Wife needs a bike

[azfamilyrider]

Hello,
i am looking for a bike for my wife, she has "lower back problems" but she can ride a bike for a certain amount of time, but after going through a million websites looking for the right bike for her, i can not make a decision on a bike for her, we mainly ride our bikes on community bike trails or neighbor streets i am looking for something with super butt comfort and ride comfort and did i forget say comfort comfort comfort and a 3speed or more, can someone chim in and give some opinions on some bikes.

[That Guy]

With comfort as your priority, I'd say have a look at a cruiser style bike. There are several manufacturers to choose from. Depending on what you're wanting to spend, they can get quite extravagant. A cruiser will sit more upright and have a relatively low gearing. Three speeds are fine so long as you don't have many hills. Most bikes can be "made" more comfortable with a squooshy saddle and balloon tires. Don't worry too much about suspension in the beginning, if at all. I'd say start with an LBS and tell them you're looking for a three-speed cruiser and see what they can offer you.

I consider my singlespeed quite comfy (home-grown-gotta-buncha-extra-parts variety). I have two-inch tires and a super thick gel saddle on it. With the tires at low pressure, she rides like a Caddy. I've been thinking of trading up to a Novara Transit, comfy IMO, since it would have more "errand" versatility.

[clanmacleod]

My wife has similar issues. She just got an Electra Townie which has an almost recumbant geometry- it is tilted 23* so she sits upright and can put her feet on the ground. Great for cruising around the neighborhood with our kids.

[RonH]

Anything from Electra (http://www.electrabike.com) will probably fill her needs.

[azfamilyrider]

thanks for the info..

[azfamilyrider]

i am stuck between Electra bikes or dynamtic chainless bikes...

[bbattle]

Stick with the chain.

Bianchi Milano has an 8-speed Nexus hub; just twist the handle to change gears. Very simple, maintenance-free. Comfortable, upright position. Perfect for riding paths, cruising around the neighborhood, heading to the coffee shop.

http://www.bikyle.com/images/BianchiMilanoBlk05.jpg

I've got three bikes and am thinking of adding one of these to the stable. Fun to ride. The eight speeds gives you the ability to ride fast and get up a lot of hills. Having eight gears means the spacing between the gears is closer and you're sure to find the "right" gear whereas a three speed often has you in too hard or too easy a gear.

[azfamilyrider]

thanks for the tip i was thinking of getting 6 gears but 8 sounds much nicer