Fifty Plus (50+) - My Parents New Bicycles.

I went to the LBS at my fathers house today as I'm visiting him for a week or so and we started looking at ALL the bikes hanging on this huge shops ceilings. We went there to buy Pannier bags for my tour, which I did get and a few other random things. He started telling me how my step mother was just talking about how they should buy a bicycle or two. So I said, you should do it... No better time than now, since we're at the shop, and it would be a great surprise for her.

So we start looking around, mostly at comfort hybrid bikes considering they haven't ridden in years and won't be doing any racing in the near future. There were so many to choose from but we ended up picking His/Hers 07 leftover Specialized Crossroad Sports. They are pretty nice bikes and he onlay paid like 300 per bike, with a couple of other expendatures like a few accessories that are a must.

We didn't have room in his car for both bikes, so we put her bike in the car and I rode his bike back to the house. It's only about a 2 mile ride or so. Anyways, I took a few pictures if you guys are interested. I think they are pretty unique looking and pretty comfortable.

Great looking bikes! You are a good, kind son. (Son, I think? Hard to tell by your picture/tag.) Now get your parents into the 50+ forum so we can give them a great big welcome and lots of advice. :)

You did a good thing. I hope your parents are "enjoying the ride".
peace

Well, she came home and was completely surprised by the purchase. They both love their bikes but didn't really have oppurtunity to ride them today as it was just about dark before she even saw the bikes. Hopefully tomorrow will yeild more fun and some bike morale for them.

I went to the LBS at my fathers house today as I'm visiting him for a week or so and we started looking at ALL the bikes hanging on this huge shops ceilings. We went there to buy Pannier bags for my tour, which I did get and a few other random things. He started telling me how my step mother was just talking about how they should buy a bicycle or two. So I said, you should do it... No better time than now, since we're at the shop, and it would be a great surprise for her.

So we start looking around, mostly at comfort hybrid bikes considering they haven't ridden in years and won't be doing any racing in the near future. There were so many to choose from but we ended up picking His/Hers 07 leftover Specialized Crossroad Sports. They are pretty nice bikes and he onlay paid like 300 per bike, with a couple of other expendatures like a few accessories that are a must.

We didn't have room in his car for both bikes, so we put her bike in the car and I rode his bike back to the house. It's only about a 2 mile ride or so. Anyways, I took a few pictures if you guys are interested. I think they are pretty unique looking and pretty comfortable.


Nice car.

Only problem is that you bought theses for your parents. Won't be long before Dad won't be available to offer his advice on how you did that bit of gardening wrong- or reminding you that his car needs washing and as for Mum-no more cooked meals when you go round as they will both be out riding the bikes from dawn till dusk- and the rest of the time will be spent napping to get over the rides.

Just hope you have the energy to go out on their rides in 6 months time.

Well done by the way- but get the reading glasses ready-To read the gardening books as your advisor won't be around.

Can't wait for the update.
peace

Why do they bother to make a "Ladies" version of that frame with the "Mens" top tube so way down low?
Functional looking bikes.

??marketing is everything??

Yeah, I mean did you see the ladies frame. It's like a single bar. Looks like a unicycle. They are super comfortable, and I didn't buy them. My dad did. He bought them for her and him as a surprise to her. But they are very functional, front shock absorbers, but 100 PSI tires, 24 speeds, chainguards, and big cushy seats for the newby rider who would definitely give up riding if it were too uncomfortable every time.

Nice car.

He he. You should see hers. Black 04 T-Bird with Camal interior.

Why do they bother to make a "Ladies" version of that frame with the "Mens" top tube so way down low?
Functional looking bikes.

I have a neighbor lady who can hardly lift her foot high enough to get into even a mixte. She just bought a bike with that real low bar and loves it.

OK, you did say you rode it home for your father. So, what was the ride like?

Why do they bother to make a "Ladies" version of that frame with the "Mens" top tube so way down low?
Functional looking bikes.

One reason would be folks like my wife. She's 4'10" and has trouble keeping the bike upright while swinging her leg over the bar on either her mixte frame 24" ATB or my dual 20" wheel 'bent. We're shopping for a Ladies-frame, maybe a Townie, for that reason.

One reason would be folks like my wife. She's 4'10" and has trouble keeping the bike upright while swinging her leg over the bar on either her mixte frame 24" ATB or my dual 20" wheel 'bent. We're shopping for a Ladies-frame, maybe a Townie, for that reason.

She sounds like a candidate for a crank forward/flat foot bike.
I would think my CLWB Tailwind would be good for a short person. Is your bent a SWB?

I see a lot of fun in their future. Give us a report when you get a chance.

She sounds like a candidate for a crank forward/flat foot bike.
I would think my CLWB Tailwind would be good for a short person. Is your bent a SWB?

I think you're right about a flat foot. We're going to go look at Townies tomorrow. My 'bent is a Sun EZ-Rider AX, LWB/CLWB depending on your definition, but still too high (and too long) for her.

Rick

Some bikes with the step through are WSD which means shorter top tube length or reach in this case, since we ladies typically have longer legs but shorter arms or torso length compared to men. I have a step through which I love. I've had to make some sudden, unexpected stops and was VERY glad there was no top tube!

Well they went for a short ride yesterday and loved it. Like I said, it has been years since either one of them have been on a bike. Both of them said the ride as very smooth and comfortable. I explained the gearing to them and they got it right away. Personally, it was hard for me to tell the speed and all because I always ride with a computer and on my 28" FCR, so I wasn't quite sure how fast I was going without the computer. but they seemed pretty quick for being more comfort bikes than road bikes. I think they will be enjoying themselves for years to come, especially with thee gas prices. My dads exact quote was "for 300 dollars, this is an amazing piece of machinery."

Why do they bother to make a "Ladies" version of that frame with the "Mens" top tube so way down low? Functional looking bikes.
It appears that way because of the curve, when compared with a similar size frame with straight bar from steer tube to seat tube, they are at same height. The curve adds flare, IMHO. The W version allows step through, and have seen similar frame listed by Raleigh for their W version. The '08 versions have 21 gear range and added $40 to MSRP. You received a nice price saving $30 from MSRP.

I would suggest adding odometers, so they can track distance for a ride and total, my wife balked at first, and did not add until she had bike for about 6 weeks, now when she tells of her total miles, it includes as asterisk, does not include miles ridden before the CatsEye:D

My wife and I have the same models '07, went to buy Mrs. new bike last year for mothers day, and left with a XL for this me as well. Nice riders, and do handle most terrains without issue. Roads, paths; crush limestone and asphalt, even grass for the walkers that will not move over:rolleyes: Tires on Mrs pumped to 95# as she likes the softer ride;)

I am certain they will enjoy them.

PS: After we purchased ours, oldest son bought new bike for his bride and MTB for himself, same LBS, we have added trailer for taking grandkids with us on rides, (3 of 4 kids are within 1/2 mi) so bikes see more travel time for visits than car. Between four households there are 10 bikes and 3 trailers, and several miles of paths just beyond the driveway and neighboring additions.

Great. almost the identicle purchase. These bikes look like they are meant to be bought in pairs like that you know. Nice setups with the mirrors. :) We had to buy her bike a strap on water bottle as the frame has not brackets for a bolt on one.

Yes, no taps for a cage, my wife's is attached to the handle bars.

I since have found a couple versions of strap types and may check into to see if they will encompass the seat tube or drop bar.

The blues to not match, or the trim decals, one is in silver the other in gold.
do your parents bike share the same color?

I was suspecting one or ours was a early 2007 the other later in the year. These models were not available in 2006, and the 2008's have different color options, no blue.

No his bike is more Blue/Dark blue. Her's is more of a lighter blue and the decals are different colors as well.