Absolute beginner

[hobbitonabike]

Hi. I'm after some advice being an absolute beginner. My hubby has just taken up road biking and has treated himself to a rather lovely cannondale which I have been coveting since he brought it home. I've decided I would like to give it a go and am looking at around the £300 mark. Hubby recommends the decathlon triban 3 but thought I would get a few comparisons to look at. This might be a stupid question but...do I need to look for a dedicated female bike? Any advice and recommendations will be very gratefully received!! :-)

 

[PpPete]

Depends on your shape (as in relative length of arms/legs/torso - rather than - ahem - "width" ) as to whether a women's specific frame will suit you better.

 

[Cyclist33]

No idea what the Triban 3 is like for a woman but all I can suggest is go try one out. Everyone here says they're the best by miles for that money!

Stu

 

[hobbitonabike]

I would say I'm an odd shape lol. 5'1" but long legs and short torso...my nickname is Frodo within the family if that gives you a mental picture lol lol

 

[Maylian]

Like many suggest the only real thing I can say is give it a go to get a feel for it. I see a few female cyclists on the roads and most of them seem to be on generic "unisex" bikes rather than dedicated female ones.

 

[sidevalve]

Best thing to do would be to pop along to a bike shop or three [don't ignore Halfords either, some are good some bad but they do have a lot of bikes to sit on] and have a few test rides. Remember look for a bike that suits and fits YOU.

 

[hobbitonabike]

Thanks for all the advice. I think my main issue will be the reach from sear to handlebars with my short back and arms. Shame I can't try the t3 as nowhere near a decathlon. Hmmm...try a few different bikes and have a think is my next move.

 

[david k]

boardman do some nice looking bikes