Hybrid Bicycles - Bike shopping for a 13 r old...

Decided to buy my step-daughter a bike. She is the only one in the household who is willing and able to ride at my pace. Came across these two while hitting a couple of shops (and they're at the same shop):

-http://www.marinbikes.com/2010/bike_specs.php?serialnum=1424. Not sure I want presta valves for a 13 yr old...

-http://www.scott-sports.com/gb_en/product/8277/45192/sportsterp55_lady (http://www.scott-sports.com/gb_en/product/8277/45192/sportster_p55_lady). Disc brakes may be overkill...

She likes both of them (didn't ride 'em), and they are both within what I'm willing to spend. Though the more I spend on hers, the less I'll have for my own n+1 plans.

At 13 I was doing advanced chemistry and building up elaborate glassware distillation assemblies. I think a 13 year old is quite capable of handling presta-valves.

Let her pick the bike she likes the best - within reason.

At 13 I was doing advanced chemistry and building up elaborate glassware distillation assemblies. I think a 13 year old is quite capable of handling presta-valves.

Let her pick the bike she likes the best - within reason.
Ah, but there is another reason why I'm trying to steer her clear of presta- my road morph-g is set up for my schraeders. Though the pump can be set-up in either configuration, see my sig line for why I'd prefer not to bother.:p

And I do plan on letting her select her own. I want her to like the bike, so that she'll actually follow through on her idea of joining my on rides. I need a buddy as my eyesight gets worse (but I'm not to the point where I have to consider being the stoker of a tandem...yet).

Personally, I'd encourage the lighter of the two bikes. Does she need a front shock? I wish I had gotten my daughter a bike with a traditional fork when I bought her a hybrid at this age. IMO, front shocks on hybrids are generally not needed.

Best of luck and great for you for encouraging your step daughter to cycle! And, if Prestas are a hassle, just buy an adapter.

http://www.niagaracycle.com/images/sbsimages/119905md.jpg

No, she doesn't need a front shock. She just liked the look of the bike in general.

She's a bit on the small side (5'2"ish), and finding something in stock is kinda tricky. I know that she would benefit from a WSD, but she doesn't want anything "too girly".