Looking for a bike for my wife
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Looking for a bike for my wife
My wife is turning 66 and hasn't biked actively for over 40 years. She is 5' tall and would like to start biking some. She is in fairly good shape walking her 10,000 steps per day.
She has seen a Trek Lime out of manufacturing that she thinks would be good for her. This includes coaster brakes and automatic shifting. Any recommendations for something that might work well for her in the $400 range? She will be mostly riding paved bike trails in the Minneapolis suburban area.
She is concerned about trying to learn how to use shifting and hand brakes.
She has seen a Trek Lime out of manufacturing that she thinks would be good for her. This includes coaster brakes and automatic shifting. Any recommendations for something that might work well for her in the $400 range? She will be mostly riding paved bike trails in the Minneapolis suburban area.
She is concerned about trying to learn how to use shifting and hand brakes.
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What particular model is a "Lime"? The Pure Deluxe Lowstep appears to be similar to what you describe. Probably a good choice for someone who hasn't ridden a bike in decades. It has both a handbrake on the front and a coaster brake on the rear, so she can get used to a hand brake. It's not automatic shifting, however. It has an internal 3 speed hub, which is easier to shift than a derailleur equipped bike and can also be shifted while stopped.
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Let her pick it out with almost no help from you.
But then who am I to advise - also see N-2 thread.
But then who am I to advise - also see N-2 thread.
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But if you would like to give her a place to start, I have a suggestion. I was at a Ladies Only Bike Night at a local bike store last night. They had a rep from Fuji there. Fuji has a bike called Mio Amore. Single speed, coaster brakes and retails for about $350.
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Get a TANDEM!
She'll have no need to shift/brake/balance and . . .
You'll be riding TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem
She'll have no need to shift/brake/balance and . . .
You'll be riding TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem
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look at folders-- simple and efficient--and closer to the ground There are lots under $400 (check CL and ebay as well)- they are also fully adjustable, and can fit mst people between 4'10 an 6'4... (I have a dahon speed P8, which I love, and my wife has an older model downtube--with suspension and 9 gears)
rain safe-
rain safe-
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Trek did an "Autobike" a couple of years ago called the Lime.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2009/archive/lime
Don't know why they dropped them but they are no longer in production.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2009/archive/lime
Don't know why they dropped them but they are no longer in production.
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The bikes from several manufacturers that used the auto shifting Shimano "Coasting" three-speed hub went out of production because they were more significantly expensive than comparable bikes with no benefits.
Auto shifting bikes are for the demographic of people who can balance, steer, pedal and brake but not shift. The marketplace has proved repeatedly and consistently over the last 40+ years that there's no one in that demographic.
Auto shifting bikes are for the demographic of people who can balance, steer, pedal and brake but not shift. The marketplace has proved repeatedly and consistently over the last 40+ years that there's no one in that demographic.
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I would be careful of getting a single speed bike. The first time a slope is encountered and it becomes real work to get up that hill, the objections, maybe even unspoken begin.
Have her try a number of bikes. Actually, maybe even have a shop set one up on a trainer so she can be talked through the simple process of shifting and braking.
Have her try a number of bikes. Actually, maybe even have a shop set one up on a trainer so she can be talked through the simple process of shifting and braking.
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The internal geared hubs are great for simple shifting. That's what my wife rides (it's a custom build, so I can't offer a model number).
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If I may suggest...take your wife to a few LBS's and let her explain her wants and concerns to the staff. They can introduce her to several bikes that will satisfy her situation and still stay within your price range.
They can coach her about shifting and braking. After a few shops she should have a pretty good idea of what is available and what she wants.
Good hunting!!
They can coach her about shifting and braking. After a few shops she should have a pretty good idea of what is available and what she wants.
Good hunting!!
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Lama82- Why not spend $160 and get a GMC Denali (available through Amazon or the big box stores)? It has mountain bike shifters, which should make it easier for her. The bike has been praised by reviewers (and see the review by CigTech on this website). I'm using one and can't praise it's price highly enough. Regardless, happy trails to you both.
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You might want to check out some crank forward bikes. Over the years I bought my wife 3 DF bikes but she never rode them very far. I now have bought her a tadpole trike and she loves riding it. Already this spring she has put more miles on the trike than the other 3 combined.
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She doesn't have to shift if she doesn't want to. She could put it in a gear she likes and leave it there. Then in the future as she is more comfortable with biking, she can learn to shift.
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