Recreational & Family - My wife and I are wanting to buy a couples bikes - need direction

My wife and I are in pretty good shape. Running is getting too hard on our joints (not that we are old). We both enjoy bicycling very much. We both know that they can get very expensive. Before we go there, we want to see how much use they will get. I have no idea where to start. My wife would like to find some sort of hybrid. We will be riding on the roads a little, bicycle paths mostly, and maybe some light trail riding. Any advice or guidance would be appreciated?

Grab a couple of used mountain bikes on Craigslist. You should be able to get something decent for under $100. You may need to put a little work into it, or you could spend a bit more and get something that needs less work. Buy a good set of slicks and you'll be all set for some good fitness riding. If your budget allows you could just buy a hybrid, but I would recommend a good quality older MTB so you can decide what kind of riding you like and what kind of bike would best match your style.

I just looked at a couple of Hybrids that were made by "Specialized". The had a new 2006 model on sale for a good price. I think my wife would want the 07, but that is a comfortable bike. They wouldn't win any awards for looks, but it sounds like a good bike.

Michael, I bought a 2006 model of the Giant Cypress SX last week, on sale for 20% off. It is like new because it was never ridden and had been put aside, still in the box, after being on layaway for a potential buyer who backed out. They finally assembled it and put it on the floor just before we arrived at the shop last week. The only difference I'm aware of between last year's model and this year's is the color.

I'm having a blast on it. I was worried too that I may not continue riding...... but that was before I brought it home and rode it. :)

Jen

Yen, glad to hear you are so happy with your Giant Cypress. Sounds like a good deal too. I just ordered a Giant Simple 7 to tool around the neighborhoods. Can hardly wait til it gets here. The LBS suggested the Giant Sedona because we have some dirt & gravel here but I didn't really think I would need all the gears and the suspension. Hope it was the right decision. The Cypress is a great looking bike.

I just bought my wife and I each a moutain bike. They are Motobecane 700HT, but they could have been just about any MTB. We looked at comfort bikes and hybrids but ultimately decided that because we wanted them for family & fitness riding, efficiency on pave road isn't that big a deal. Big knobby tires offer a lot of resistance, so we wouldn't have to scoot too fast around the neigborhood or bike paths in order to get some good exercise. Comfort-wise, we both felt the more upright riding postion with "comfort bike" less natural than the slight leaning forward with MTB.

How far and long do you plan to ride? If it's mostly paved roads, then a hybrid would be a good choice assuming you want a more upright riding position and like to ride fast. Handling is arguably more responsive and some models come with disc brakes (which some may prefer over rim brakes) and most come with a front fork suspension.

A comfort bike is also a good choice and the only difference between a comfort and hybrid is basically the size and width of the tires (26" vs 700c). The wider tires on a comfort bike could allow more gravel and backroad riding plus will help absorb more road irregularities/bumps/potholes a bit better. It depends if the tires are knobbys, has treads, or slicks. Just about all the comfort I've seen come with treaded tires, which is better for roads, and front fork suspension.

Cyclocross bike might be another option. The frame geometry is more relaxed than a road bike and the wider 700c tires are good on fairly hard packed dirt trails without giving up much road performance. You have to decide whether or not drop handlebars is comfortable for your purposes or not. Many cyclocross bikes have a carbon front fork for a better, more comfortable ride.

My wife and I are in pretty good shape. Running is getting too hard on our joints (not that we are old). We both enjoy bicycling very much. We both know that they can get very expensive. Before we go there, we want to see how much use they will get. I have no idea where to start. My wife would like to find some sort of hybrid. We will be riding on the roads a little, bicycle paths mostly, and maybe some light trail riding. Any advice or guidance would be appreciated?

I would test ride a wide variety of bikes before choosing one. Hybrids are okay but if you plan to do a lot of riding you'll outgrow them and want something better.

You say you enjoy cycling very much; what have you ridden in the past?


A hybrid or a fitness bike would suit you well for your indicated riding needs. A Giant FCR or Trek FX or Specialized Sirrus is an example of a fitness bike. Narrower road tires mean you go faster but still have enough rubber to keep you comfortable. A geometry similar to a mtb.; more upright than a roadie but not as upright as a cruiser/comfort bike. My wife rides the Trek 7.5FX and has no troubles on dirt/gravel roads or pavement. Much faster than her hybrid, too.

The front suspension on a hybrid isn't really necessary. It mostly adds weight and robs power. The upright geometry is comfortable but not the most efficient for fast and/or long riding.

If you like road bikes but feel they aren't comfortable enough, try a cyclocross style bike or something like a Specialized Roubaix or Trek Pilot.


If you do opt for a mountain bike, get some road friendly tires. They wil be safer, faster, quieter on the roads. Knobbies aren't needed unless you are riding in mud or soft dirt.