Bike for the misses

[bobzrag]

Hey, I'm looking for some advice on buying a bike for the wifey. She's into going to the beach, some hills, looking to have fun and get some exercise, probably want's a 7 speed, so I don't think it's a cruiser.

She doesn't really know what she wants - any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

[jfromlv]

Tandem

[Shu]

Giant Bicycles | Â*bikes - women - Boulder SE w

something like this would eb good for someone who isn't sure what she wants to do...not expensive and will handle light off-road...worst case it turns into a beach cruiser w/ gears and front suspension

[PacMan]

My wife has a Raleigh that she loves and it would work for your wife based on what you said her needs were. Raleigh's site seems to be down right now, so here's a generic bike shop link.
Raleigh Women's Mojave 4.5 - bicyclewarehouse.com

[Tighe ridr]

I had an old bike that was too big for my wife. Took off all the components and bought a frame that fit on e-bay for $70. (diamond back) Nearly a new frame. I had to buy a new headset and all I heard for the whole time I was waiting for the part, "When is my bike gonna be ready." Trying to convince her that I was building her a killer bike was almost impossible. "Just buy one from Target." she says. What an insult. Boy did I ever waste my time and money, could've bought something for my bike, Cause guess how many times she has ridden it...... ONCE!!!! Oh Well still love her anyway.

[carbonman]

Make sure that she likes the way the bike looks.....gots to be the right color.

[Letyrides]

Originally Posted by Shu

Giant Bicycles | Â*bikes - women - Boulder SE w

something like this would eb good for someone who isn't sure what she wants to do...not expensive and will handle light off-road...worst case it turns into a beach cruiser w/ gears and front suspension

My "first" mtb was a Giant Boulder. 5 years later I'm still abusing it...this thing is indestructable (even hit it with my car)! It's been EVERYWHERE with me..beach, Loop, STT, Aliso, Oaks, even raced it in Big Bear. I'm finally upgrading but I'm not getting rid of good ol' Chitty

[Winger]

#1 rule is get her something that she likes & truly wants.

I pushed a geared bike on my wife and she wanted a beach cruiser (still don't know how she'd ride it with all the hills around here, but that leads us to the practical versus emotional debate.....). But every time we have an argument she reminds me that she never gets what she wants and uses the bike as an example.

Anyhow, we settled on a Trek Navigator. It is a comfort bike that can handle some very minor offroad.

[xhuskr]

Specialized WS bike. Base model shown at
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=21940

but should work fine for her. You can go higher up. I bought my wife one a few years ago and she loves it.

[tbowren]

I recently bought my wife a new Specialized Crossroads hybrid.

It is a funky looking bike that cost less than my rear wheel. The bars are about 2 feet higher than the saddle, and I'm almost embarassed to put it on my bike rack, but she LOVES to ride it so thats all that really matters.

[bobzrag]

I made the mistake of buying her a bike a couple years ago for her birthday - a bike I "thought" she would like...not going to make that mistake again

Thanks for the suggestions, I did a little surfing last night to see if I could help her narrow down what she would like to get.

A little frustrating, but I think we are getting there. She is going to check out some of the Phat Bikes in Seal Beach today, they look pretty cool.

It's funny when you mention costs - when she's spending less on a complete bike than some of the components on your bike, you have to give her the green light!

We'll see what she ends up with

[~ Pakiha ~]

I talked about getting a bike for my wife for years before actually getting serious about it. At first it was lets just go to target, and she was amazed that i found that comment almost offensive.Finally after our umpteenth visit to Supergo for me, she said she wanted to take a look at those bikes. Her first choice was a baby blue Spec'd Stumpy Comp. She tried a few others, but after a few more laps around the parking lot she made up her mind. She's yet to go off roading in it, but we have done countless laps around the neighborhood, and I used it for a commuter even for a few months. She's even used it to weasel my wallet open for biking clothes. She's all set to ride, but she wants a trainer now. Even though about 10 miles of Freshly made Rails-to-Trails is behind our house.

Isn't that right honey?

But I love her and will more then likely get the trainer and escort her down the trails till she's used to it.

But yeah, if you take her to a nice bike shop *cough* JENSON *cough* be prepared to fill out a financing form.

[Kid A]

few years back i got my wife an entry level "womens specific" design from REI (Navaro)..think i wish i had gotten her a better bike. Think there are certainly some things that help. Frame geometry (smaller cockpit), narrower handlebars but can probably accomodate with just making sure you have right fit/swap some component if non WS.

That said, highly suggest getting a bike that will meet the needs of the trails planned to ride. I had taken her on a few rides that the bike just wasn't set for and she really didn't enjoy herself. hard to swap rigs as not same size and have no desire to tell her to man up. if your gonna do any real mtb suggest bypass lighter HT and get some sus in back and disk brakes...makes rides not so harse and give confidence on downs. will make it alot easier on her and YOU!

[~ Pakiha ~]

That reminds me I need to get her some new tires & pedals. I'd up grade to disc brakes, but I'll wait to see if she'll need them.

[Blonde Wahine]

So yeah, this is Mrs. Pakiha, and he says I have to respond. Yes, its a great bike, love it. Wouldn't mind going off road with it, just have to find a babysitter for a three and a half year old and a one year old. Jared's used it more than me at this point, but it's not my fault I couldn't get on it for about a 9 month period. I believe part of that blame rests with him. :} Anywho, good bike, love it, DON"T GO TO TARGET (or walmart or anywhere else cheap) Get a nice bike for her, she'll appreciate it, even if she never uses it for anything crazy.

[~ Pakiha ~]

Thanks Love! and yes that whole 9 month hiatus was my fault ;P

[bobzrag]

thanks for the input everyone, we went out to Main St Cyclery in Seal Beach and got a Phat Cycle Aloha, three speed (located in the hub - anyone know if these are any good?) She loves it...that's the important thing! The guys at Main St have been really good to my wife and her friends as well!

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