jsech

I have an opportunity to pick up a 2003 Trek 1000 for my wife. She's not into biking like I am, has expressed interest in going on some rides with me, but will probably only be a casual cyclist. I think this would be a good bike for her. Seller is asking $250. Assuming its in good condition, and duly noting the general bias against used bikes on BF, do you guys and gals think this is a fair price?

Thanks -

urbanknight

https://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/B...1000&Type=bike

As long as it's in good condition, I think that's a fair price. You could probably go a little lower, though, if the seller is motivated.

Mr. Beanz

Yeah, if you're a cheapskate when it comes to a good a saddle and good shorts, she'll never enjoy cycling.

RomeRider

That's not a bad price. I agree you could offer less because it's 7 years old. It's plenty of bike for someone who may ride occasionally.

Big_Red

Just make sure it fits her well. Nothing will turn her off to cycling faster than being sore each time she takes the bike for a spin. Also listen to Mr. Beanz and and take her to the LBS for some good shorts.

TromboneAl

As important: When you ride with her, she goes first, and you don't tell her to go faster. Tell her she looks good on a bike.

teterider

This has been discussed before, but I'll just give you my basics on getting the wife to ride (the bike part).
Its not to discourage this purchase of this bike, just to give you info on decision making, and its just my opinion after 25 years of riding, 12 of marriage, and many girlfriends before that.

-You live in a nice area that is just hilly. A triple is not necessary and annoying to use for her. The way to go is a compact with a larger cassette. My wife uses a 50x34 compact crank with a 12-29 10-speed cassette with mid-cage RD. Same range as her former triple. That alone transformed her riding and satisfaction.

-The bike is a traditional frame, so the standover isn't as good. Tons of women will say its fine, but newer riders love having the clearance and easier swingover of a sloping frame.

-Be prepared to get her a saddle, and maybe but not as crucial - narrower bars.

-I don't know the geometry of that bike, but for casual riders you want a longer trail somewhere around 58-62mm. You don't want her on a quick handling bike.

-If its the candy red one, thats likely better, if its the black one then check with her. Aesthetics matters, and women have different color tastes. With the black, different colored matching saddle and bar tape can dress it up.

-Many automatically plan for 700x25 tires on a wife's bike. But women have the advantage of using lower pressures anyway so the comfort issue is often mute (more so with more compliant frames). My wife loves the 23c over 25c tires now as they feel more responsive and peppier to her, but then again she went from wire bead 25c @400 grams to folding 23c @220 grams. Either tire size can be great, my point is not to pigeonhole into 700x25 just because.

-Get her into clipless pedals, period.

-I totally understand trying to get a great deal and you can still do that, but if its not a good experience then she won't be enthusiastic about it.

-Ditto on good shorts and good saddle comment.

jsech

As cycling takes up a fair amount of my time in season, we'd both like it if she could be involved on some level. She has borrowed a friend's bike, so she's a little familiar with road biking, but hasn't ridden over 3 miles. I know of an easy group ride that includes several women that she's friends with and hopefully this will keep her motivated.

Thanks for the advice both on price and on getting her to enjoy it. Especially the advice on aesthetics - I was going to surprise her with it, but on second thought (it's the black one) I will let her take a look first.

Bearonabike

Find somewhere that rents bikes and try a few types out. You'd hate to buy her a road bike that she hates and never uses when you could have bought her the hybrid that gets her into biking.

DScott

I'm very surprised this hasn't been pointed out yet, but depending on the wife, that might not be a bad trade.