New Bike for Wife
 

Hey, gang! I've been hanging on the FG/SS side of the forum for a while, and am now looking for a new bike for my wife. She knows how to ride a bike, but that's about as far as her experience goes. I know she wants something with at least 3-7 speeds, and regular hand brakes (not coaster). She doesn't want a road or mountain bike. The last bike we saw that she liked was a Trek, either Verve or FX. Anyway, I think this puts us in the hybrid/commuter type category. I have a rear seat on my mountain bike for our 20 month old, and we need to figure out how to get our 5 month old situated as well. We will likely switch to a regular trailer style thing for the two kids, which I'll haul. I am mainly looking at what I should get for my wife...maybe this should be in a different section of the forum.

I don't want to spend any more money than is necessary. We will be riding on paved multipurpose paths in Phoenix, AZ, which is almost entirely flat. Likely 5-10 miles at a time until she gets in shape for 25-40 mile rides. What recommendations do you all have on the budget side? I'm open to bikes direct, Target, and whatever other options might be out there. Thanks so much!

Does the bike have to be new? From your description, a pretty broad range of bikes would fit your needs and the budget is of high priority. With hybrids, people don't tend to use them too heavily and you can find really good deals on Craigslist. I'd just look for anything in the correct size in the correct budget with decent parts on it. Doesn't have to be perfect for cruising around on paths. You'll get more value from buying used I'd say.

On a side note about carrying your 5 month old... Everyone (doctors/manufacturers) would tell you that the minimum age for riding around with a kid in a bike seat is 9-12 months old or so. The only safe way to carry kids that young is fully supported in a car seat with additional suspension, which requires some other method of transport, such as a suspended trailer or front loading box bike/trike. Sorry if this sounds preachy, just wanted to post in case you hadn't considered it already.

Sounds like I'll be looking for something used! Honestly, I REALLY appreciate you chiming in about the safety for my daughter. I would have googled it first, but you just saved me a bunch of research. Appreciate it.

For sure. I have two kids and went through the same process of figuring out how to get them on the bike as soon as possible.

A bunch of the trailers have an 'infant sling accessory, I had one, now gone.

Giant has a line of bikes for women called Liv--seems like the Rove model would fit her needs. And when she gets more experienced, and rides more, you wouldn't have to spend money again getting a better bike. https://www.liv-cycling.com/us/bikes-rove