New woman cyclist 1st bike - suggestions?

[SquareDaff]

OK - before we start - the woman is not me - it's Mrs SD.
She's hoping to start cycling so that we can go together.
Let's just say that she isn't confident on a bike so this will be a long term project that may not last. But we'll try!

Want to spend between £200 and £400 on a bike so that she can get something decent that won't fall to bits after a few miles but that won't be too much of a loss if she abandons the cycling after a couple of months.

Right the criteria - the bike will be used mainly on roads over short distances (3-5) miles to begin with and ,hopefully, eventually a 13 mile daily commute. Due to lack of confidence an upright position will be preferable. Lack of confidence will probably also necessitate either a low crossbar or woman specific model. It might also be used on some light off road. So loose gravel / canal tow paths etc.. - but the primary use will be commuting.

It will need to be mudguard and pannier rack compatible too.

So any suggestions?

 

[qwiksilver]

trek navigator wsd slightly more expensive but well worth it its get Mrs Q's vote neways

 

[SquareDaff]

Had a look at that one - think it's pretty certain Mrs SD won't like it. She's had a look at at few bikes on websites and doesn't like ones in the "mopeds of the 80's" style. She thinks (and I don't know any better) that there may be lateral play in the frame when pedalling if both weld points are so close together at right next to the BB.

 

[vickster]

Specialized Vita - too sporty? http://www.leisurewheels.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b3s24p8839&rs=gb&vid=29569 (female version of the Sirrus, so assume will take guards and rack, like my Sirrus)

 

[citybabe]

I've just bought a Specialized Vita Sport and would highly recommend it. Also the Vita looks a pretty good buy. They both take full mudguards and have fittings for a rack on the back

 

[SquareDaff]

Specialized Vita - too sporty? http://www.leisurewheels.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b3s24p8839&rs=gb&vid=29569 (female version of the Sirrus, so assume will take guards and rack, like my Sirrus)

I think that would be ideal. At the moment she's been riding a very wallowy, cheap full suspension MB, mainly due to the lack of confidence- but IMO, that might be part of the problem. A bike that feels soft in turns won't be helping. Will go and have a proper look at this in my lunchtime. Thanks!

 

[wanda2010]

I've just bought a Specialized Vita Sport and would highly recommend it. Also the Vita looks a pretty good buy. They both take full mudguards and have fittings for a rack on the back

Oh dear..........

I have a rack lying around at home with no suitable bike to put it on AND the 2011 model (Vita Elite) has my fave colour in it. I believe I can hear my CC squealing in terror

 

[soulful dog]

You mention an upright riding position due to lack of confidence, depending on how important this is, instead of a more sporty bike like the Specialized Vita, perhaps something like the Trek 7.0 FX 2011 that allows the handlebars to sit higher would be worth looking at?

From my own personal experience of riding something similar to the Trek Navigator and going to a more sporty hybrid, the change to a lower handlebar was quite noticeable. Though depending on how her MTB is set up, maybe it won't make a difference.

 

[SquareDaff]

OK - have now dragged Mrs SD around various LBS's - got her to try a few different styles - worked out what frame sizes she feels comfortable with and finally got out of her what she wants out of a bike - have ordered this beauty!!

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=45910

Looked like a bargain to me and had a decent spec for a 1st bike. Thoughts?

 

[SquareDaff]

Think I must have got the last one!

 

[soulful dog]

Terrific for a 1st bike! Did you buy it for her, if so, do you want to get divorced and marry me instead?

I bought myself the Be One Copper from CRC, which is pretty similar I think. It's a bit lighter and I think has slightly higher gearing (if feels like it anyway after my Claude Butler Odysessy!), I just liked the colour . It doesn't have an upright riding position mind you, but it's a really nice bike, to be fair it's my first ever new bike but it just feels like it oozes quality. I'm sure your wife will love it.

 

[SquareDaff]

Hopefully - and yes I bought it. It'll be for her birthday on 25th of this month. It'll be ideal for her. Her max commute will be 6.5 miles each way with a few hills. I know the suspension adds weight (which is why my bike doesn't have any) but for her comfort is all. Knew she'd like the colour and I know she wanted the padded grips!! The rest of the spec she left to me once I knew what "cockpit" layout she preferred. Thought Deore throughout was a winner considering the spec on bikes usually at that price range! Just need to organise some mudguards and pannier rack now.

 

[SquareDaff]

Do you want to get divorced and marry me instead?

I think Mrs SD would have something to say about that!

 

[soulful dog]

Yep those BeOne bikes appear to be a bargain at that price. It'd be nice to hear how your wife gets on with it. I went from a really upright riding position on my old bike and by comparison the Be One feels tiny, but after a few weeks of riding it I've got used to it and on a nice day like today, it's a joy to ride. I've fiited SKS chromo mudguards, but at the moment it almost feels like a real shame to dare taking it out to get a bit wet and possibly dirty!

 

[SquareDaff]

I'll let you know how she manages. It's actually turned up today in a MASSIVE box. Fortunately I have the BH weekend to set it all up so she can just hop on it on her birthday!

I fit SKS's on my bike in winter and love them - so will also be fitting them to Mrs SD's. Plus a rack. Have yet to look at the tyres it comes with but suspect I might also be putting on some slicker ones more suitable for road use.

Get your bike out in the rain!! Cycling in the wet stuff is great . Either that or I'm slightly insane!