Although I will take time later to do a more in-depth search of past posts, I wanted to throw a line out and see what advice I might get right off the bat…
My wife wants to jump into cycling (no cycling background). At her request, I am starting to look around at road bikes (brands and specific bikes) for her. Although we haven’t set out any search criteria (yet), I think that our top two will be comfort and value. We don’t want to go into the poor-house to get her onto a bike, but also don’t want to go cheap and get her something that will make the experience miserable either - so we’re looking for that balance. Again, I’m starting with road bikes, although we haven’t ruled out a tri bike yet…
For the women of ST, I appreciate anything advice-wise that you might have to offer, particular from those who’ve recently gone through the same…
For the men of ST, I tried recommending holding out for a 2008 S-Works Transition in size 56, but she saw through that pretty quickly…
A certain bike company dude and I have been having this “women’s bike” conversation lately. I say look for a BIKE, not a women’s bike (unless she’s like 4’5" or something.
Best thing to do is to have her test ride a number of different bike from different shops (if that is an option where you live). Ride all materials and many different brands and she will see what feels best to her.
I’d go with a road bike since it’s more versatile than a tri bike. And honestly, I’d probably leave you at home since you men (and that’s the general you all men, not BH specifically) can often (most?) times take over.
I bought a Specialized Ruby Expert last year around this time- and love it. It’s very comfortable. Narrow handle bars, brakes closer to handle bars, shorter top tube, and easier shifting. The Rubys range from $2200-5500. It’s a great bike and would highly recommend it. Email me with more questions, if you’d like.
Shorter cranks, narrower handlebars, being able to “reach” the brakes/shifters (think Shimano ST-R700), the “right” saddle, are all things we’ve changed on my gf’s bike. After a while its the little things that do make a difference. Some women’s bikes seem to address these things but I still find it highly individual.
That said, my personal opinion is still that mtn bikes/hybrids are a lot easier to ride than road. More upright position, brakes are easily accessible, fatter tires so the pressure can be dropped = more comfort, the top bars are usually closer than drop bars etc. More versatile too, in terms of eyelets for racks/bags, abusing, jumping on/off sidewalks. I guess I’m wondering because a friend of mine bought a road bike (from some creep’s suggestion) and I seriously doubt she’ll enjoy it. Its been months and she still hasn’t even taken it out the door…
i went through the same years ago; and feel firmly that a road bike is best to start with.
a road bike will allow her to learn to ride!
handling; shifting; climbing; pedal stroke, etc.
personally, i love the Bianchi Brava as an entry level road bike. It’s well under a thousand bucks; has a very nice ride; is very solid quality; carbon fork and now maybe a carbon seatpost. the steel is comfortable, but the bike is lively enough to ride rather seriously if she got into it.
i raced mine in a half ironman and rode it for 2 years before upgrading.
cannondale offers some nice entry level bikes; and it seems felt does too.
if this were me i would try to keep it under a thousand bucks and let her ride and ride. if she digs it you’ll learn more about what she wants out of bike and her ride style. then the next bike can be quite nice. i think you’re right to wait to spend the money on the 2nd bike, and not to do it on the first one. it is all together reasonable for someone to learn on and have a good experience from an entry level roadie that is 1K or less! and with this less pressure can come from it (ie, what if she hates it, but you’ve spent all the money!)
as for women’s fit i can’t really speak to that. i’m short and ride a 48; but my shoulders are wide, and tiny bars would never work for me. so, again, it will be about fit–this may or may not be women’s specific design.
Just because she is a womens, doesn’t mean she needs a womens bike. The seat doesn’t discriminate who sits on it;) Get one that fits. Especially in the top tube. I have refit several people that have been fit for seattube size only from other places. Things to take into consideration as well handlebar width, shift/brake lever size, crank length.
Thanks for all the great advice up to this point. It has definitely refined our starting point for our search, and has caused us to look at some brands that we might have overlooked (Bianchi & Jamis for example).
On a related note, I’d like to get her some great shorts, shoes, etc., since I think those will add to the comfort equation. Any recommendations in those departments?