General Cycling Discussion - Looking For a Gift Bike (Comfort, Pink, Perferably US-Made)

Hello,

I am looking to buy a new bicycle for my wife for Christmas. She is new to cycling. She would like a "comfort" bike - something that is easy to get on and easy to ride. It must be pink. I would much prefer to buy a US-made model if that is possible. I am hoping to spend $300 or less - I don't want to spend a lot, but I want at least a good bike.

Suggestions? Many, many thanks and holiday cheer to all.

Good luck. At $300 you'll be very hard pressed to get anything but a domestic label (it won't be built here). Demanding that it be pink makes it all but impossible. Not trying to pee in your Wheaties, just letting you know.

Townies come in pink:
http://www.electrabike.com/04/bikes/06bikes/townie/06_twn_09.html
The MSRP is $380, but you might be able to find it cheaper.
I doubt they're made in the US, though..

Nirve (http://www.nirve.com/cruisers.asp) is the only one that comes to mind...and the Hello Kitty model comes in pink:D along with the SWEET Ultra Liner (http://www.nirve.com/sportcruisers.asp?id=1769&cat=Ultraliner%20&cid=582.57)

Aaron:)

You're looking to spending at least $700 for a USA made bicycle, unless you go used.

I would suggest to get her involved in the buying process just to make sure it fits, etc.

Consider this: When you go to look at vintage bicycles, there is no end of lady's bikes that sell for next to nothing. And the older ones ARE made in the USA.

Say, if she likes to shop, make a long list of places like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and St. Vincent dePaul. Find her a comfort bike that fits and paint it yourself.

For $319, you can get a one-speed cruiser (http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/cruisers.html) from Worksman Cycles in "bubble pink." One speed, with a coaster brake, made in the USA. (Not sure what that means exactly -- i.e., I doubt all the parts are made in the USA -- but that's how they bill their bikes.)

If you expand your search to the entire globe and up your budget to $500, you can get an 8-speed bike with better brakes from Felt, in pink, the Cafe 8 (http://www.feltracing.com/08/product.asp?catid=1504,1528&pid=8775). Or if you want a super-pink bike, this Felt cruiser (http://www.feltracing.com/08/product.asp?catid=1519&pid=8746) for $380.

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/model-8CSW4.html

Cannondale comfort 4 feminine. I've seen them at $399. Made in USA I think, as are most cannondales.
Not pink but pretty girl colors.

I would think that the either the pink Townie or the Worksman cruiser would be just about perfect.

I rode my beach cruiser all through my thirties!

I think she would really appreciate the flat foot feature of the Townie...

So many, many major bike brands are not made in the USA anymore that the USA made bike is a rather rare exception. I'm not sure why that would matter so much to you?

. I'm not sure why that would matter so much to you?

Doesn't matter why, there is nothing wrong with wanting a made in USA product. Absolutely nothing.

I would suggest to get her involved in the buying process just to make sure it fits, etc.

Consider this: When you go to look at vintage bicycles, there is no end of lady's bikes that sell for next to nothing. And the older ones ARE made in the USA.

AND many of them came in pink, or at least 'pinkish' colours. Admittedly, these examples are Japanese bikes, though.

Just a couple of examples...

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k317/East_Hill/IMG_1505.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k317/East_Hill/IMG_0490.jpg

East Hill

Doesn't matter why, there is nothing wrong with wanting a made in USA product. Absolutely nothing.

Of course there is nothing wrong with it but it just narrows the options, that's all.

Doesn't matter why, there is nothing wrong with wanting a made in USA product. Absolutely nothing.

Maddy, It wouldn't matter, if you don't care to make a reasonable argument for it. But I think a reasonable person would wonder why go American when a good portion of bikes are manufactured in part in the Asian countries. Even Craig Calfee (American made carbon fiber bikes) is stepping up efforts to make bamboo bikes available in developing countries.

Pink!

http://stuff.mediaarealive.com/marin-hearts.jpg

Marin Bikes - Hearts Desire (http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2007/html/bikes/bike_specs/specs_hearts_06_2.html)

$270, but it is the 2007 model so you might find it for less.

From time to time, I see 1972 or 1977 Schwinn bikes in local bike shops that have come in as "trades". Some look like "brand new"...gifts that never got out of the garage.

So, if you look on Craigslist, and come through local bike shops, Goodwill stores, Salvation Army stores, you eventually may find such a gem, and usually for under $100.

Last year I gave a female friend a Schwinn 3-speed that I got for around $150. It looks like new and rides like new...an American-made Schwinn will last for a lifetime with reasonable care.

Maddy, It wouldn't matter, if you don't care to make a reasonable argument for it. But I think a reasonable person would wonder why go American when a good portion of bikes are manufactured in part in the Asian countries. Even Craig Calfee (American made carbon fiber bikes) is stepping up efforts to make bamboo bikes available in developing countries.

I'll care to make a reasonable argument. I prefer to buy American because I'd like to support more local businesses, not some overpaid CEO who sold out his company for cheap overseas labor and profits made possible becuase and only becuase of the cheap oil age... one that is coming to an end. I am not an ultra-nationalist by any means and I am certainly not anti-foreigner. But I make a sincere effort to support more sustainable manufacturing and that means trying tp buy products made closer to home. Limiting my options that way is completely acceptable.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions!

Pink!

http://stuff.mediaarealive.com/marin-hearts.jpg

Marin Bikes - Hearts Desire (http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2007/html/bikes/bike_specs/specs_hearts_06_2.html)

$270, but it is the 2007 model so you might find it for less.

That's cute, too. I love my Marin San Rafael...extremely well made.

I'll care to make a reasonable argument. I prefer to buy American because I'd like to support more local businesses, not some overpaid CEO who sold out his company for cheap overseas labor and profits made possible becuase and only becuase of the cheap oil age... one that is coming to an end. I am not an ultra-nationalist by any means and I am certainly not anti-foreigner. But I make a sincere effort to support more sustainable manufacturing and that means trying tp buy products made closer to home. Limiting my options that way is completely acceptable.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions!

Amen! My wife's family spent over 4 generations in the textile mills of NC. ALL of those jobs are now gone and have been replaced by lower paying jobs at places like Walmart. In our county alone over 2,500 textile jobs left. The biggest mill employed over 2,000 up until the mid 90's at an average wage of $14 an hour, now the two largest employers in the county are grocery distribution center with an average wage of $14 and WM with an average wage of about $9 an hour. And combined they only employ about 1100 people.

www.stillmadeinusa.com

Aaron:)

Well, if you can't get the bike you want in all pink, you can get some pink fenders from Planet Bike (http://www.planetbike.com/blog/48). :) I've started to see them around town and they're very cute. I know the blog says they're limited edition, but one of the LBS'es in town just got a huge shipment of them, so perhaps they've added them to the 2008 product lineup.

I've got a Worksman- it has it's advantages, but it's not overly feminine either- see my review in the Clydesdale forum.

So, kmcrawford111, did we help you come to a conclusion? Did you get your wife a bike?

East Hill

Amen! My wife's family spent over 4 generations in the textile mills of NC. ALL of those jobs are now gone and have been replaced by lower paying jobs at places like Walmart. In our county alone over 2,500 textile jobs left. The biggest mill employed over 2,000 up until the mid 90's at an average wage of $14 an hour, now the two largest employers in the county are grocery distribution center with an average wage of $14 and WM with an average wage of about $9 an hour. And combined they only employ about 1100 people.

www.stillmadeinusa.com

Aaron:)

Thanks, Aaron, for understanding. My wife has seen the Hello Kitty bike in a local shop and she liked it very much. Is it indeed US-made? I didn't see anything on the site about it. If it is, I think I have a winner.

I don't think it is made in the US...but if you get one, the 26" model comes with special Hello Kitty tyres :) .

East Hill

Maybe if we concede that bike manufacturing for low end bikes aren't sustainable (manufacturing) and have not been for a while, then we end up with the retailer: the big chains like Wal-Mart versus the local bike shop. At least we let the little guy make a living right here on U.S. soil.

We kicked the little guy out long ago because we cared more about saving $9 on a hair dryer and being able to buy copious amount of Chineese-made products we don't need than for spending more for quality items (if fewer) and customer service that actually exists.

Doesn't matter why, there is nothing wrong with wanting a made in USA product. Absolutely nothing.

I agree. Until you see some of the rationale behind this "I want a USA made product only". Not eveyrone is like this, but goddarn it

USA USA USA!

Thanks, Aaron, for understanding. My wife has seen the Hello Kitty bike in a local shop and she liked it very much. Is it indeed US-made? I didn't see anything on the site about it. If it is, I think I have a winner.

My understanding is that the Nirve frames are built in the US and the bikes are assembled in the US. I don't think it is possible to buy a new bike that is 100% USA anymore. I know where there is a Nirve dealer and will check into it the next time I am down that way. It may be that they are just "designed" in the US?

Aaron:)

It may be that they are just "designed" in the US?


I looked carefully at Nirve's website, and they only claim 'designed in the US', with nothing said about the frames being made in the US, or even being assembled in the US.

It would be helpful if you could dig into it further, Aaron :) .

I love the Hello Kitty tyres...

East Hill

Thanks, Aaron, for understanding. My wife has seen the Hello Kitty bike in a local shop and she liked it very much. Is it indeed US-made? I didn't see anything on the site about it. If it is, I think I have a winner.

Why am I finding massive doses of irony in this? You want a "US made" product, yet the central theme of this product is one that was designed soley as a mass market icon by the Japanese.

The character was designed exclusively to transfer wealth from the pockets of world population to the coffers of the Japanese mega-corporation Sarino via royalties from every item sold.

Pennies add to dollars. Dollars add to billions. Billions lead to world domination. :)

The local bike shop owner is still the little guy trying to make a buck. Its tough, and maybe many of the stuff there comes from non U.S. sources, but still he's got to put food on the table and help educate his kids in this fast moving technology world. Support your local bike shop if you can afford to do that. I have always felt that the shop is selling service and that's number one.

Skip the sustainable manufacturing source thing, unless our dollar gets even weaker.

Bikes are made of multiple components and even if the frame is made in the US, other parts like shifters or wheels or tires may come from elsewhere. It's conceivable that a bike frame made elsewhere but assembled in the US adds as much to the US economy as one nominally made in the US.

I'll care to make a reasonable argument. I prefer to buy American because I'd like to support more local businesses, not some overpaid CEO who sold out his company for cheap overseas labor and profits made possible becuase and only becuase of the cheap oil age... one that is coming to an end. I am not an ultra-nationalist by any means and I am certainly not anti-foreigner. But I make a sincere effort to support more sustainable manufacturing and that means trying tp buy products made closer to home. Limiting my options that way is completely acceptable.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions!

glad you qualified your motivation

So, kmcrawford111, did we help you come to a conclusion? Did you get your wife a bike?

East Hill

I called all of the local shops today, and one of them has this:

http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=6&itemid=396&childid=660

I forgot to ask what size was in stock, but if they have the larger one, there's a good chance I've found my pick. I was considering getting a single-speed bike (I found the Hello Kitty bike on eBay), but now I think that may be a poor choice, since having only 1 speed may limit her too much, especially if she intends to ride with me more than around the neighborhood. I reckon this Raleigh will be easy for her to get on and ride (again, she's a beginner), but also will be able to accomodate future rides on the (paved) trails and possibly through the city.

According to Wikipedia, "Raleigh Canada has a factory in Waterloo, Quebec, Canada (since 1972) which still mass produces over 300,000 bikes per year.[citation needed] They employ 320 people and are the last North American bicycle manufacturer of this scale.[citation needed]". I will also be supporting a local shop, so all things considered, this may be the best choice.

I also found another local bike, an Electra 3-speed cruiser (I believe it is the "Hawaii" model), but it seems like a more casual bike that may be best only for short rides, and I don't think 3 speeds isn't enough. If all she would ever do is ride around the neighborhood this might be fine, but I'm aiming for something that will be versatile.

So, (especially ladies), what do you think of the Raleigh?

Thanks again for the help!

Nirve also has a Paul Frank inspired bike called the skurvy that is very pink, i got one for my girlfriend seing as that was pretty much her only requirement as well. She digs it.

I called all of the local shops today, and one of them has this:

http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=6&itemid=396&childid=660

I forgot to ask what size was in stock, but if they have the larger one, there's a good chance I've found my pick. I was considering getting a single-speed bike (I found the Hello Kitty bike on eBay), but now I think that may be a poor choice, since having only 1 speed may limit her too much, especially if she intends to ride with me more than around the neighborhood. I reckon this Raleigh will be easy for her to get on and ride (again, she's a beginner), but also will be able to accomodate future rides on the (paved) trails and possibly through the city.

According to Wikipedia, "Raleigh Canada has a factory in Waterloo, Quebec, Canada (since 1972) which still mass produces over 300,000 bikes per year.[citation needed] They employ 320 people and are the last North American bicycle manufacturer of this scale.[citation needed]". I will also be supporting a local shop, so all things considered, this may be the best choice.

I also found another local bike, an Electra 3-speed cruiser (I believe it is the "Hawaii" model), but it seems like a more casual bike that may be best only for short rides, and I don't think 3 speeds isn't enough. If all she would ever do is ride around the neighborhood this might be fine, but I'm aiming for something that will be versatile.

So, (especially ladies), what do you think of the Raleigh?

Thanks again for the help!

Not a lady here but I is married to one;) if she is an occasional/inexperienced rider get internal gears to make it as simple as possible. My bride has a very nice GT Slipstream with 24 speeds but has some issues figuring out which shifter to use to get what. Her absolute favorite bike to grab and ride is her 1972 Raleigh Colt 3 speed. She has ridden that more in the past year than she has ridden total in the previous 5 on the GT. I have learned that if I want my wife to try something to make it as painless and enjoyable as possible. She wants to do things together and knows that cycling is important to me.

Aaron:)