what should I be looking for?

curlyrobert

My girlfriend has realised she needs to be doing more excercise, she enjoys riding her MTB, but doesn't like the technical stuff, much more suited to roads, so she was very jealous of my new Madone, and now wants a road bike to try for herself.

She has no desire to ever compete, or do bunch rides, just enjoy being out for a couple of hours a couple of times a week.

So I have been looking for a bike for her, but get carried away, upping her budget an extra £50 every 10 mins for better components, frame, wheels etc.

Before everyone starts shouting WSD at me, she has a long torso so is more suited to a male bike, but I think would benefit from a little comfort of a slightly more upright ride, as comfort must be one of the most important factors for enjoyment right?

My questions:
What would you suggest are the most important things to be looking for other than bike fit? would it be frame material, wheels, groupset? we have a budget of about £400, could push to £500 but reluctant.

Any suggestions on what to look out for, and bike suggestions welcomed.

Thanks from both of us!

(ps. relying on some good feedback to get another roadie on board )

curlyrobert

Just thought to add I have a spare set of wheels, either Mavic Aksium's or Bontrager racelites to give tothe bike so don't factor in the wheels, as I have this covered, unless you suggest something Campy equipped which is not compatible. (campy would be nice, think she would like the italian touch

gematkinson

what about a base level bianchi c2c think they come in around your budget... very nice looking and comfortable geometry? im a girl and i ride a c2c model, and have found it to be lovely! i was in the same boat as your gf, never owning a road bike and im more than chuffed...

curlyrobert

The Bianchi is really nice, but at £650 it is a touch expensive

Monty Dog

Given your budget, I'd see if you could find something used - for £500 you'll get a 1-2 year old bike that cost in excess of a grand. Comfort-wise, look at something like a Specialized Roubaix, Trek Pilot or Giant SCR. At your price point you'll find it tricky to buy without wheels unless buying components seperately, which is generally more expensive anyway. Worth making a visit to a few bike shops for some test rides to find likes and dislikes, sizing etc.

graham_g

Best new option has to be the Giant SCR range (SCR4 can be had for £350 on sale IIRC), and similar Trek/Spec offerings. My other half has the SCR3 with Sora/Tiagra mix (mostly Sora) and is great - don't get caught up looking at components etc. though, just show her a few options and ask which one she thinks looks nicest. That is the most important thing.

curlyrobert

Graham G. spot on! lol

just show her a few options and ask which one she thinks looks nicest. That is the most important thing.

this is exactly what she would like!

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curlyrobert

Has anybody had any experience with the new 1 series from Trek, thinking that the 1.5 could be the perfect solution, pushing the boat out price wise but would be good for the next 5+ years at least. the specialised allez all look a little bit boring, Giant SCR 3 is the other option but I, for no founded reason only buy Trek! and have not been disappointed yet... not tried the new range yet though

hodsgod

How upright does she want to be? there are some excellent flat bars and hybrids out there for the casual rider. With your budget you van't demand the best frame or groupset, and again for a casual rider it isn't probably important.