Steering Retrospec Speck 20" I just received the Retrospec Speck 20". 

I'm a 69 y.o. 5'8, 160 lb woman and thought this simple bike would be easy to ride (single gear with rear pedal backward brake). 

I could not ride it because the handle bar had me going 1 to 3 ft left or right despite my efforts to keep it straight. A friend, who doesn't like these bikes in general) thinks the straight handle bar is a big part of the problem. 

I'm thinking of returning it but it is easy for me to fold &amp; keep in my trunk (my last bike was stolen from our buildings bike room). Would you know if the handle bar can be changed on this bike? 

I know a front brake can be added and would do that as well. Thanks for any advice.


  Stock image of this bike
I've never ridden one of these bikes.

I response to your question, I Googled to check it out. The reviews are not flattering.

But to answer your question, I see that the angle of the steerer and front forks looks very steep. I'm not surprised that it feels like you're all over the place. Combined with the narrow handle bars, it would take a while to learn to control it - so I do agree with your friend. 

Wider handlebars would help, but check that it still folds correctly with them on it before you pay for them.

If you can practice riding somewhere there is plenty of room, with time you should be able to learn to control it.

But if possible, I would return it, and invest the money in a better product.