Hi,

I am in need of some advice. My wife is relatively new to riding. Her one and only bike is a single speed with a front rim brake and a rear coaster brake. We are in the process of purchasing two new bikes with multiple gears. Would a indoor trainer help her to learn the bike better? She is a little apprehensive about just getting on and learning by trial and error. She had a pretty big crash last summer, and understandably, her far factor is quite high.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for reading.

No. Riding the bike will help her overcome her fear. Find a big empty parking lot and just ride. Find a quiet street or trail and just ride. If you have one available, both of you can take a bike safety class; even you will learn something.

Also, give her a hug from me and remind her that courage isn't not being afraid, it's being afraid and doing it anyway.

Yes, best way is to get back on that horse, so to speak. A trainer might work as a crutch, but I can see her not wanting to get off the trainer and outside on the bike. Best way to avoid crashing again is to get used to actually riding.

+1

Grassy field in a park is good too. Soft landing if you fall.

Thank you for all of your responses and suggestions. The fact of the matter is, although she is still afraid of falling, she has gotten back on her bike. Even if its just for some short rides around the neighborhood. My question about the trainer was more for her to acclimate to her new bike with gears and hand brakes, since this is only her second bike. Not so much as a tool to get her back up and riding. Although she is riding again, she is still afraid. Add the new bike with all the new gizmos, I just thought that it might be too much too soon.
Thanks again.

Same answer. You need to get the feel of how the bike reacts when you shift and brake. Just do it in a safe quiet area.

^^^
This. Just ride. She'll get used to it.

Get her a pair of rollers its always good to train indoors you will build up more strength if you ride all year and start monitoring your stats so you can push your limits ....