

Introduce yourself…

Hello, I am Richard Brager and I’m 62 years old. I have been retired nearly 3 years and live in the village of Sauk City Wisconsin, USA. Sauk City is located on the Beautiful Wisconsin River. I am fortunate that the starting point to the Great Sauk State Trail is near my home, this a wonderful paved trail that is built on an abandoned railroad bed. The trail follows the Wisconsin River and into the magnificent Baraboo Bluffs. I have 3 grandchildren and a son in law that bike occasionally with me on the trail.

When and how did you get into bike riding?

I started biking in 2006 as a way to get in better shape and lose a little weight. I cycled the open road 1 hour every day on an old Huffy Rockslide 10-speed.

What made you choose the Comfort?

In 2008 I upgraded and purchased a Trek road bike, however I retired in 2018 after 41 years with Springs Window Fashions and I knew riding the Trek was no longer an option due to many back and hip injuries. I took my retirement gift money and purchased an “XL” Reid Comfort MTB bicycle, money well spent! I knew instantly when I test rode the Reid Comfort MTB that it was the bike for me.

Is this your first ‘Commuter’ MTB?

I know this is considered a type of “Mountain Bike” but I ride it as an extremely comfortable road bike due to the larger tires, built in suspension and larger padded bike seat (no funky padded bike shorts needed)!

How has it treated you?

I do ride in the road biking position with my elbows resting on the handgrips. I ride a highway bike lane to a nearby town as well as the Great Sauk State Trail. In my first 2 years of ownership I logged 10,000 miles on my Reid Comfort bike. I averaged just over 15 miles per hour and calculate my front sprocket turns to be 250 per mile. To achieve 10,000 miles that means the front sprocket turned 2,500,000 times… an astonishing amount! After 10,000 miles my Reid needed a total rebuild as I had it worn out. New rear wheel, chain, front cassette and crank, bottom bracket, brakes, and narrower tires for greater speed.

What and where have you been with it?

Last summer my 11 year old grandson and I rode for Multiple Sclerosis, Camden (my grandson) 25 miles and I, 50 miles. It was a great way to teach Camden how to use your energy to help others. I have ridden the beautiful “Bearskin State Trail” out of Minocqua Wisconsin and the Timpoochee trail near Destin Florida.

Do you have any other future adventures planned?

I have ridden 600 miles so far and am hoping to ride several thousand more this season!

Finally, what advice would you give to those who are considering getting into cycling or perhaps have never tried it before?

Purchasing the Reid Comfort bike was money well spent and is as it says, comfortable! Getting out and biking has been a great way to enjoy nature, spend time with the grandchildren and to meet many new and wonderful friends on the Great Sauk State Trail. Biking has also been a way to inspire and encourage others. My son in law and brother in law were inspired to bike daily and set goals after seeing what I could accomplish. Never doubt yourself! You will be amazed what you can do if you try. ” Get out and bike!”

Curious about our range of Comfort bikes? Check them out here!

Got a story to tell, want to be our Reid Rider of the month?

Let us know by sending us an email, or simply #reidbikes on Instagram for your chance to be featured.