Suggestions for bike for GF between $200-$400

jcc39

As the title states I am looking to purchase a bike for my girlfriend between $200-$400. The bike would primarily be used for riding on paved roads or walkways but sometimes through dirtpaths and light trails in the woods nothing to serious. So I think I need a hybrid bike correct? It is for recreation only not for commuting so would only be used a couple times a week if that. My gf is 32 yrs old, 6', 145lbs and a slender frame with long legs. She is a novice rider but likes to ride alot. I am just looking for a reliable comfortable bike that she can use and something I can either purchase in the store or can order and get here by this Saturday. Thanks for any advice.

alfeng

Allow me to ask you a question which you can possibly factor into your purchase decision:

jcc39

Never really thought about that. I don't ride anything right now, been to busy to bike lately. We are about the same size, i'm 2" taller but like 100 pounds heavier. I have an old Trek 850 Mountain Track XC that I used through college that I was going to tune up and replace parts to start riding a again. So eventually once I get my Trek repaired, I would like to start riding with her, and it is her birthday on Sat, so I need something for her by then. Thanks

alfeng

Okay! I'm familiar with your Trek ... hardtail with no front suspension ... "okay" components.

MARIN made a "hybrid" which was a shockingly good bargain (IMO) ... I'm pretty sure it had 700c wheels ... aluminum frame ... probably Tektro V-brakes ... don't recall if there is one with/without a front suspension ... it was about $430 a couple of "Summers" ago when I was at my LBS ... might have been "on sale" at that price ... Redwoods (Redwood?) is the model that comes to mind -- sort of mid-range, and might have been from the prior year. Undoubtedly, that model has been superseded ... if you could get something like that as a NOS bike from a prior year, you could possibly negotiate it for between $300-$330 ... especially, if it was from two-or-three seasons ago ... AND, because you would be getting a LARGE/LARGER frame which would probably be dead-inventory for the LBS. The height of the buying season essentially ends on May 31st ... shops are trying to clear inventory.

Like YOUR Trek 850, all of the components on the low end Marins are nonetheless perfectly functional, but a little heavier than the zoot-suit components found on more expensive bikes.

I don't know if there is a significant difference between the different bike brands in any given price range ... so, if you can find-and-negotiate for NOS bike of any known/recognizable-name-to-you from a couple of seasons ago, you'll get more for your money.

gclark8

Where are you? Are you talking US$$ or Aus$$?
As you have a MTB, look for a Comfort style MTB, like Giant Boulder or Sedona. Choose smoother and narrower tyres if its is just for paved surfaces.

If she were local and between 5'5" and 5'8" the bike below would go nicely.

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Cheers,
George.

alfeng

Oh, sorry -- I usually do indicate $0.00US when mentioning prices ... and, that is what those previous Dollar figures refer to.

60ish

I've been riding since 1986. I ride a lot. I'm 60. Do your girlfriend a terrific favor. DO NOT SURPRISE HER with a bike. Take her to a bike shop for her first bike and make sure it fits her. Do not tell the sales staff she doesn't plan to ride seriously; she'll get a "heavy not very serious" bike. You want the "most serious" bike you can get for $400.00. A hybrid bike will be a good starter. Raleigh had a C500 last year. It's aluminum with an aluminum fork (not very comfortable but a start). A carbon fork is an easy upgrade for the future with lots of closeout sales available every year. Carbon is very comfortable. Anyway you might find it on sale this year for around $400.00. Try not to add a kickstand and rack. It just makes the bike heavy. TREK and Specialized both have extensive entry level bikes that fit women well. They both have relatively shorter top tubes that tend to fit women better. The component group is important and the weight of the bike is very important. Try to get a bike around 21-23 pounds, but do not get a bike heavier that 26-27 pounds (that's what my old steel bike weighed) . She'll never be able to keep up with you; you want her to be faster than you, right? Good luck. I'd like to hear how you make out.

Little Jackie

Buy any comfort bike that fits and is not too heavy that she likes the look of. Don't rush in to anything just for the sake of getting a bike this weekend. I don't know much about bikes that are available in the US, but here Giant does an extremely good range of comfort bikes which are reasonable quality at good prices.

Then buy her some hard wearing slicks, preferrably in AU$50 each price range. If she really gets into it you can work on changing gearing to make it a really nice bike!

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Jackie

Road Bike: Felt F100

XS Ladies Giant Upland (modified)- see it go!
http://www.cyclingforums.com/t363004.html

jcc39

Thank you all for insight. I've taken her out to check out some bikes and she test rode and liked a NOS 04' Schwinn Voyageur GSX for $300 or an plans to try out a new 06' Trek 7200 for $380 once they get it built. Planning to take a look at some of the Jammis bikes tommorow will let you guys know what we decide on. Thanks again.

Little Jackie

Please don't forget to get some good tires with low rolling resistance. Difference between a lady riding or not as a beginner!

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Jackie

Road Bike: Felt F100

XS Ladies Giant Upland (modified)- see it go!
http://www.cyclingforums.com/t363004.html