rms13

She currently has a heavy step through hybrid bike with super relaxed geometry. When we go for rides together she can barely stay within 50 yards of me when I am coasting and only pedaling when I'm about to stop rolling. I want to get her a cheap starter road bike so she can test the waters. I am leaning toward just getting something from Bikesdirect. What is a good cheap starter bike that won't fall apart after 6 months? Since she's not as into cycling as I am, I don't want to spend too much money figuring if she gets into we will just buy a new bike after a year instead of upgrading the starter bike. Also, is their really any advantage/disadvantage to getting a ladies frame vs mens frame that fits her?

txgolfer56

What is cheap to you? A Trek Madone 2.1 will be around $1400. They have less expensive models too.

rms13

cheap is sub $500, which is why I'm looking at BD. If she gets more interested in cycling I think $1000-1500 might be ok but this bike could sit collecting dust so I don't want to make a big initial investment.

buffalowings

If you have basic bike tools and know how to adjust a front and rear derailleur, then bikesdirect is the best option. Anything with Sora or Tiagra is going to be a good bike.

rms13

I do. Thanks.

buffalowings

Then a bikesdirect bike is fine, make sure you get the right size frame though. That's the only risk of buying a bike online.

catonec 

pretty decent for the price. an extra $50 gets her a triple crank instead of the compact.
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../mirage_sl.htm

dtrain

Live near a Performance Store?

Leinster

Keep looking at BD, but also Amazon and any other online outlets (REI, Sport Chalet, Performance etc) and deals will come up. I got my wife a DiamondBack Airen with 10spd Tiagra last year on Amazon for about $400. It's lighter than any of my own bikes! (I've considered stealing her wheels more than a couple of times).

rms13

Yes, but I have to pay tax there and at 9.00% sales tax that starts adding up even at $500

Leinster

You have to pay tax on online retailers now too.

buffalowings

Not all, and it depends on the state etc etc.

BruceHankins

Check CL also, some good deals could be found. I recently found a schwinn (LBS not box store) fastback 2 for $125, but it was too small for my wife.

rms13

not Bikesdirect: no shipping no tax. You do at most major retailers which is why I don't shop on Amazon anymore where they used to get hundreds or even thousands of my dollars a year. Not to get too political, but it's just another example of the government destroying the economy when they should be stimulating it

echotraveler

Im gonna be a nay sayer here...

if she's not asking for this new bike, dont buy one. Cycling is something that grows within, your passion for cycling is yours. Ive tried manyy times almost spent a lot on this but my wifes indiference between having and not having, convinced me. If you want a bike you look for one yourself and ask for help from knowlegable cyclist. It sounds harsh i know...

DaveWC

Unless you happen to think that giving a 9% advantage to online retailers over local b&m companies only stimulates online shopping to the detriment to local companies.

Essex

I agree with Echo. And my wife asked me to get her a bike too. It is now 6 years later and she has ridden it a total of 3 blocks. It cost 600+.

When I tell her that I might go and take a ride on her Deore equipped bike - she says no. The grease on the thing is still nice and translucent.

Dudelsack 

Trek Lexa. WSD. Choice of group depending on how much you want to pay.

Leinster

My wife has ridden hers less than 10 times. And I don't know when she'll ride it again. But even if she never does, I got a good enough deal on it that I should recoup most of the value if I sell it on CL. But it does at least give us the option of going on bike rides together that we didn't have before.

bonz50

very much this. sage advice here. heed it.

tagaproject6

Is cycling of any interest to your wife or does she ride because you tell/ask her to ride with you? Don't assume that she wants a nicer bike because she went on a few rides with you.

live311

Here's what I did. First, I got myself a $500 Trek hybrid that works well for rail trails and casual rides around town. Then I put some semi-slicks on the wife's old mountain bike so she could go a bit faster. It seems to have worked well for us. Sometimes she will ask me if it's worth it to get a real road bike, but we both agree that the answer is no because she is too uncomfortable riding on roads. She would rather stick to well maintained rail trails.

lunacycle

Based on my personal experience, I think the question you should be asking is what type of bike should you get, so that you can ride with her at her pace?

...or you could buy a tandem.

Essex

If I try and sell her bike - I will get a sharp stick in the eye. She is a redhead.

Leinster

So's mine. And so would I. But no intention of ever actually selling it, just pointing out that if she ever decides she's never riding it again, we're not out of pocket too much.