General Cycling Discussion - Recommendation Wanted – Step Through Frame Bicycle

My girlfriend’s mom, who is 78 years old and an amazing athlete, recently had knee replacement surgery on both of her knees. She still wants to keep up cycling but doesn’t think she can swing her legs up over the top tube so she has asked me for recommendations for a “step through frame” like the one pictured below.

http://www.scottdiamond.com/photos/posts/step_frame.jpg

She’ll ride about 7-10 miles at a shot on paved bike paths and is looking for something with upright handlebars and wide tires with good puncture resistance. Weight matters to her but for the wrong reason. She wants it to be light so that she can lift the bike onto the rack on the back of her car.

As you might imagine, being a bike nerd, I got very excited about this project and thought about a carbon fiber frame, Rohloff IGH, disk brakes, custom fenders, etc. But the problem is that she is cheap. She has no problem spending lots of money on grandchildren’s education but will not spend money for herself on a decent bicycle. So it looks like my recommendation needs to be < $700. So much for the Rohloff. Any recommendations?

Thanks for all suggestions.

-Scott

I looked at several for my sister, including Schwinn, Giant, some others I don't remember. I was most impressed by the Trek 7000 model, About $400. They have other similar models, 7100, 7200, etc., at slightly higher prices. But mostly what you get with the higher priced models is a front shock, which I do not see the need for on a path.

Might look at the Raleigh Roadster 3 speed or Raleigh Calispiel 8 speed. Both IGH

Gary Fisher Simple 3 [3-spd igh] or Simple 8 [8-spd igh]
Globe Daily 3 [7-spd igh] or Daily 2 [1x8 w/derailleur]
Globe Live-2 Mixte [8-spd igh]
Schwinn World Market [7-spd igh] or World 21 or 24 [3x7 or 3x8 derailleurs]
Schwinn Sporterra or Sporterra Sport or Sporterra NX8 [3x7, 3x8, 8-spd igh respectively]
Trek Allant [3x7]
Elektra - various models

+1 on Electra. Nice sturdy bikes. Google "Dutch bicycles" - it's not a brand, but Holland-style cruisers.

I'll throw another on the fire:

Breezer Uptown EX, comes in a step through frame with a 1x7 setup.

Here comes another set of recommendations...

Look at the Torker line up (http://www.torkerusa.com/bikes/recreational), they are a great value for the dollar. Biria (http://www.biria.com/bicycles/) is another excellent brand, but a bit harder to find in the USA. They make a whole line of "easy boarding" bikes. (http://www.biria.com/bicycles/eb/)

Torker bikes are wholesaled through SBS (Seattle Bike Supply) (http://www.seattlebikesupply.com/) and many bike shops can order from them. I have the older Redline version of the T-530 and it is an outstanding bike for the money.

Aaron :)

I second the Biria recommendation. Very low stepover. You can buy Biria bikes on amazon.com.

174831

Thanks to all who provided suggestions!! You folks have provided a number of options which I would not have considered. We haven't decided what bike to get yet - it looks like we have some research to do on these ideas.

-Scott