Hybrid Bicycles - Hybrid Fitness Bike for Girlfriend

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.




sfreitas323
07-05-11, 10:39 AM
So i'm trying to find information on good bikes for women to use primarily as fitness. I am getting back into cycling after taking a couple years off due to laziness and my girlfriend wants to join in.

I personally have a Trek 7.3 FX and want to get her something similar but her price range is no more than 500. I told her that if we found a bike that was 500 exactly i would pay for taxes and other accessories she would want like packs, computer, etc.

My question is for the ladies out there. My girlfriend is a little shorter, probably 5'5" or so. and we will primarily be using this bike for fitness on trails with crushed gravel, and some road riding around the neighborhood.

anyone have any pointers on bikes you have fallen in love with?

thanks :)


Mysterious Lady
07-05-11, 11:49 AM
I think the 2012 Specialized Vita will be $500 exactly. ;) Some bike shops have them now, others do not quite yet as they are transitioning. The tires on the '12 models are different and may provide some added traction. The 2011 models are a bit less and you may be able to get a Vita Sport (2011) for that at this point. Trek 7.1 is under $500. The Giant Roam 2W is just about $500 (MSRP is $510, I think) and has a front suspension fork and some meatier tires, if that's preferable for her.

RafiS
07-05-11, 11:51 AM
Id look into a canonndale quick 5. just under 500. decen components. 700x38 come standard which will handle those crushed gravel trails and keep up in the neighborhood.


javal
07-05-11, 03:01 PM
Pinarello makes performance hybrids for women with extraordinairy looks. Not cheap.

Bunnicula
07-05-11, 04:55 PM
Look for last year's models - you may be able to get a Trek 7.2 or a Cannondale Quick 4.

sfreitas323
07-05-11, 10:41 PM
Thanks for the responses. I know the best way to find out is to let her try some out herself. just trying to guide her in the right direction. was looking at the 7.2 for her which is 499.99. and the 7.1 is 420.

we'll have to see what she likes.

Scott_TN
07-06-11, 08:06 AM
I got my wife the specialized Ariel http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=52727&scid=1003&scname=Path%2FGravel For $500

The Tires + Suspension takes the gravel or road very well.

My wife is 5'4" so she got the extra small frame.

NormDeplume
07-06-11, 08:11 AM
I have a 2011 Specialized Vita, which was $470 + tax. I'm quite fond of it so far.