[making]

Today I bought my wife a Giant Suede for $379.00. Is that a pretty good price? She is 43 (I think) and has never worked out in any way until this year. She walks quite a bit to get ready for the mini in May and is doing really well. She mentioned something about getting a bike for her birthday. Think this is a good one to ride around the neighboorhood? Anyone else had one?

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[Velo Dog]

Too late now to worry about the price, but it sounds all right. To be honest, there isn't much difference among bikes in a given price range below at least $1500 to $2000. The market is pretty competitive, and there's not much choice of components. Most manufacturers in your price range probably pay more attention to graphics and paint than to the frame designs (I'm not knocking the bike--a neighbor of mine has two Suedes, and he and his wife love them).
To help her enjoy the thing, make sure it shifts and brakes well (it may need adjustment if you bought it from a non-bike store), that the seat etc. are adjusted for her height, and be sure somebody in the family knows how to fix a flat tire by the side of the road. Start with short rides in low-traffic areas and work up gradually. And keep an eye on tire pressures. I see a lot of people on comfort bikes struggling around with the tires half-flat. Check the pressure every ride or two, at least once a week whether you've ridden or not. All tires lose pressure over time.

[DieselDan]

For someone that hasn't ridden much, you may have hit one out of the park. I got my wife a Trek Sole Ride, similar to a Giant Suede, and she loves it. She isn't a cyclist at all, but will get that Sole Ride out and ride for about 5-10 miles two or three times a week, sometimes with our two year old on the back. She will be commuting to work with it now that the weather is getting warmer.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j12/DieselDan_1973/December%2007%20bike%20photos/CopyofHPIM2804.jpg
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/_generated/_generated_us/bikes/models/images/225/2007_spring/Suede_Coasting_Black.jpg

[making]

thanks for the info. I am just trying to get her started riding. Glad to hear I finally got a gift right.

[Rosie8]

Last May I bought myself a 7 speed Suede (mint color) and totally adore riding it. I've ridden on pavement, dusty fields (not by choice but because we're surrounded), bike trails (rails to trails) with great pleasure. The fun factor on the Suede is outstanding. An unexpected "plus" is getting compliments from people who like the cruiser/retro look. I've had to replace tubes (we live in goathead country) because of valve leaks, and had the shop adjust the handlebars to be even more upright since I've had a neck injury from a fall long ago (non-bike related).

I hope your wife enjoys riding hers as much as I have mine. I went from not riding in many years to riding up to 170 miles per month last summer. I just rode to the shop last week to pick up my car that was being serviced. The mechanic helped me load it into the back and asked lots of questions because he's thinking of taking up riding again. He looks about my age (50's). The bike is easy to ride, easy to keep upright at a stop because of the pedals forward and relatively lightweight since I can load it into my car by myself if needbe.

[cooker]

Glad to hear I finally got a gift right.That remains to be seen. :)

[making]

That remains to be seen. :)

you are such a buzz kill:(

[cooker]

Sounds like a great gift.