bike for my wife

jaybo1973

Hi all

I am a keen biker and have a half decent specced bike built over time on a 456 frame. My wife has just started doing a bit of biking; in no way hardcore, just forest trails and sustrans trails. At the moment she is using a clapped out old Raleigh that is umpteen years old. She wants something better but that doesn't cost the earth. Can anyone recommend something? As mentioned she does leisurely riding and will never do anything extreme but her riding will always be off road but on 'nice' trails.

Thanks

felix.london

jaybo1973 wrote:

doesn't cost the earth

bit vague that. Budget?

Antm81

I picked up a barely used Scott contessa for my other half, cost me about £150 without a mark on it, I now upgrade it with parts that come off my bike which keeps her happy

jaybo1973

Sorry. Budget is probably no more than about £250. Yep my forks were more but as mentioned, it's for mainly easy terrain

Antm81

I'd look used, I found quite a few used women's bikes in excellent condition.

mangetout_rodney

Would probably suggest a non-women's bike that is the right size for her.
Generally women's bikes are under specced and overpriced- you essentially pay for a more 'feminine colour'

WindyG

As above you will have more choice if you find a men's bike that is the right size for her.
My wife has a Cannondale Trail SL2 which is a men's bike but the 15" frame is perfect for her.

jaybo1973

Cheers guys. Yep, going for a men's sounds a better idea. Although at 5'2" she would need a very small one

kajjal

My wife is 5ft2 and rides a Mynx SL. She liked it due to the riding position / feel and having plenty of stand over height to give you an idea why women's bikes can be a good buy. Have a look for a good second hand bargain.

The Rookie

The jump style frames like the Scott Voltage and GT Chucker work quite well for women, my daughter had a Voltage we made into a decent XC bike and then reframed it and I rebuilt it for my other daughter.