Recreational & Family - What do I need to know to help my wife find a bike?

About a month ago, I started riding a bike again. I bought a recumbent, a Burley Koosah (http://www.bicycleman.com/recumbents/burley/burley_koosah.htm), used for cheap money, and have been having a blast.

My wife's initial reaction was something like, "If you think you're going to get me on a bike, don't hold your breath."

Then, a few days ago, while I was registering for a charity ride, I asked her, "What would it take to get you on a bike?" and she said she'd like to give it a try. I was a bit surprised, but now I'm looking for the right bike for her. (This task falls on me because a bike is a mechanical creature, and all those tasks wind up with me.)

She doesn't want a recumbent. She wants something comfortable. We'll be riding on paved bike paths, nothing off-road. She's about 5'2". I want her to be able to keep up with me. (I cruise at ~15mph on level ground.)

So, what features matter when shopping for a bike for a 5'2" woman? I see some manufacturers make a big deal about having the correct frame geometry. Is that just hype? What's the deal with step-through frames? What sort of compromises are there with step through vs traditional diamond frames? For the type of riding we're doing, will front suspension make a significant difference in ride comfort? How about a suspension seat-post?

The short term plan is to rent a bike for her this Saturday and go ride a local bike path.

For a given weight, a diamond frame can be stiffer and stronger than a step-through. For a given stiffness and/or strength, a diamond frame can be lighter than a step-through. For the sort of riding you describe, it won't make a significant difference...it's just a matter of personal preference.

For smooth pavement, a suspension fork won't be any better than a rigid fork, but it also won't really hinder. If you ride on dirt/gravel paths, though, the suspension can make the ride much more pleasant. I suppose that a suspension seat post might have a similar effect, but I've never ridden a bike with one, so I can't say.

The "correct frame geometry" is whatever fits and feels good to her.

She will get the best bike for her if she tries a bunch out and gets the one that is most comfortable and that fits her. You can't do that for her. Best of luck, and congrats for having a future bike partner!

Thanks for the answers.
Yeah, we understand she's going to have to get on a bike before we buy it. I'll have to prod her to make sure she tries out several.

She doesn't want a recumbent. She wants something comfortable. We'll be riding on paved bike paths, nothing off-road. She's about 5'2". I want her to be able to keep up with me. (I cruise at ~15mph on level ground.)Don't focus on speed. She will be a reluctant rider on a relatively new bike. She will be slower than you, and/or may exhaust herself trying to keep up. It will be up to you to ride at her pace, not her to yours.

In other words, don't worry about getting her on a light fast bike for sake of speed that may be less comfortable.

I wouldn't worry much about suspension, either. Unless those paved bike paths are bumpy as all get-out, a suspension fork will not make the ride significantly more comfortable, and will just add weight/sap energy.

Ultimately it's going to be her personal choice what bike geometry works best for her. She may like a roadie if it reminds her of ten speed days of yore. Or a hybrid bike with a more upright position. Or something relaxed like a Townie or Simple City. My guess is a Townie or a relaxed hybrid frame w/ platform pedals will be the most "accessible" with her seemingly reluctant about the whole deal.

Beware that even Townies aren't quite "one size fits all". My wife and I both have short inseams, and we have the seat almost all the way down on our Townie 8. Depending on her proportions even those bikes may not fit quite right.

Take it slow, don't pressure her too much, make sure she enjoys the process of shopping/fitting for a bike. And good luck! :D

I want her to be able to keep up with me. (I cruise at ~15mph on level ground.) What you want doesn't really matter. The situation will be whatever it turns out to be. She may end up being comfortable cruising at a slower speed, and trying to coerce her into keeping up will just drive her away from biking with you. On the other hand, she may turn out to be faster than you...

What you want doesn't really matter. The situation will be whatever it turns out to be. She may end up being comfortable cruising at a slower speed, and trying to coerce her into keeping up will just drive her away from biking with you. On the other hand, she may turn out to be faster than you...

+1 on all counts. Bear in mind that this is not exactly her idea and give her space and time to choose a bike that she likes and is comfortable with. From there, let her set the pace. Nothing ruins a new activity quicker than someone pushing the newbie out of their comfort zone.

Good luck; I hope it works out for you.