Hello All,

I have recently started road biking and have been bugging my wife to start riding some with me. My wife has no interest in road biking, but this last weekend we went for a family ride with me towing a trailer with my daughter and my wife really enjoyed it. She said she would like a bike for Christmas.

We have checked out a few bikes and she really likes the seating position, seat, handlebars and style of the Giant Suede Womens DX. However, she really doesn't want to spend $500 on a bike. Does anyone have any recommendations on similar bikes maybe closer to $300.

Try the Giant Cypress at about $400. The model without front suspension will be lighter which will make for easier pedalling.

If you know her frame size (for correct bike fit) check out craigslist.org or ebay. If you're lucky you can find a bargain.
I scored a *new* cyclocross bike on ebay last week. It was a 2007 that sold for ~$2000 new. I got it for $700.

I've been riding my Suede for a year and a half and still adore it's comfort and sturdiness. Mine is the basic version (Suede W) that cost $340 way back then. I added a rear rack and switched the handlebars to North Road style because the straight style bothered my wrists and forearms. My bike is used for slower rides through dirt, gravel, sand, pavement and just keeps going. The upright position with crank forward design has other counterparts like: Trek Pure, KHS Smoothie, K2 Women's T:Nine > Comfort > Tailwind , etc.

check out the specialized globe bikes, they are under 400

https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/939492000.html

250 in freeport illinois.

As mentioned, try the Giant Suede W, a 7spd instead of the internal 3spd. https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/...en/2295/32087/ Your local shop may have some 2008's or may even be able to suggest something else.

My wife has an Electra Townie 700C 21spd with similar seating position. The Suede's have an excellent reputation, just get at least 7 gears. Can upgrade from there =].