Help for my partner.

[nickg]

Hello. My partner is looking for a bike. Ive got a road bike and a mtb for work and out with the kids. My partner is just starting out. So what should I get her? Dont think she wants full road bike but I dont want her to have a mtb because I would like her to do some distance on it if she likes riding. Also she needs to be able to go on slightly rough terrain with the kids. So should we be looking for hybrid? If so what should I look for in a hybrid?

 

[FreeFlow Bikes]

You could look at a Hybrid or a touring bike.

A hybrid will have flat bars bigger wheels than a road bike so will allow for riding on canal paths as well as roads etc.

Do you have a budget in mind?

 

[nickg]

No not really. Probably gonna buy second hand as get better value for money. So what makes should we advoid?

 

[Blue Hills]

Second hand bikes can be poor value - bits worn. If you can I'd go for a new bike in a sale.I'd also check out the Specialized Vita range - female specific - fairly sporty hybrid - several models.

 

[vickster]

The Vita has quite skinny tyres, not sure I'd want to ride one on very rough stuff, very much a road going fast hybrid (basically the WSD Sirrus)

The Trek 7.x range are very good and light, but slightly fatter tyres. Giant make some good quickish hybrids also. Probably nothing to be really avoided (other than supermarket/Argos BSOs and also Trax and Apollo from Halfords). The Pinnacles from Evans aren't bad, nor the Carrera Subway from Halfords, reasonably rugged but still rigid forks

If buying used, go for a lightly used impulse buy...

 

[Blue Hills]

good point vickster - I read the OP post too quickly.

Maybe she needs two bikes

 

[vickster]

Of course

Something like the Specialized Ariel might suit (WSD Crosstrail), just go with lock out forks, better for pootling with the klids, less good on roads but not as hard work as an MTB as have 700c wheels (can always add some slightly narrower tyres)

I'd head to Evans or similar and see what she likes the look of

 

[nickg]

Right went and had a quick look in halfords today. She likes the hybrids with the 28" wheels. She likes an apollo sprinter I think it was. But I didnt. So trying to steer her away from it.

 

[mrandmrspoves]

Right went and had a quick look in halfords today. She likes the hybrids with the 28" wheels. She likes an apollo sprinter I think it was. But I didnt. So trying to steer her away from it.

I'm not going to be nasty about Halfords. ...but they have a generally poor reputation with cyclists because their quality control is lacking. Some stores do have knowledgeable and helpful staff and others don't. Their Apollo range is pretty budget stuff and quality will be poor. If that is your budget - go 2nd hand.

 

[vickster]

If she likes that bike, look for a Specialized Ariel or Giant Rove

http://www.specialized.co.uk/us/en/bikes/multi-use/ariel

http://www.shopgiant-bicycles.co.uk...gin=pla?kwd=&gclid=CLPnvLb_p7cCFUzHtAodHHcATA

 

[nickg]

Yeah I know halfords not the best but was only chance I got today. Will be going to lbs over next few days for her. Thanks for the link. I like the look of them so will see what she says in the morning.

 

[vickster]

Giant store in Cambridge might be worth a visit if not too far - they usually have a wide choice of ladies bikes on display (the one in Twickenham does)

 

[nickg]

Well she has bought the Carrera crossfire 1. Its actually a nice bike. Ideal for her we have been out a couple of times already. Only done 3-4 miles each time but building her confidence. She loves the bike and feels incontrol.