[xXHeloMechXx]

I’m currently in the market for a bike for my wife. She’s 5’3” & 210lbs. She hasn’t ridden a bike in probably 10 years, and I am trying to get her something super cheap to hopefully get her interest peaked, and have something we can do as a couple/family. I’m definitely willing to get a better bike later if she gets into it. Was just thinking of maybe a decent box store bike for her now to see how it goes. Any/all feedback would definitely help. Thanks!!


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[FactoryMatt]

what's your budget? you need a bike that works well enough that it wont be a frustrating experience. look for a bike with a "Reach" measurement in the 410-430mm range for someone 5'3''. depending on your terrain, don't rule out a flat-bar Gravel bike. They could be cheaper and they will be lighter. starting out on gravel/buffed trails and paths will be less intimidating.

check facebook classifieds and the Buy/Sell section on Pinkbike.com. there's always stuff on ebay if you know what to look for.

for a new bike, look at Salsa and Fezzari for some of the best value. if buying from a dealer, Trek has the best support and customer service. of the mainstream large brands, Giant will have the next-best value. they have a female-specific line under the Liv brand.

 

[xXHeloMechXx]

what's your budget? you need a bike that works well enough that it wont be a frustrating experience. look for a bike with a "Reach" measurement in the 510-530mm range for someone 5'3''. depending on your terrain, don't rule out a flat-bar Gravel bike. They could be cheaper and they will be lighter. starting out on gravel/buffed trails and paths will be less intimidating.

check facebook classifieds and the Buy/Sell section on Pinkbike.com. there's always stuff on ebay if you know what to look for.

for a new bike, look at Salsa and Fezzari for some of the best value. if buying from a dealer, Trek has the best support and customer service. of the mainstream large brands, Giant will have the next-best value. they have a female-specific line under the Liv brand.

I’ll take a look at those, thanks.


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[FactoryMatt]

sorry "Reach" measurement in the 410-430mm range

 

[str8edgMTBMXer]

I would avoid box store anything because of the "will it actually work" issue...the worst thing you could do as she is getting back into it, is have her always waiting around while the bike is being wrenched on...especially on the ride itself...

look for a used bike...one that might have gone new in the $600-1000 range, but is on sale now...and probably look for something in a hardtail...like a Trek Roscoe 6; Cannondale Trail 5 or 6; Fuji Nevada...something along the lines of those bikes...

and include her in the search. Explain things to her like what suspension is; what a 1x is versus a 2x; why a MTB is possibly better for her, than a cruiser, or road bike things beyond the looks of the bike. So many times, when a SO is being introduced to this activity, they are left out of the decision process. If she says: "I don't care about that stuff, just get me a bike", then you know you can just go...

she might be more initially excited and invested if she is part of that process. Explain the different kinds of riding: singletrack, MUT, enduro, bike packing...explain trail etiquette and possibly some history

even though she is just getting back into it, sometimes knowing the big picture gives a better sense of why getting into it is a cool thing

 

[Sidewalk]

Ask her if she wants to ride. If the answer is no, then stop. If the answer is yes, ask her what interests her. Be a guide, not a ruler.

 

[FactoryMatt]

never stop. unless she'd rather run. she'll thank you later. fitness matters for quality of life.

 

[3blackbikes]

Ask her if she wants to ride. If the answer is no, then stop. If the answer is yes, ask her what interests her. Be a guide, not a ruler.

PLEASE! She's a competent adult. If she wants to ride, give her the Credit Card and let her go shopping on her own. She'll know what the right fit for her is. Sheesh.