Recreational & Family - Looking at bikes

Hello everyone, I am new to the forum. I am an old freestyler. I recently got married and started building a bike. My wife has caught the fever (kind of). She is looking at a hybrid style bike. She has narrowed it down to 1) Specialized Sport 2) Giant Sedona DX 3) Raleigh C40. All of these are the 2003 models.

Since I know nothing about these "big" bikes I was wondering what is the better one to go with. I recommended the Giant or Specialized, although when I rode the Raleigh with her, we were both impressed with the way the Raleigh shifted. Very smooth.

What do you all recommend?
Thanks for the help,
Then new guy

Originally posted by cifer6425
Hello everyone, I am new to the forum. I am an old freestyler. I recently got married and started building a bike. My wife has caught the fever (kind of). She is looking at a hybrid style bike. She has narrowed it down to 1) Specialized Sport 2) Giant Sedona DX 3) Raleigh C40. All of these are the 2003 models.

Since I know nothing about these "big" bikes I was wondering what is the better one to go with. I recommended the Giant or Specialized, although when I rode the Raleigh with her, we were both impressed with the way the Raleigh shifted. Very smooth.

What do you all recommend?
Thanks for the help,
Then new guy

Sorry, I am not into hybrids. But, I do know that all three brands should be good and pretty comparable. Raliegh has a good reputation for a decent bike at a lower cost.

I think that whatever strikes her fancy and seems to fit bes would be the best deal.

Most components will be similar, and difference most likely due to proper or not so proper adjustment.

Help - is there anyone out there who is knowledgeable aboput hybrids?

Anyway, welcome to the forums, and thanks for asking in this group. I am sure there will be someone more knowledgeable about hybrids than I answering soon.

There is not a whole lot to chose between hybrids in a similar price range, so go with one which feels good. Lighter and sportier ones are probably better than ones loaded down with suspension etc.

Make sure the fit is good. Too many women are riding bikes which are too big.

Most hybrids could do with some upgrading. Make sure the saddle is comfy. There are some good womens saddles, such as Terry Liberator. The tyres are often a bit stodgy. For riding mostly on the road, consider some thinner, higher pressure slicks. 28mm seem to be a good all-round size.
You should be able to get the upgrades done at purchase time.
Most importatnt is to buy from a shop you like and trust.

Thats what i told the wife, at a later date we can upgade some of the parts. i can do most of the work there.

thanks for the help!