General Cycling Discussion - Help...This women's bike any good?

I want to buy a "cheap" bike for my gf to commute to work with me.

Is this any good? From Canadian Tire. It's regularly $300 on sale for $179 which is a pretty good price.

Raleigh Prism Hybrid Bike, Ladies (http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortments/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443250633&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396670340&bmUID=1152842709325)

http://images.canadiantire.ca/media/images/BicyclesAccessories/BikesAdult/0711347_450_CC_2c90f.jpg

Hybrid bike with high-tensile steel diamond frame and RST front fork suspension
Available in 16 and 18-inch frame with Kenda 700 x 38C tires
21-speed Shimano Revo indexed shifter
Shimano Tourney derailleurs
Alloy adjustable stem, suspension seat post
Comfort saddle
Jalco alloy rims, alloy quick-release Joytech hubs
We recommend bikes be professionally assembled


Keep in mind she doesn't need anything fancy before you call me a cheapskate for not buying top of the line, lol.

It's a pretty low "spec" but should be quite serviceable.....Most likely a tad on the hefty side.

The best part is that last line: "we recommend bikes be professionally assembled." For that price I would say go for it. But do what they say.

I want to buy a "cheap" bike for my gf to commute to work with me.

Is this any good? From Canadian Tire. It's regularly $300 on sale for $179 which is a pretty good price.

Raleigh Prism Hybrid Bike, Ladies (http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortments/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443250633&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396670340&bmUID=1152842709325)

http://images.canadiantire.ca/media/images/BicyclesAccessories/BikesAdult/0711347_450_CC_2c90f.jpg

Hybrid bike with high-tensile steel diamond frame and RST front fork suspension
Available in 16 and 18-inch frame with Kenda 700 x 38C tires
21-speed Shimano Revo indexed shifter
Shimano Tourney derailleurs
Alloy adjustable stem, suspension seat post
Comfort saddle
Jalco alloy rims, alloy quick-release Joytech hubs
We recommend bikes be professionally assembled


Keep in mind she doesn't need anything fancy before you call me a cheapskate for not buying top of the line, lol.



Rather depends on your commute... If it is a short distance and on relatively flat ground, why not? Just make double sure of the assembly. Also, let her try it out and make sure she is comfortable and likes it. My dad once made the mistake of bringing home something for my mom she couldn't stand. It still sits in the shed out back and has been ridden exactly three times.

Make sure it fits her properly and that she likes it. Best if she can test ride a few, but that might not be possible.

I commute on a raleigh c40 - it is like a tank - reliable, no problems on rough roads with potholes, trash etc, but very heavy. I agree with her riding a few and then deciding which one she likes. My commute is about 8-ten miles round trip. I also used it for rides up to 25 miles before I got my road bike. Also - if you are getting this so you can ride together - are you riding the same type? If you have a much lighter sleeker bike - it will be hard for her to keep up with you.

Isn't Canadian Tire a big box type store?

Hey guys, thanks for the responses.

I'm riding a Marin Muirwoods, not superfast but comfy. We only commute 30 mins each way and I don't go very fast when I'm with her so I'm not worried about her keeping up. Its just that she has a old crapper bike which needs all kinds of repairs and tuneups so I thought this would be the better way to go.

Darn, the reason why I don't want to have her test-drive it first is because I want it to be a small surprise, but also she probably wouldn't let me buy it for her. I'll ask the store what their return policy is maybe we'll test drive it on the grass or something first.

That bike is spec'd like a $179 bike. Certainly no steal.

Isn't Canadian Tire a big box type store?

Yep.

Is this any good? From Canadian Tire. It's regularly $300 on sale for $179 which is a pretty good price.

That's $179 Canadian, right? So how much is that in real money?

Generally I find Raleigh bikes in that price range to be pretty reliable except for the brakes. When the brake calipers start to rub or lean to one side, I recommend making only one attempt to get them adjusted and working right. If that doesn't work, throw the calipers away and replace them with a medium price Shimano caliper and you'll be good to go.

That's $179 Canadian, right? So how much is that in real money?

Generally I find Raleigh bikes in that price range to be pretty reliable except for the brakes. When the brake calipers start to rub or lean to one side, I recommend making only one attempt to get them adjusted and working right. If that doesn't work, throw the calipers away and replace them with a medium price Shimano caliper and you'll be good to go.

EVen if it is $158 U.S., I still don't regard it as a great deal. That bike basically is spec'd like a department store bike with Raleigh's name. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the bike, just don't believe it to be a great deal.

Looks good, at this price point, I'm more concern about the fit.

Cheapskate!!!!

Thanks for all the comments. I may go with this bike only because there is a bike service near my work that helps repair/tune-up bikes, you provide the labour they provide the tools for $5/hr. If I bring it in, they will help me tighten up all the screws and check the grease etc. and these guys obviously know what they're doing.

The parts aren't that bad being Shamano despite probably being their lower end components but like I said my gf probably wouldn't notice the difference. I'm going to get the store to assemble it for me tomorrow then see how it looks. I did go to some bike shops and a named brand bike such as Giant or Miele with comparable parts is at least double the price.

If it was for me, I'd go with a better bike from a bike store but in this case I may give this one a shot.

Isn't Canadian Tire a big box type store?

Yes, it's a large chain that specializes in automotive and hardware items. Normally BF participants steer buyers away from "department store" bikes.

The reason I think this purchase is probably OK is that Raleigh Canada is an established company and the bike will presumably not be assembled by someone in the first week of their summer job.

Cheapskate!!!!

Don't take it personally, javguy: accusing people of being cheap is kind of a recurring theme for bkaapcke.