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[Lottie]

Hi, I am just about to embark on cycling for fitness. I am 50 years old and a slight 5ft 2inches. Any recommendation for type of bike I should buy. Want to do roads and cycle paths, nothing of rough terrain. I'm thinking a hybrid, my budget is £600 max. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[MontyVeda]

buy one that you like to look of and find the weight acceptable... eg, my bike is parked on the first floor, so i don't want to hump too much weight up and down the stairs.

hello and welcome by the way

 

[colly]

Hi Lottie,

I'm sure someone will point you in the right direction.

 

[skudupnorth]

Welcome from me

 

[accountantpete]

Hi Lottie

You need a helping hand at your age - ie a nice light road or hybrid bike with fixed forks ( the suspension forks are very heavy) and a triple or compact chainset will make the hills and wind a bit easier.

Also look at advice on what size you need - this is a minefield these days as there are so many different designs about. Best bet is to try out some at a LBS so you know roughly what size to go for.

Pete (56)

 

[Peteaud]

Hi.

As said try to have a ride of some.

My wife rides a trek hybrid with front sus forks that she loves as as she says "its easy to ride"

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Hello Lottie and .
Don't get a white bike: they are murder to keep clean!
Happy cycling

 

[Primal Scream]

Welcome and good luck with finding the right bike, try Decathalon.

 

[Oxo]

My wife rides a trek hybrid with front sus forks that she loves as as she says "its easy to ride"

My wife rides a Trek FX, no sus forks so the bike is a lot lighter. Trek make specific frames for ladies, not just using smaller mens frames. They also use appropriate gearing.

 

[AnneW]

Hello Lottie! I'm similar vintage to you - I went to Decathlon and tried a few bikes in store. My budget was smaller than yours but I came away with a bike I like. Good luck and happy cycling

 

[Lottie]

Hi Lottie

You need a helping hand at your age - ie a nice light road or hybrid bike with fixed forks ( the suspension forks are very heavy) and a triple or compact chainset will make the hills and wind a bit easier.

Also look at advice on what size you need - this is a minefield these days as there are so many different designs about. Best bet is to try out some at a LBS so you know roughly what size to go for.

Pete (56)

Thanks Pete this is very helpful, do you think Evans are good. I would have to treck to Reading or Bristol so will maybe call first and make sure they have a good range of ladies bikes in stock.

 

[Peteaud]

My wife rides a Trek FX, no sus forks so the bike is a lot lighter. Trek make specific frames for ladies, not just using smaller mens frames. They also use appropriate gearing.

Yes she has a wsd

She rode both the front sus and the rigid, and prefered the front sus model (its a 2012 model).

Yes it weighs more but for the sort of rides she does on it, its not going to matter.