Cycling into the comfort zone

Would you ride your bike more if it weren’t so uncomfortable -- if it didn’t make your neck, hands and back ache? If so, you might consider a “comfort bike,” designed for the needs of casual and older riders. These bikes feature cushy seats, riser handlebars and an upright point of view. Here are four comfortable options.

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Upright, with lowered seat

Vision V-7- Thoroughbred: Modified upright bike with lowered seat, forward pedals and extra-tall steering compartment.

Likes: Very comfortable position. The seat is low enough to put feet on the ground while stopped. Large wheels and a 24-speed drive train make it fast enough for a great workout.

Dislikes: You either like the funky looks or you don’t. (I do.) One caution: I hit the low pedals on the ground during sharp turns.

Price: $579. (877) 433-4273; www.visionbikes.com.

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Stylish but uncomfortable

Evox: Long on style, short on execution.

Likes: Beautiful design looks like rolling art. Low and stable. Feet reach the ground while seated.

Dislikes: Heavy. Seating position is uncomfortable; I had to hunch my back forward, instead of leaning back, which made the lumbar-support bar useless. Handlebars may need to sweep farther back. Different-sized wheels require carrying extra inner tubes.

Price: $500. (888) 610-4131; www.evoxcycle.com.

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Extra features and an easy glide

Giant Revive DX: Pizazz, comfort and lots of features.

Likes: Very comfortable, recumbent-style position (similar to the Vision). Head-turning Italian-scooter look gets smiles and thumbs-up from teenagers to grandmas. Feet reach the ground while seated. Many useful features include rear-wheel suspension, fenders, plastic “mag” covers to protect spoked wheels, a hidden chain that protects pants from grease and a solid rack for grocery shopping. It also has an easily adjustable seat and handlebars, and built-in handlebar speedometer-odometer.

Dislikes: Fast on the flat bike path, but not enough gears (just eight) to climb Topanga Canyon. A great value, but still expensive. (Handsome $600 sibling lacks enclosed chain, bike computer and mag wheel covers.)

Price: $800. (805) 267-4600; www.giantbicycles.com.

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Good for mountain basics

Diamondback Wildwood: Superb value in a mountain bike-based comfort design.

Likes: Ideal for beginners. Plush spring seat, riser handlebars and shorter frame put rider in a comfortable, upright position. Frame dips low for easy mounting. The 21-speed drive train can go very fast. Suspension fork and suspension seat post help smooth bumps. With the addition of knobby tires, it can handle basic fire-road mountain biking (impossible for the other bikes reviewed here). Lowest-priced -- and best-looking -- bike of its type from the major brands.

Dislikes: Riding position is not as comfortable as some of the other bikes. Feet don’t touch the ground while seated, requiring better balance.

Price: $279. (800) 222-5527; www.diamondback.com.

-- Roy M. Wallack