Good commuter bike for non-serious cyclist?
 

I'm thinking of getting a bike for my girlfriend. At first probably just so we can go on picnics and things but perhaps also for commuting about 5 miles in urban conditions. She isn't a keen cyclist and I want to make sure my racing habit isn't clouding my judgement.

How does this bike look?

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rivers...dies-49820087/

Looks like a perfectly acceptable bike to me. My wife rides one that is similar, be careful though that you give some thought to what you will be riding along side of her. Your road bike will frustrate both of you.

Nice perfectly suitable bike for the urban commute.

If you get her one, you need a matching gents bike so you both can cruise in happiness.

Looks good to me too. Mikeshoup's advice about buying a matching gent's bike is dead on correct. A year ago I wanted my wife to get into biking as much as me. I lusted after a touring/road bike. She wound up lusting after a Trek 7300 women's model. So I wound up buying her the Trek 7300 for her and one for myself. We ride together and ride a lot. She is ever grateful that I do not own a "better" bike.

Sure there are some downsides: I have a suspension fork that I will probably change to rigid some time. I also put on Trekking bars, a Brooks B17, new pedals, and toe clips. Makes me feel somewhat like I'm riding the bike I truly wanted.

Upsides: a) As I mentioned we ride together. b) She is getting interested in touring and KNOWS that her bike may not be the best for that. So she will probably get another bike (touring) in a year or so and THAT MEANS I will get one too. Heh heh.

What really matters is whether your girlfriend likes the bike, and whether it's comfortable to her.

Hmmm, hadn't thought of getting two. Otherwise, I'd probably be riding my fast-but-practical commuter bike. And, yeah, it might be a bit uncomfortable to have to ride it slowly.

They're well priced so two for £500 is a good deal. And might be nice to have matching. Will go take a look (I work near a Decathlon) with her sometime, see how they fit.