Ladies hybrid recommendations

[Dayvo]

I'm looking to buy a hybrid for my misses and fancy one with hydraulic brakes for her, but without suspension. It should be able to take a rack and manage tarmac roads and gravel paths.

And is there any benefit in having a ladies bike (with more of a sloped top tube) or not?

She 1.65 m and 55 kg (if that makes any difference! ).

Thank you for your suggestions.

 

[growingvegetables]

And is there any benefit in having a ladies bike (with more of a sloped top tube) or not?

Last time I bought a new bike for my daughter, I asked that - and was told that women have (on average) proportionately longer legs than men. So women's frames are designed to be that bit shorter between saddle and handlebars, whatever height the top tube is.

Now .... there is a problem there; if you think about it, men's frames are designed for proportionately shorter legs .......... yup! We're all knuckle-dragging neanderthals

 

[Fiona N]

I'm looking to buy a hybrid for my misses and fancy one with hydraulic brakes for her, but without suspension. It should be able to take a rack and manage tarmac roads and gravel paths.

And is there any benefit in having a ladies bike (with more of a sloped top tube) or not?

She 1.65 m and 55 kg (if that makes any difference! ).

Thank you for your suggestions.

I think ladies' frames with the lower top tube (or 'step through' frames, as some would have it) are good for those who don't fancy 'throwing their leg over' the saddle - it really can be quite unladylike and, if you're wearing a tight skirt, completely inadvisable So I would ask what your lady wife is intending to wear to ride - normal clothes, then go for a ladies' frame, more sporty clothes including generally shorts/baggies, then there's more choice to be had with a unisex/men's frame.

 

[Oxo]

Last time I bought a new bike for my daughter, I asked that - and was told that women have (on average) proportionately longer legs than men. So women's frames are designed to be that bit shorter between saddle and handlebars, whatever height the top tube is.

Now .... there is a problem there; if you think about it, men's frames are designed for proportionately shorter legs .......... yup! We're all knuckle-dragging neanderthals

My good lady has a Trek FX hybrid. Trek make bikes with frames specially sized for ladies.

 

[Stu99]

Just bought my better half a Specialised Ariel hybrid with disc brakes and front suspension.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products...-hybrid-bike-ec025031?query=Specialised Ariel

Not exactly the lightest of bikes but she is thrilled with it and it's ideal for her purpose(s) - bombing along bridle paths with the dog and meeting her mates for coffee and cakes at the local garden centre!