Originally Posted by
mwshook
My wife's in the market for a new bike. She's had a large beach cruiser that she loved, but was way too heavy for her to lift on to bus and train racks.
Her big requirements are a step-through frame, an internal geared hub (features of the old cruiser), but light enough to pick up easily.
We've looked at some stuff online, like the Breezer Town bikes, the Fisher Simple City, and the Trek Belleville WSD.
Does anyone know if one of these would be lighter than the others? Are there other models we should look at?
I may get a second bike next year and it will be a step-through model. I currently have a 21-speed mountain bike that I love and that handles the unimproved forest roads that I ride in good weather well, however, I wouldn't try to wear a skirt when riding it because I'd almost have to lay it down to get on it--it has a mid-level bar, not a straight top bar, but it's by no means a step-through. (Men who work in marketing departments have no idea how ludicrous it is to call a bike with a mid-level bar a "woman's bike" or a "step through bike;" they should be made to wear a kilt and try to gracefully get on one, there's no way.)
Currently, the top models on my list are as follows:
Specialized's Women's Globe Carmel 3 26" (this is a nice 24-speed) and they have it in black (it's beautiful)
Schwinn 700C Women's Connection GSL Hybrid Bike (another 24-speed)
Citizen Barcelona folding bike (this has a 3-speed IGH)
I'm thinking of doing some traveling by train next year and the appeal of a folding bike is increasing. Although I love the looks of the Dahon folding step-through models, I don't want to carry a bike that heavy and, given the higher price tag, I'd be worried about theft when leaving it in a hotel room, even if it's locked.
Hopefully, you live in a area where you can visit some stores and your wife can get a feel for a bike in person. That's not a luxury I have where I currently live. Good luck. Give her some options, but let her pick.