Originally Posted by
BishopLord
I'm going to buy a bicycle for my girlfriend. She's a shorty - only 4' 10" (I think she's 4'9", but she says 4'10" - okay). I'm looking at getting her a mountain bike - nothing extravagent or elaborate, just something nice for under $100 for now (as I don't even know how often she'll use it as she said she hasn't ridden one since she was around 13 - she's 33 now, but said she would if I got her one). This is going to be a surprise gift (early Christmas present), but I don't want it to be a surprise that it's either a) too small or b) too big.
I found a few on the internet that caught my eye (some Walmart, Sears, and Target bikes - I know.. but I'm on a budget right now, and besides, I don't want to shell out $200+ for a bike that may not be used), but I'm not sure what size should I get, 20" or 24"? Kids or womens? Anyone have any ideas?
I'm currently using public transportation, so stopping by a department store at this time (after work), is really hard for me.
Thanks for any help.
Oh, I feel sorry for you. I've fought this battle for 30 years and I'm not sure we've won it yet.
1. Don't buy her a bike without her trying it first. Tiny women have more of a fit problem than any one on the planet when it comes to bikes, pants, dresses, cars, etc. Everything is made to fit the middle of that Gaussian distribution and your girl friend is hanging out on the very outer edges. It's probably easier for an 8' tall man to find things that fit then for a sub 5' tall woman.
2. Go to a BIKE SHOP! Preferably one that has women in the sales force.
3. Do not...I repeat...DO NOT go cheap! A cheap bike is a heavy bike. If your girl friend weighs 90 lbs a 30 lb bike is 1/3 her weight. Would you want to ride around on a bike that weighs 1/3 what you do? I mean when was the last time you took a fun ride on a 66 pound bike? (Assuming around 200 lb
) And you, buster, have more muscles then she does! You'd better make that a 75 lb bike to get the same effect. Go put some pedals on a motorcycle and take it for a spin. Spend some green or look for something used that is higher dollar.
4. If you want to surprise here, take her to a Bed and Breakfast. Or get a gift certificate at the bike shop. Then go with her and be patient. Let her try everything but don't let her think about the cost...she will anyway.
5. There are lots more choices today then there was 30 years ago. Trek, Specialized, Cannondale and a whole bunch of other companies make bikes for women. They aren't perfect but the are closer. You might even want to consider a
Terry Bicycle. The bikes are a little more expensive but Terry has been building bikes for women for longer than anyone else. They understand women...especially really tiny women.
I hope you take my ribbing the right way but you are in for an interesting adventure