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01-05-2005, 11:20 AM

On Wed, 05 Jan 2005 10:13:02 -0800, Mark Roberts wrote:

> I'm thinking a hybrid will be the best option for her, as we're
> probably not going to cycle hundreds of miles with panniers or go for
> maximum speed. But having said that, we will be cycling for 3-4hours
> at a time and pretty hard if I get my way

I'm thinking you need these things:

compact women's frame
drop handlebars at seat level
cantilever brakes to allow for:
fenders

Drop bars at saddle height are extremely comfy, especially the hoods. 50%
of the "hybrid" (I hate that term, btw) riders out here I see clutching
the bare bar in the middle after a half hour or so, desperate for another
hand position. Flat bars are the least comfy around--stay far away from
those so-called "flat bar road bikes", which were invented by a very dim
bulb.

Compact frames are pretty common these days and will give your gf a comfy
standover height. Make sure the bike shop sets her up with a proper stem
length.

Cantilever brakes and fenders go together hand in hand, the cantis
offering plenty of clearance for the mudguards. I've been able to ride 3x
as much this winter because of my fenders, since I don't have to worry
bout getting cold and wet.

A few bikes will satisfy these requirements they might be called
cyclocross (higher bottom bracket) or touring or "all-rounders"--just look
for the features and braze ons to accomodate whatever accessories you're
going to get.

01-05-2005, 11:20 AM	#10 (permalink)
maxo Posts: n/a	Re: Good sporty hybrid for women On Wed, 05 Jan 2005 10:13:02 -0800, Mark Roberts wrote: > I'm thinking a hybrid will be the best option for her, as we're > probably not going to cycle hundreds of miles with panniers or go for > maximum speed. But having said that, we will be cycling for 3-4hours > at a time and pretty hard if I get my way I'm thinking you need these things: compact women's frame drop handlebars at seat level cantilever brakes to allow for: fenders Drop bars at saddle height are extremely comfy, especially the hoods. 50% of the "hybrid" (I hate that term, btw) riders out here I see clutching the bare bar in the middle after a half hour or so, desperate for another hand position. Flat bars are the least comfy around--stay far away from those so-called "flat bar road bikes", which were invented by a very dim bulb. Compact frames are pretty common these days and will give your gf a comfy standover height. Make sure the bike shop sets her up with a proper stem length. Cantilever brakes and fenders go together hand in hand, the cantis offering plenty of clearance for the mudguards. I've been able to ride 3x as much this winter because of my fenders, since I don't have to worry bout getting cold and wet. A few bikes will satisfy these requirements they might be called cyclocross (higher bottom bracket) or touring or "all-rounders"--just look for the features and braze ons to accomodate whatever accessories you're going to get.