help getting my wife into biking

[arej00dazed]

...

[cyberbillp]

I got my GF a Trek 1.2 Pilot. It's a comfortable road bike with an upright riding position, yet almost as light as my carbon fiber Trek 5000. It's a great bike with a less aggressive stance. But they are about a grand.

[East Hill]

Can you suggest a type of bike that is light weight, really comfortable (particularly for her butt) and makes riding easy? It be nice if she came riding with me and the kids (trailer) for once. Price is a problem, so lets say $100-500 MAX range.

I don't think that there is an easy-to-ride bike, that is lightweight, and comfortable, all for $100. I think you'd be closer to that goal for $500, though.

Just for reference, what is the 'tank' she has currently? What are you riding?

East Hill

[Chief5286]

Imho, the only cure for butt soreness is sitting on the bike for a week or two (not continuously, of course) until one gets accostomed to it.

As for getting your wife into biking, have you considered going dancing with her once in a while? A nice quid pro quo? She might end up enjoying the ride, and you may enjoy dancing. At the least, maybe have a nice chat with her?

[mustang1]

If she's like my wife, install a mobile phone (I think Americans call them 'cellphones') and a wireless earpiece. Take out all the gears, keep it a high ratio fixed, and a big comfortable saddle.

[littlewaywelt]

Forcing (or trying to) someone into a sport that's clearly expressed a lack of interest is a bad idea, imho. If you really want to cycle with her, then at minimum, you need to start going dancing with her.

If you want to do something together consider trying some new sports like rollerblading, etc.

If the bike seat is the problem, there are plenty of solutions. You can get a thick gel pad cover ($20) to go over a recreational/exercise bike saddle ($25) which will completely eliminate pressure points.

[Hobartlemagne]

Get an aftermarket, thickly padded, women specific saddle. That will solve the sore butt issue.

[webist]

Given the stats you present, I suggest walking together might be a good beginning. The desire for cycling might come later.