jr712

I'm looking for a bike for my wife. She hasn't ridden since she was a teenager and says she hates riding because bike seats are always too uncomfortable. I do not believe she's ever tried anything other than cheap Walmart bikes with a $5 gel seat pad (and probably never used padded shorts). So the top priority for this is going to be comfort, otherwise I'll never get her to use the thing. Even if it is comfortable enough. she may not use the bike much more than a few times a year so I don't want to spend much more than about $300-$400. She's 5ft 2" tall. Probably would be used only on paved roads & sidewalks and just recreation/fitness. Don't care much about speed or offroading.

I know our best bet will be to go to some LBS and try some options and get recommendations, but based on the info I provided what do you guys think we should look at?

lost_in_endicot

I really enjoy my Fuji Crosstown 2.5. It has the big butt cushy seat and a suspension seat post. The ladies version is the same, but with a step through frame.

Fuji Bikes | LIFESTYLE | PAVEMENT - CITY COMFORT | CROSSTOWN 2.5 LS

I know Trek makes a similar bike, and I think the price is about the same.

Jaeger99

Step one - involve her in the decision. I had been trying to get my wife into riding to join my daughter and I - she had no interest in the hybrid-type bikes I was showing or, or in returning to riding in general. But while we were at a general sporting goods store, she spotted a, el-cheapo single speed cruiser and completely fell in love with it. She was really taken with the baby blue color and the retro styling. The relaxed, upright riding position and cushy sprung saddle were also selling features. Added a wicker basket for the front and she is as happy as can be. Not what I would have chosen for her, but it got her back in the saddle and is entirely adequate for the easy-paced neighborhood road and trail rides that we do as a family.

elephino

I think if comfort is her #1 priority, she would be best served by sitting on and test-riding as many bikes as possible to determine what is comfortable for her. And although this is probably the answer you didn't want to hear, it would be best to do this at your LBS because they will know how to adjust the bike properly for her.

She might consider telling the employees she is looking for a "comfort bike" or "comfort hybrid". Each LBS will have its own combination of brands, but pretty much all the major brands have something in that class, mostly in your price range, that will have a cushier seat and a more upright riding position. A lot of people find that the most comfort-friendly combination.

Probably the friendliest seat I've used was on my friend's KHS Green. It is wide and soft.

jr712

I found someone selling a 2007 Specialized Expedition Sport, womens "small frame" for $150. Anyone know anything about that bike, it looks to be in really good condition.

Here's the ad: https://tulsa.craigslist.org/bik/4510818392.html

There's not many good other craigslist options in my area, as Jaeger suggested we may just have to go with an el cheapo.

My wife showed interest in these options:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/26-Kent-La...d-Tan/17206781

jskash

A women's Giant Cypress would be in your price range and specs. We bought one for my wife and she loves it.

Cypress W (2014) | Giant Bicycles | United States

jr712

That looks like a good option. Almost as cheap as the walmart bikes, good brand/quality, and that blue color may just be "cute" enough for the wife. We'll try to go test one out at a LBS this weekend. Thanks.

Coal Buster

Buy her a folding bike you can keep in the trunk of your car. That way when you go somewhere where a lot of ordinary people are riding, like a boardwalk or canal path, she can take it out and enjoy the vibe. Maybe that will kickstart a desire for recreational cycling.

dhunley1

We bought my girlfriend a Diamondback Vital 2 at Dicks Sporting Goods for $300 a couple years back and she loves it. It's been a great bike for her and is perfect for the type of riding she does.

FRITZ86

I just bought my wife (bike newbie) a Specialized Vita and it works great for her. She will usually ride 5-10 miles every other day on it and really likes it.

browngw 

mrsbrowngw is not a newbie, but was looking for what she calls a "girly" bike for just riding around town. She ended up with this Giant Via2 4130 Cromoly steel bike that rides like a dream and does not weigh a ton. Its like a cross between a mixte and a dutchie. It was around $450CDN at the LBS. We did change to a wider softer seat. She also has a older Giant Cypress.

MickeyMaguire

I bought my wife a Fuji Absolute 3LE from Performance Bike last August (for her birthday). She absolutely loves it!

Couldn't resist the pun.

The bike is a 15 inch frame, the smallest they make. My wife has a very long torso and short legs. She was comfortable with the seat, but, if she were not, I'd have gladly bought her a gell-padded seat and swapped out the supplied saddle. The bike is the same color as my Fuji Absolute2, but, the 3LE has the alloy fork on it rather than the more expensive carbon fork. The bikes do look great when we ride together.

jr712

Went to a LBS today and my wife tried out the Giant Cypress W ($320) and the Giant Sedona W ($320). Links to both below. She really liked the baby blue color of the Sedona but didn't want mountain bike tires so she went for the Cypress. Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

Cypress W (2014) | Giant Bicycles | United States
Sedona W (2014) | Giant Bicycles | United States

linnefaulk

Very nice. I hope she enjoys it.