Fifty Plus (50+) - Choosing Bike for Wife

Hi guys, nice forum.

I'm 54, DW is 52. We used to ride a good bit together, and even did a carry-our-own-gear trip from Stockholm to Sveg (Sweden) in 1991.

At our current house (moved here 9 years ago), we can't ride from the house without traveling on the freeway a bit (not many cars but it's still a freeway). I do it twice a week, but wife tried it once and said "%^$# that, sell my bike!" which I did.

73761

73762

She's still in good shape, with running, hiking etc.

So, I'm now planning an easy bike touring trip, probably in the San Juan islands. Probably 20 miles per day max. My plan is to get a bike through craigslist, and spend a few hundred. Maybe something like this:

http://humboldt.craigslist.org/bik/715725918.html

Any thoughts? Thanks!

Hi guys, nice forum.


but wife tried it once and said "%^$# that, sell my bike!" which I did

So, I'm now planning an easy bike touring trip, probably in the San Juan islands. Probably 20 miles per day max. My plan is to get a bike through craigslist, and spend a few hundred. Maybe something like this:

http://humboldt.craigslist.org/bik/715725918.html

Any thoughts? Thanks!

Just goes to prove- "Don't listen to the wife".

For 20 miles a day- anybike will do- providing it fits and the wife likes it.

NOTE THE "FIT" BIT.

You're 54 and you're asking how to choose a bike for your wife? WRONG!!! Haven't you learned anything? Your trip is likely to be a lot more pleasant if you let your wife choose her own bike.

Why would you pick a bike for your wife ? I can't imagine it's very romantic. Do you sleep in the garage with the bike, or do you take the bike to bed with you ? It's hard enough picking a woman for your wife.

On a more serious note I'd just think about renting a bike when you two got there. Bringing a bike with you might cost more then the rental fee. What does she feel about it?

I feel for you amigo!!

Last Fall my Lady said she wanted to get a bike after I got my new ride. My lady is a New York City chick...bigtime. Tough as nails and sweet as they get but she's clueless about anything beyond the front door. I'm a roadie from wayyy back. I researched alot of bikes for her (hybrid). Total waste of time. Finally took her to the best LBS around here, grabbed the owner (Typical City chick, she ONLY wanted to deal with the owner) and it was very clear her bike selection was based on: #1)-color, #2) a combination of color/unknown physical sensations yet to be described/ color/a cute bell/color/how she looked on it/color. Amazingly she selected a bike she loves and the best thing I could have done was stay out of it, which I did. The hardest part was selecting a helmet, THAT took twice as long as the bike selection, requiring the opinion of every staff member in the shop. My lady is da Bomb!!

cheers

k

oops, sorry, I read the title wrong and thought you were marrying a bike. Nevermind.

I'd say at least one trip to a LBS is merited. Let her try out different bikes to find out which type & size she likes the best. Then if you want to look around for a used bike, you've got a much better chance of finding one that makes her happy.

Got this today for $100, DW very happy.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/TromboneAl/LenasBikePostCleanup002.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/TromboneAl/LenaOnNewBike005.jpg

Very nice for a hundred bucks. She looks pretty happy on it..........is she doing a trackstand for the camera?

Very nice for a hundred bucks. She looks pretty happy on it..........is she doing a trackstand for the camera?

looks good..the bike isn't bad either

Too pretty for a bike of that quality. Can see a few $$'s coming out of the housekeeping to get it up to her standard. Don't know if the hoods can be cleaned but throw the poilishing cloths the wifes way and let her get on with it.


As you don't know the history of the bike- Get the wheels checked out for tension and true. Will give a better ride and make the wheels last longer.


Great bike but do some maintenance on it. Get the brakes binding and 40 psi in the tyres will mean that you won't get left on the rides.

Right, I've got a long list of restoration tasks that I've already started, along with a million questions that I'll be posting in the Classic/Vintage or Mechanics forums.