Originally Posted by
tanslacks
Hi everyone,
I spend too many hours a week on my Surly LHT, now my wife wants to join me. Here is the rub. She likes the hybrid style of bike. Sitting up more erect, however she does not need a cross bike because she does not plan on riding on the dirt.
I have looked around and seen the Trek 7.3 wsd, but I have no idea what else is out there. She is not going to a long tourer, more like 50 mile days max. I will carry most of the gear, but it should be able to support a rear rack. Does anyone have any ideas? I could probably go as high as 800 dollars street price.
I am doing the west coast route this summer and she will join me for two or three shorter days near northern california. This is very exciting news for me because I have always hoped she would join me some day.
Thanks in advance
Jamis bikes are a great value.
If she can test ride some bikes it might help, but remind her that beginners don't always have enough experience to evaluate bikes well. Sometimes people find a bike that rides and fits (fit is much more important than most beginners realize) much better than anything they've ever experienced. In fact, many cyclists have never found a bike like this, and don't know the level of delight that can come from riding such a bike.
She might enjoy this trip, as well as future trips and rides, much more if you can find something she really likes.
The appearance of the bike is a factor, but the quality of the fit and ride is probably more important.
My suggestion would be to help her find a truly delightful bike, something she genuinely and strongly enjoys, and to help her understand and
hold out for something great, rather than something that is so-so, mediocre, pretty good, reasonably good, good enough, etc.