Help buying wife a bike for xmas - hybrid / road type
11-11-22, 07:37 PM
#26
Senior Member
Get her a gift certificate,
take her to the bike shop,
let HER pick the ride.
Then, go riding with her.
With her, means....
she picks the route,
pace and when to stop, etc.
You get the ice cream, lunch, snacks, etc
Soon she will become your riding partner.
My partner and I have been riding TWOgether for 40 years now.
She picks the bike.
11-11-22, 08:32 PM
#27
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I know you said you did not want used, but you should keep an eye out on the used market, as I picked up this fantastic bike for my wife from someone that bought a bike during the lockdown and decided she was ready to move on to a drop bar bike and did not believe in N+1. This thing was in like new condition and I saved glorious amounts of money and even picked up a new set of wheels and still paid less than what the new cost would be. She loves it.
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Brian | 2023 Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS | 2023 Trek CheckPoint SL 7 AXS | 2016 Trek Emonda ALR | 2022 Trek FX Sport 5
Brian | 2023 Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS | 2023 Trek CheckPoint SL 7 AXS | 2016 Trek Emonda ALR | 2022 Trek FX Sport 5
Last edited by jaxgtr; 11-11-22 at 08:36 PM.
11-11-22, 09:52 PM
#28
Junior Member
Order I'd follow:
1 gift certificate and she picks it out
2 e bike. If she's not riding now an e-bike will actually help her feel like riding, especially if it involves lugging a kid.
3 canyon bicycles. Lightweight. Good quality. Sale going on right now. They'll ship it to wherever you want it.
4 major brands - trek specialized Cannondale liv Kona. I would go used myself, especially since you don't want to spend much and there's a good chance she won't ride it much, but that doesn't work with the shipping idea.
1 gift certificate and she picks it out
2 e bike. If she's not riding now an e-bike will actually help her feel like riding, especially if it involves lugging a kid.
3 canyon bicycles. Lightweight. Good quality. Sale going on right now. They'll ship it to wherever you want it.
4 major brands - trek specialized Cannondale liv Kona. I would go used myself, especially since you don't want to spend much and there's a good chance she won't ride it much, but that doesn't work with the shipping idea.
11-11-22, 10:31 PM
#29
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Cannot ECHO enough this suggestion..........
Get her a gift certificate,
take her to the bike shop,
let HER pick the ride.
Then, go riding with her.
With her, means....
she picks the route,
pace and when to stop, etc.
You get the ice cream, lunch, snacks, etc
Soon she will become your riding partner.
My partner and I have been riding TWOgether for 40 years now.
She picks the bike.
Get her a gift certificate,
take her to the bike shop,
let HER pick the ride.
Then, go riding with her.
With her, means....
she picks the route,
pace and when to stop, etc.
You get the ice cream, lunch, snacks, etc
Soon she will become your riding partner.
My partner and I have been riding TWOgether for 40 years now.
She picks the bike.
the more knowledgeable person should make the decision - or at a minimum assist in the decision
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11-12-22, 12:53 AM
#30
Senior Member
Order I'd follow:
1 gift certificate and she picks it out
2 e bike. If she's not riding now an e-bike will actually help her feel like riding, especially if it involves lugging a kid.
3 canyon bicycles. Lightweight. Good quality. Sale going on right now. They'll ship it to wherever you want it.
4 major brands - trek specialized Cannondale liv Kona. I would go used myself, especially since you don't want to spend much and there's a good chance she won't ride it much, but that doesn't work with the shipping idea.
1 gift certificate and she picks it out
2 e bike. If she's not riding now an e-bike will actually help her feel like riding, especially if it involves lugging a kid.
3 canyon bicycles. Lightweight. Good quality. Sale going on right now. They'll ship it to wherever you want it.
4 major brands - trek specialized Cannondale liv Kona. I would go used myself, especially since you don't want to spend much and there's a good chance she won't ride it much, but that doesn't work with the shipping idea.
11-12-22, 12:55 AM
#31
Senior Member
I know you said you did not want used, but you should keep an eye out on the used market, as I picked up this fantastic bike for my wife from someone that bought a bike during the lockdown and decided she was ready to move on to a drop bar bike and did not believe in N+1. This thing was in like new condition and I saved glorious amounts of money and even picked up a new set of wheels and still paid less than what the new cost would be. She loves it.
11-12-22, 06:49 AM
#32
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I highly recommend Priority Bicycles for the application you describe. A quiet, grease-free belt that is always ready to go is wonderful, whether the bike is rarely used or it has sat out in the rain for a few days. They even sell a child seat and rack on the website if you want to keep purchasing simple. If your wife isn't much of a rider (my wife hadn't really ridden since she was a kid and likely never on a bike that fit well), I'd also suggest getting the child carrier for your bike. (and maybe expect to buy a new saddle. I'm not very picky, but the saddle on the Classic Plus Gotham is the worst for me bike seat I have ever used). I use a Classic Plus Gotham for year round commuting and it's looking like I'm picking up one of their 20" bikes for one of my kids when they go on sale in a week.
11-12-22, 07:13 AM
#33
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GO TO YOUR LOCAL SHOP! Seriously guessing is great for the Price is Right but a bike someone is going to ride not so good. I get that you are going out of state for the holidays, buy her a gift card and right a really sweet note, then when you get back plan a nice day where you take her to her favorite breakfast spot (or cook her breakfast) then go to the shop and let her choose and then maybe take her out to a nice dinner and the next day plan for a ride on the new bike (assuming they are able to get it exit tuned that day or the next). I here it all the time "but but but but but but but" and my answer remains the same because if they are able to ride a bike they are able to come into the shop and help pick it out and while yes having a big present to give someone is nice it is nicer when they have a say in it and can try different stuff and get a real feel for it all.
I know if someone bought me a bike without my involvement I wouldn't be as happy especially if it didn't fit or didn't shift well or whatever the case might be and now I am stuck with something I may not want to ride.
I know if someone bought me a bike without my involvement I wouldn't be as happy especially if it didn't fit or didn't shift well or whatever the case might be and now I am stuck with something I may not want to ride.
I would have her take test rides on more than one bike so she can find exactly what she likes. Also, don't get too hung up on one brand. There are many great brands out there. Lastly, make sure the shop you buy from will put her and her new bike on a trainer, watch her pedal and make adjustments to dial in her fit just right. An ill fitting bike will cause her to lose interest. Don't make that mistake.
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11-12-22, 09:20 AM
#36
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I'm looking for a hybrid-type bike for my wife for xmas. It will be ridden in the neighborhood, on paved trails, maybe around town. No dirt, no mountain. Want something onto which we can add a kid seat for the next 12-18 months until the youngest is riding their own bike. She is semi-athletic, 5'7" 130lbs. Maybe she gets into it and will want to ride more, but generally speaking the bike will be used for family rides (meaning, slow comfortable rides on easy terrain).
Overwhelmed at the number of options out there. Think I saw a stat that there are >150 bike manufacturers in the US alone, then multiply manufacturer count by bike models per manufacturer then by number of component/options etc etc etc. Doesn't help someone who tends to overthink purchases.
I started this thinking I'd like to spend $500 and am quickly realizing that I should increase that to $800, $1000 max. I don't want used.
I like the trek FX line, seems to do everything we want, seems straight forward. That said, I get completely lost in the details. Does she need the FX3 vs FX2? No idea...
Say you have $800 +/- for a new hybrid bike, which one would you purchase and why?
Thanks in advance for any guidance. I realize this is a bit of an open-ended question and appreciate input from those who know more than me.
And before the standard "go to your LBS" response - we are doing Christmas out of state this year so I need to be able to order it, ship it to xmas destination, and assemble it onsite. I have a good relationship with the LBS given the volume of flat tires my children produce.
Thanks!
Overwhelmed at the number of options out there. Think I saw a stat that there are >150 bike manufacturers in the US alone, then multiply manufacturer count by bike models per manufacturer then by number of component/options etc etc etc. Doesn't help someone who tends to overthink purchases.
I started this thinking I'd like to spend $500 and am quickly realizing that I should increase that to $800, $1000 max. I don't want used.
I like the trek FX line, seems to do everything we want, seems straight forward. That said, I get completely lost in the details. Does she need the FX3 vs FX2? No idea...
Say you have $800 +/- for a new hybrid bike, which one would you purchase and why?
Thanks in advance for any guidance. I realize this is a bit of an open-ended question and appreciate input from those who know more than me.
And before the standard "go to your LBS" response - we are doing Christmas out of state this year so I need to be able to order it, ship it to xmas destination, and assemble it onsite. I have a good relationship with the LBS given the volume of flat tires my children produce.
Thanks!
Welcome to the forum. It's a good one as you'll see, but often a substantial drift away from the question you ask, as you've seen. There is a LOT going on with this post.
An important question is will the manufacturer of your choice ship it to you? Covid changed things, but you may find that the manufacturer of choice will not ship to a person.
You are going to assemble a bike, but you use a bike shop to repair flats?
Between the FX2 and FX3, I think there is enough of a difference to warrant the $350 price difference. Be warned, that those bikes have fairly "aggressive" ergos. A couple of notes of worth. Generally speaking, there's not much difference in bikes at the same price point. While there isn't MUCH difference, generally you get a little less with Trek and other high name recognition brands, than you might with lesser known brands. Name brand doesn't really matter in the frame, and the parts you get are all fairly close at a given price point.
For the kind of rides you have described, and a hope that she will "get into it," I'd suggest looking into more upright ergos. Given that you want to tote around a kid that will make the bike top heavy, I'd also recommend a women's specific frame. It will allow her to more easily get both feet on the ground for balance. If not women's specific, one with a lot of top tube slope. As you look at specs, standover height is an important number.
Everyone is different, but I'd take mechanical discs over hydraulic in this instance.
I like these for your stated purpose, with the Marin being the one I would choose.
https://www.cannondale.com/en-us/bik...-2-remixte-ltd
https://www.cannondale.com/en-us/bik...mens-5-remixte
https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/2023-kentfield-st-2
https://konaworld.com/dew.cfm
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11-12-22, 09:28 AM
#38
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OP, I should also mention that for this type bike there is no "perfect" size. With seats that can move up and down and fore and aft ,and inexpensive stem replacements that can move handlebars in and out and higher and lower, you won't need a professional fit to find a good match.
11-12-22, 11:01 AM
#39
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Reading through the responses, this is the best answer yet. I would not buy a bike I couldn't test ride first. It may be the best bike on paper, but what if she doesn't like the position or the way it rides?
I would have her take test rides on more than one bike so she can find exactly what she likes. Also, don't get too hung up on one brand. There are many great brands out there. Lastly, make sure the shop you buy from will put her and her new bike on a trainer, watch her pedal and make adjustments to dial in her fit just right. An ill fitting bike will cause her to lose interest. Don't make that mistake.
I would have her take test rides on more than one bike so she can find exactly what she likes. Also, don't get too hung up on one brand. There are many great brands out there. Lastly, make sure the shop you buy from will put her and her new bike on a trainer, watch her pedal and make adjustments to dial in her fit just right. An ill fitting bike will cause her to lose interest. Don't make that mistake.
Most shop employees might know some bits and bobs about fit and can adjust the seatpost up and down and may even move a saddle but most of them will have not gone through school for fitting and sports medicine and stuff like that so relying on them for fitting is not ideal. I tell my customers I can get you sort of OK but a fitter will actually dial you in. I have some knowledge but not nearly enough knowledge to be a fitter.
11-12-22, 07:38 PM
#40
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11-13-22, 11:25 AM
#41
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I'm looking for a hybrid-type bike for my wife for xmas. It will be ridden in the neighborhood, on paved trails, maybe around town. No dirt, no mountain. Want something onto which we can add a kid seat for the next 12-18 months until the youngest is riding their own bike. She is semi-athletic, 5'7" 130lbs. Maybe she gets into it and will want to ride more, but generally speaking the bike will be used for family rides (meaning, slow comfortable rides on easy terrain).
Overwhelmed at the number of options out there. Think I saw a stat that there are >150 bike manufacturers in the US alone, then multiply manufacturer count by bike models per manufacturer then by number of component/options etc etc etc. Doesn't help someone who tends to overthink purchases.
I started this thinking I'd like to spend $500 and am quickly realizing that I should increase that to $800, $1000 max. I don't want used.
I like the trek FX line, seems to do everything we want, seems straight forward. That said, I get completely lost in the details. Does she need the FX3 vs FX2? No idea...
Say you have $800 +/- for a new hybrid bike, which one would you purchase and why?
Thanks in advance for any guidance. I realize this is a bit of an open-ended question and appreciate input from those who know more than me.
And before the standard "go to your LBS" response - we are doing Christmas out of state this year so I need to be able to order it, ship it to xmas destination, and assemble it onsite. I have a good relationship with the LBS given the volume of flat tires my children produce.
Thanks!
Overwhelmed at the number of options out there. Think I saw a stat that there are >150 bike manufacturers in the US alone, then multiply manufacturer count by bike models per manufacturer then by number of component/options etc etc etc. Doesn't help someone who tends to overthink purchases.
I started this thinking I'd like to spend $500 and am quickly realizing that I should increase that to $800, $1000 max. I don't want used.
I like the trek FX line, seems to do everything we want, seems straight forward. That said, I get completely lost in the details. Does she need the FX3 vs FX2? No idea...
Say you have $800 +/- for a new hybrid bike, which one would you purchase and why?
Thanks in advance for any guidance. I realize this is a bit of an open-ended question and appreciate input from those who know more than me.
And before the standard "go to your LBS" response - we are doing Christmas out of state this year so I need to be able to order it, ship it to xmas destination, and assemble it onsite. I have a good relationship with the LBS given the volume of flat tires my children produce.
Thanks!
11-14-22, 04:42 PM
#42
Senior Member
Take a look at the Cannondale Quick series. They have some in your price range, your adjusted price range that is, and they are a great bike, and great value. My wife has had one since 2012 and absolutely loves it. I sold a friend on one and she loves hers as well. The The Quick series is my favorite hybrid type bike, one I would ride if I didn't already have the bikes I have. It's just a nice bike.
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11-14-22, 04:57 PM
#43
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I'm looking for a hybrid-type bike for my wife for xmas. It will be ridden in the neighborhood, on paved trails, maybe around town. No dirt, no mountain. Want something onto which we can add a kid seat for the next 12-18 months until the youngest is riding their own bike. She is semi-athletic, 5'7" 130lbs. Maybe she gets into it and will want to ride more, but generally speaking the bike will be used for family rides (meaning, slow comfortable rides on easy terrain).
Overwhelmed at the number of options out there. Think I saw a stat that there are >150 bike manufacturers in the US alone, then multiply manufacturer count by bike models per manufacturer then by number of component/options etc etc etc. Doesn't help someone who tends to overthink purchases.
I started this thinking I'd like to spend $500 and am quickly realizing that I should increase that to $800, $1000 max. I don't want used.
I like the trek FX line, seems to do everything we want, seems straight forward. That said, I get completely lost in the details. Does she need the FX3 vs FX2? No idea...
Say you have $800 +/- for a new hybrid bike, which one would you purchase and why?
Thanks in advance for any guidance. I realize this is a bit of an open-ended question and appreciate input from those who know more than me.
And before the standard "go to your LBS" response - we are doing Christmas out of state this year so I need to be able to order it, ship it to xmas destination, and assemble it onsite. I have a good relationship with the LBS given the volume of flat tires my children produce.
Thanks!
Overwhelmed at the number of options out there. Think I saw a stat that there are >150 bike manufacturers in the US alone, then multiply manufacturer count by bike models per manufacturer then by number of component/options etc etc etc. Doesn't help someone who tends to overthink purchases.
I started this thinking I'd like to spend $500 and am quickly realizing that I should increase that to $800, $1000 max. I don't want used.
I like the trek FX line, seems to do everything we want, seems straight forward. That said, I get completely lost in the details. Does she need the FX3 vs FX2? No idea...
Say you have $800 +/- for a new hybrid bike, which one would you purchase and why?
Thanks in advance for any guidance. I realize this is a bit of an open-ended question and appreciate input from those who know more than me.
And before the standard "go to your LBS" response - we are doing Christmas out of state this year so I need to be able to order it, ship it to xmas destination, and assemble it onsite. I have a good relationship with the LBS given the volume of flat tires my children produce.
Thanks!
11-15-22, 08:10 AM
#44
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Excellent discussion, very helpful.
I think Santa just unintentionally found Dad's xmas present. The Libre, wow!
Is this the same Paul Barnard from thehulltruth? If so, small world. Appreciate the guidance and feedback, very helpful.
This one might be the winner
REI nearby where we will be spending the holidays. Stars might be aligning on the Cannodale.
Again, quality thoughts for which I'm appreciative. Will keep everyone posted!
[still overwhelmed at the sheer volume of component options, but I suppose that's what keeps this sport interesting. I've ridden bikes since I was a child though never have paid attention. Purchased a deeply discounted carbon CX bike on a whim 10 years ago for a grand and have enjoyed thousands of miles on her - fast and light. That said, I couldn't name a single component other than the Thule Yepp mini currently sitting up front. Cheers!]
I think Santa just unintentionally found Dad's xmas present. The Libre, wow!
This one might be the winner
REI nearby where we will be spending the holidays. Stars might be aligning on the Cannodale.
Again, quality thoughts for which I'm appreciative. Will keep everyone posted!
[still overwhelmed at the sheer volume of component options, but I suppose that's what keeps this sport interesting. I've ridden bikes since I was a child though never have paid attention. Purchased a deeply discounted carbon CX bike on a whim 10 years ago for a grand and have enjoyed thousands of miles on her - fast and light. That said, I couldn't name a single component other than the Thule Yepp mini currently sitting up front. Cheers!]
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11-15-22, 11:40 AM
#46
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She's going to say "I saw a nice looking white one at Costco for $200" and then I'm going to say "but I think if we spend more we'll get a higher quality bike" and then she's going to rattle off every child expense we are facing between now and college graduation in support of purchasing the Costco bike
Just get the $200 Costco one and if she uses it enough to break something, look at getting her something from a big manufacturer (like Liv or Trek) where you both know you'll get use out of it.
If you're going out of town, I don't think I'd bother with the hassle of shipping it to there, building it and then shipping it back. Especially if she's going to complain about the cost. Get her something small and fun for the day, and a card with a picture of her new bike in it or something.
11-15-22, 04:14 PM
#48
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My 21lb gravel bike doesn't feel notable different from my 28lb gravel bike, once there's 220lbs of me on it!
For the higher end stuff, the weight will depend on what parts are swapped out for the build, but it's still useful to get an indication.
11-15-22, 04:23 PM
#49
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I believe part of the reason you don't see more weights listed are that the weight will be different for each frame size and may even vary within a model and level during a given production year.
11-20-22, 11:10 AM
#50
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I agree with a few comments to let your wife pick it out after test riding it and I would try to persuade her to stick to a known common brand, Surly, Giant, Trek, Cannondale, Specialized, Fuji & GT but not a LBS off brand that look nice and have all the modern components but brands I have never heard of. The used market is a very good option with a lot of vintage chrome moly hybrids or MTBs with no suspension and hardly any usage like the 93 Trek Multitrack I purchased last year for $100.00. Some new rubber and tune up and it could be a quality bike that could last you a lifetime and you wouldn’t be out that much $ if you guys decided cycling is not your cup of tea.
