Recreational & Family - thought I wanted comfort, but now not sure

I'm one of the wives you biking guys want to buy a bike for. I'm like the poster child for comfort bikes: Haven't riden more than a couple of times since I was in junior high, but remember the fun and want an all around bike for recreational/fitness use. I thought I wanted something in the comfort line, but when I looked at them in the shops they all seemed huge and ungainly. I'm a short woman and live in an area where hills can't be avoided. Fuji 7000 series was suggested but I can't get past the florid girlie paint jobs (didn't like the plain brown one either). My husband thought a Giant Suede (I think it was) looked like the thing, but to me it felt like a cruiser--heavy and sluggish...and that was just riding it in the shop (yes, IN the shop...big LBS!). The bikes I tried that I did like were the Specialized Vita and the Marin Kentfield. I only took them for short rides, but they both gave me that feeling of freedom, like the bike was a help, not something I was dragging along. I want to be comfortable, but I also want something light and nimble (not necessarily fast), so that eventually I feel like the bike is a part of me...like I did when I was a kid. Because I'm short, availability of a small/extra small frame is a must and a step-through would be nice. I don't want to pay more than $600 and I don't expect to find anything under $350. Any suggestions for the Goldilocks ('It was JUST right!') bike?

The Trek 7.3FX WSD (women's specific design) is in your price range and available in a 15" step-through.

Photo on the Trek website does have flowers on it though...

I've got the same bike in men's frame and it feels like a rocket ship compared to my old steel framed mountain bike. The thing with "fast" bikes is that they allow you to go further with the same amount of effort. Fast is fun. Don't be afraid of fast bikes. Lightweight bikes give you more miles for your effort. It instills confidence. Though I don't think an ultralight road bike would be right for you, a hybrid like the Trek I mentioned would probably be a good match.

There's nothing like going on your first longer ride and saying to yourself, "Wow, I didn't even know I could bike that far!"

Head on down to the local bike shop and check out some hybrids. Try to avoid anything with front or seat post suspension. Cheap shocks lend a feel to riding that is something akin to plowing through mud.

Umm, what else? Another thing to mention is that comfort bike saddles are a poor option for longer rides. As long as the seat is wide enough to fit your tail bone, firm (though not too hard) is a good thing. Your back side is going to have to get used to riding and will be a bit sore at first. If it's really sore then there may be an issue with fit, but generally it just means that you need to ride more often!

Try the Jamis Coda Sport (http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/08_bikes/08codasport.html) ($600) or the Jamis Coda (http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/08_bikes/08coda.html) ($475).
The Coda also comes in a women's specific model (http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/08_bikes/08codaf.html#).

We sell a lot of these bikes to women who sound just like you. ;)

OK, here's what happened...I went to our closest LBS and saw the Marin Larkspur, a step up from the Kentfield. It looked nice, but I was feeling too shy to ride it (in a busy urban neighborhood) so we went to a shop farther away (suburbs...big parking lot!) where I rode the Trek 7.2 FX WSD. It felt pretty good, but I just couldn't get past its looks...if it hadn't been for those dumb flowers, I probably would have bought it. So, back to the local shop to take a closer look at the Larkspur. When we got there, someone else was looking at that bike, so while waiting, I browsed...by the way, my husband says it is a Giant Sedona that I didn't like, not the Suede. Anyway, there on the floor was an extra-small Giant Tran Send LX. No whistles, but it does have a bell, fenders and rack. The helpful salesperson said, "While you're waiting, if you'd like to try it..." So out to a nearby parking lot I went. It wasn't too upright, not too heavy, easy to handle, positioned so I didn't feel like I had to jump off the seat when I stopped...in short, I never rode the Larkspur, and I rode the Trans Send home. OK...I walked it up one hill, but I rode it MOST of the way home. It's as practical a bike as can be, but it doesn't feel stodgy. I think it will be all the bike I'll need for a long time. Oh...and it's not dopey looking. :thumb:

Great to hear that you found a bike that fits you and your needs. Do make certain you pick up the basics accessories to avoid / repair flats. If you plan on riding with your husband and he is in charge of carrying such items, make certain they are compatible with your bike as well.

If you plan on riding with your husband and he is in charge of carrying such items, make certain they are compatible with your bike as well.

Will do...he's my repair guy, shifting coach and general cheerleader. This morning he said, "Let's ride to that breakfast place in Madrona!" Who on this board said, "wives like rides that provide opportunities for food or shopping"? I whined and complained all the way...hills, hills, hills...but had a nice breakfast and a sense of accomplishment afterwards. The trip home didn't seem nearly so far, even though it involved walking up a few hills too. I have to say that my complaints were are all with the route and my own condition. The bike (Giant Tran Send LX) is terrific. As I was getting ready for bed last night I thought, "Hey, wait...I rode a bike for the first time in ages and nothing hurts?!" This morning I found soreness in the expected place*blush*, but not so bad that it made riding unpleasant. I think a lot of it has to do with getting a bike that really fits.

It does have a lot to do with getting the right bike. I ended up with the Specialized expedition. I love the upright design and I like that it doesn't look like a "I haven't rode a bike in 20 years and now need these flowers to make myself feel good" look. I also rode the Giant suede and felt like it was heavy and slow. I ended up changing the seat on my expedition, because the stock one was just too big for me, but otherwise it is perfect..for me anyway.

An update...I'm still loving the Trans Send. We went out to a bike trail today where I could go further with fewer hills. My husband was pleased with my progress in shifting. We rode through several parks and areas with lots of people and I saw several women checking out my bike. I've done it often enough that I know the look. Having a bike that fits is great--having a COOL looking bike that fits is a bonus!

Check out the Electra Townies! I have the Townie21 and I love it!!
You sit more upright when you ride. Total comfort bike and pretty nice looking if you ask me. Of course I've talked at least 15 people into buying one...and no complaints! They love them.

They run about $430, but I know they are going up in price. Seriously...I've had mine for a little over a year and I'm having a serious love affair with it.

An update...I'm still loving the Trans Send. We went out to a bike trail today where I could go further with fewer hills. My husband was pleased with my progress in shifting. We rode through several parks and areas with lots of people and I saw several women checking out my bike. I've done it often enough that I know the look. Having a bike that fits is great--having a COOL looking bike that fits is a bonus!

Congratulations on finding your bike and riding it!!!