Advice plse re Ladies Hybrid

[Toshiba Boy]

Hi all, despite 5 bikes of my own, and cycling for 30+ years, I need a little help from the ladies on the Forum re bike choice.

My partner has decided it's time to get a bike for herself ( ), it will be used relatively infrequently and at gentle pace only (bike paths etc.) and I am a little unsure what's a good buy in the following bracket:

Ladies Hybrid.

Price £250-£300

Also, best size for a 5' 3" height / 28" inside leg.

Thoughts would be much appreciated, many thanks.

TB

 

[Fran143]

Hey TB,

I use the Apollo CX10 hybrid from "Halfords" I have always found it to be pleasant and comfortable to ride as it's not cumbersome. That is unless I have my panniers fully loaded. I got this bike in 2006 for £98 obviously newer models now but not much difference in price. http://www.thebikelist.co.uk/apollo/cx.10-ladies-18--2009 I use it when touring or just jooking about the town which sounds pretty much like the reasons your partner needs it for.


Good Luck

Fran.

 

[gbb]

From a fellas point of view, i can offer this advice...
I was in a similar position some time ago...the mistake i made was trying to influence the wifes decision too much...'you dont want that one, too heavy...you ought to think about this one..better gears...etc etc'

She ended up with a bike she didnt like in the end

I aimed her at a nice Dawes hybrid (TBF she did seem to like it at the time)...but she hates it that much in the long term, ive just built her an old raleigh racer, put riser bars on it, gripshifts etc etc. She prefers the ancient (but solid workhorse) Raleigh to the lovely new Dawes.

Dont try too hard...advise, but stand back when it comes to decision time.

 

[vickster]

I liked my Trek 7.3 until I fell off it and then decided it was too small having bought an XL men's bike!

Worth looking at the 7.0 / 2010 7.1? Nice and nippy.

If you want something more solid, Giant and Marin aren't bad

Best to take her to your fave LBS

 

[buggi]

first, don't go for "women's specific". It's a load of old tosh.

2nd, pick a nice colour and your home and dry. Seriously, the colour of my bike is VERY important.

i just sold my mates Claud Butler urban bike. it cost her £300 new and it was cracking bike. had road rims/tyres and same type frame as a road bike, so a fast easy ride, but with a flat handle bars like a mountain bike which i think a lot of novice cyclists like better. Maybe an "urban" type bike is what you're looking for.

 

[Toshiba Boy]

Cheers guys for your much appreciated input, very useful.