briank

Today I went to several local bike shops searching for a bike for my wife. I saw a Bianchi and a Specialized that caught my eye. I came home and showed them to here on line and she was not overjoyed with my Hybrid offerings. I remember in the past seeing more of a traditional road/ casual bike with a touch of classic Euro to it. I remember the silverfish blue bike with a brown seat and road tires. I know she wants to add baskets when she takes the kids out for misc things. She is not in to all the bells an whistles or components.. I am though. Anybody have any ideas of a bike out there that might fit the bill? I think she plans on going by there tonight to see what the local stores offer.

I know Reid makes a classic looking line for women.

VegasTriker

It is time to see if you can do some educating. Some of us old enough to remember when one and three speed bikes were the norm find it hard to understand why someone would actually want 1950s technology in a bike today. I rode my Schwinn one-speed on a half century ride but sure wouldn't think of repeating it today when much better bikes are available. That ride is easy on a good bike but would be torture on a one-speed.

I notice that you don't ride a Bicycle Shaped Object so you know the value of riding a multi-speed, lightweight bike and one that doesn't have balloon tires. It makes it so much easier to choose a cadence that is comfortable and to climb hills with ease. If the two of you have any intention of riding together there will be a terrible mismatch with the bikes you have and the one she wants to buy. I see bikes like that at local garage sales frequently. If you ask the owner how often they rode it, the answer is usually that it hasn't been ridden much since the day it was brought home.

In the end it is wise to acquiesce to her wishes but at least you will have made a try. You may have to teach her how to use gears if she already doesn't know how. Sometimes that is why people avoid a better bike.

katsrevenge

Check out these : https://www.papillionaire.com/buy/ The Sommer or Mixte is a nice mix of lovely classic details and nice. They come in single, 3 speed or 8 speed IGH.

I have an IGH 8 speed mixte from bikes direct that is quite nice as well. Not as pretty as those Sommers, with the little details, but still very nice.

My advice? Get her what she wants, not what you think she wants or should have. And then, if all you ride is a road bike, you now can get something a little classic yourself for family rides.

Corben

Not saying that you should buy from them but BikesDirect.com has hundreds of bikes she can brows through to give her and you an idea what she's looking for. hundreds.....
Oh and I bought one from Them and am totally happy.

genesplitter

Here is a beautiful mixte, I'm thinking about getting it for myself as a spare bike (I'm a guy).

Buena Vista Frame Set | SOMA Fabrications