Bicycle recommendations?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Bicycle recommendations?

Posted: 9/17/2005 7:15:22 PM EDT

Wife mentioned, once she gets down here to FL next month, wanting to get a bike and start riding. She's not in great shape and wee bit on the heavy side.

So, what would you all recommend for a good bike? Obviously not a mountain bike, but something that will be comfortable for her, allow her to get exercise, and want to continue riding. No hills here in Pasco County, and lots of sidewalks.

Posted: 9/17/2005 7:18:07 PM EDT

[#1]

A hybrid style with 27" wheels will be the best for road and sidewalk. You get some speed, combined with a relaxed upright seating position.

Trek 7500

Posted: 9/17/2005 7:25:52 PM EDT

[#2]

I'd second the hybrid/combination type. Get one of the simple, cheaper types in Wal-Mart at first. As she progresses, then you can go to a better bike. For the latter, I recommend Cannondale or Trek. Both are top quality, and feel different. Just pick the one that handles/feels better for her.

Posted: 9/17/2005 7:28:00 PM EDT

[#3]

Go to a BICYCLE SHOP

Go to a BICYCLE SHOP

Go to a BICYCLE SHOP

Go to a BICYCLE SHOP

Go to a BICYCLE SHOP

Go to a BICYCLE SHOP

Go to a BICYCLE SHOP

Go to a BICYCLE SHOP

Did I mention - Go to a BICYCLE SHOP!!

I worked for 7 years in shops and I can firmly tell you that buying from anywhere else is false economy. You will often spend more on repairs in the 1st year than you could ever save buying elsewhere. In additon, department stores/walmart/target/meijer bikes are heavy, clunky junk that are poorly assembled and don't last.

Go to a BICYCLE SHOP

Posted: 9/17/2005 7:42:48 PM EDT

[#4]

Get her a beach cruiser. Nice wide bars and a comfortable seat.

Posted: 9/17/2005 7:50:15 PM EDT

[#5]

a 26x2.25 tire will be able to handle much more newbie curb abuse then a 27x1.25

get her a Giant from a shop
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/page.asp

Posted: 9/17/2005 7:57:06 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
A hybrid style with 27" wheels will be the best for road and sidewalk. You get some speed, combined with a relaxed upright seating position.

Trek 7500

I second this. I got my wife a 7300. She likes it pretty well, I must admit the seat is pretty cushy

Posted: 9/17/2005 8:09:25 PM EDT

[#7]

Look for something you can integrate into your life, not a specific "exercise bike". Use it to go to the shops, bank, etc. The best thing for that is probably a three or five speed internal Sturmey-Archer style hub, fenders, and something you can slap panniers on to haul small loads. Unfortunately the style these days is all mountain bikes or wannabe mountain bikes, so a bike like that can be hard to find.

You should definetley go to a bike store. They can get you properly fitted and they sell quality products, not the crap that's at warehouse stores.

Posted: 9/17/2005 8:27:17 PM EDT

[#8]

I second the "go to a bike shop" recomendation.

Also, fenders are a big plus! Then you don't have an excuse for when it's wet outside. And don't be afraid of the lycra shorts, there's a reason we wear them. They're comfortable!!

Posted: 9/17/2005 8:28:33 PM EDT

[#9]

A couple key points.

- flat bars like a mountain bike

- thin tires, like a road racer

- don't get the fat cushy seat, this will be uncomfortable once she gets in better shape, trust me on this.

- gears, not a cruiser

- professional fit at a good shop, you'll spend more there than at Wal Mart but it doesn't have to be an arm and leg. fit is everything in terms of comfort and minimizing injury

- while Cannondale and Trek are great ( I have 2 Cannondales) you can probably save a few bucks by buying a Giant

- again, get fit by a pro shop

Posted: 9/18/2005 10:06:58 AM EDT

[#10]

Go to a reputable bike shop.

They can fit her to the bike and ensure you get something that will work well for years to come. Avoid the walmart specials. Those tend to be bikes of lesser quality.

Max

Posted: 9/18/2005 10:21:22 AM EDT

[#11]

Get a hybrid from a bicycle shop.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Bicycle recommendations?

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