Hybrid for the wife - advice wanted

964rh

Hi

Hopefully this is in the right section, apologies if not.

Basically after trying to get the wife into thrahing round forests she's decided it's not for her, so she's asked me to look for a hybrid for her so we can ride on towpaths, fire roads and generally fitness kind of stuff.

The only terms I've had imposed are that the bike is light and not a traditional womens style bike.

She has, meaning I have, a limit of about £300 for the actual bike.

Any ideas on what I should be looking at? I based in Leicester so have a few shops around that we can visit to try if any are stockists of your recommendations.

Many thanks

Rob

rudyardmtb

Sorry, thought you wanted a swapsy going of the title :twisted:

964rh

Not for a hybrid, for a decent road bike I may be tempted!!!

ride_whenever

Get her a singlespeed, there are a few that are good for that kind of money. Nothing else will even remotely come close to being light at £300

flimflam_machine

The Ridgeback Velocity seems to be a reasonable bet at that sort of price range. It's probably not the lightest bike but it will stand up to fire road and towpath (my missus's did). It seems to roll quite quickly and handle nicely. The only issue that I'd raise is that the saddle it came with is fiercely uncomfortable.

jeremyrundle

Dont think you will get much for just £300 check the used section, though I have seen these in use and they appear to be a very good bike for the price.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/rid ... gn=froogle

regards

loveaduck

Hi, i purchased the Trek 7.1 from Evans. I am 5ft 7ish and i have the 17.5 frame. Slightly different spec from the one advertised (better) and also came with mudguards (nice surprise).

I changed the handlebars to straight mountain bike bars as i prefer them. It is lite and fast and the gear changes are fantastic.

The seat post has built in suspension which i at first did not have much faith in, but it works like a charm and i love the saddle, this is the first bike i have bought where i didn't have to change the saddle straight away.

Female specific bikes are blah i don't blame her. these are mine that i use for work.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pin ... e-ec021933

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/tre ... e-ec016501

And play

tomb353

my wife has a 7.2 fx with step through frame, handlebars swapped for raleigh north road as she wanted it more sit up and beg. fine for the sort of use you are talking about.

964rh

Thanks for the tips and advice all.

So far it's down to two bikes.

The Trek 7.1fx and a Specialized Sirrus. She liked the look of a Scott hybrid as well but it weighed as much as an old grifter!!

She likes the look of both but the Spesh is the lightest by a couple of kg so may be the one she goes for.

Nipping over to Rutland water at the weekend and gonna try them out.

Have fun

Rob

alan_sherman

Giant CRS. My wife has a 2 year old CRS2.0. Wide enouigh tyres for gravel tracks such as Thames towpath and New Forest cycle routes, not too big to be a drag on roads. Handling nice and neutral with a comgy saddle and good basic shimano kit.

Yes there are lighter bikes but it is really good considering it cost us £200 in an end of season sale. I've 'borrowed' it for commute to work duties. I'd recommend it.

964rh

Hi

Just to update

Picked up a 2011 Scott Sportster 55 for the wife at the weekend from Rutland Cycles.

Spent a bit more than we had originally planned but she liked the ride more compared to the Trek and Specialized, and it seems a ladies geo frame suits her style of riding (even though it's not a trad. ladies frame from the victiorian days)

Many thanks to all for their advice.

Regards

Rob