Originally Posted by
sced
When I got my wife into biking several years ago I mounted short-reach brake levers, strong dual pivots, barcons, compact crank and a woman-specific saddle. I also bought her some cool cycling clothes and helmet. A great success!

I did the same except she likes the down tube shifters so I just did tektro dual pivots and short reach levers, and a better fitting set of vintage bars.