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decent entry level women's bike?

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decent entry level women's bike?

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Old 03-18-05, 04:15 PM
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decent entry level women's bike?

Hi;

I have a friend at work who wants to get a road bike. She's not short... about 5'7".
She's looking for a new road bike for about $500. Any suggestions?

Thanks. DanO
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Old 03-18-05, 04:48 PM
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I know when we were bike shopping for women's specific bikes, the 2004 Trek 1000 WSD was around $500.

If not for a women's specific bike, many 2004 entry level bikes are on sale for that price range. Since she's 5'6", she shouldn't have a problem with finding a bike that fits. My girlfriend's 5'3" (short upper torso) and she fits her 47cm Satellite well, even though it's not a "women's specific" model.

And just like all "what to get for a beginner" thread, she should buy the bike locally so she can have it fit by the LBS.
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Old 03-18-05, 05:45 PM
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Originally Posted by DanO220
Hi;

I have a friend at work who wants to get a road bike. She's not short... about 5'7".
She's looking for a new road bike for about $500. Any suggestions?

Thanks. DanO

We bought my wife a Giant OCR3 recently. She really likes it. Just a tad over $500. New models are coming out right now so it's a good time to shop it.

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Old 03-18-05, 09:09 PM
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I just got a Cannondale R500 Fem in a 40CM for my 4'9" better 3/4. She liked it much better then the simular geometry on the Trek 43cm (geometry nearly identical) She felt it was more comfortable and handled better then the Trek. Cost $350 more, but she wouldn't be mine if she wasn't expensive
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Old 03-19-05, 11:02 AM
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Hi Dan0220,

I had a hybrid bike to start with and I really did not like riding too well. As I started enjoying bicycling more (and wanted to keep up with my husband), I wanted a better bike but I didn't want to spend big bucks. So, we bought a Giant OCR3 for me. I am only 5'2 so I got the smallest frame but I really love this bike. I think we sent a little over $600 for my bike. It feel very quick and nimble. It is a lot of fun. But I will also add that we ended up buying a tandem as well. I like riding the tandem more as I don't have to struggle to keep up. But my vote is for the OCR3 if your wife wants to start out and really enjoy riding.
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Old 03-19-05, 11:06 AM
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Dan,
I'm also 5'7" and female, and a 54cm (C-T) Trek frame fits me pretty well. Do keep in mind the warning to have your LBS do a good fitting session for the bike (and more than standover clearance and the handlebar-front hub check). So much depends on a person's own proportions.
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Old 03-20-05, 06:28 AM
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Fuji are good value for entry-level road bikes.
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