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01-05-2005, 11:20 AM
| #11 (permalink) |
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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. |
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01-05-2005, 11:20 AM
| #12 (permalink) |
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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. |
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01-05-2005, 11:20 AM
| #13 (permalink) |
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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. |
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01-05-2005, 03:12 PM
| #18 (permalink) |
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Posts: n/a
| Re: Good sporty hybrid for women Rich top-posted: {moved for coherency} > Mark Roberts wrote: > >> Hello, >> >> I'm trying to help my girlfriend find a bike so we can ride togther. >> I ride a fair bit and have three bikes: an alu commuter hybrid, steel >> tourer and titanium/carbon road bike. >> >> 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 confused by the "Women's" frames - The major difference seems to >> be the "step-through" design... for dresses? I'd really appreciate >> hearing from anyone that can comment on the differences, and maybe >> recommend a bike... I'm looking at the Dawes Sonoran - is this any >> good? >> >> Also been looking at Trek, Ridgeback and Scott: They all don't have >> mudguards, guess I could add some later maybe? >> >> Oh, well, sorry for this rather vague posting. Maybe someone will >> have some ideas  > You need a tandem, or either you or your girlfriend will NOT be happy, > and the bike will soon go unused. > > With a tandem, you can actually ride together, as opposed to riding in > close proximity with you either wishing to go faster or her thinking > your a jerk for leaving her behind. > > A tandem allows you to both ride to your best, or desired, ability. > And you can carry on a conversation while you ride. My wife used to > rarely > go riding with me, but now it's her that suggests we go riding all > the time. There you go again -- assuming you know what other people need. Some women HATE tandems. -- BS (no, really) |
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01-05-2005, 03:12 PM
| #19 (permalink) |
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Posts: n/a
| Re: Good sporty hybrid for women Rich top-posted: {moved for coherency} > Mark Roberts wrote: > >> Hello, >> >> I'm trying to help my girlfriend find a bike so we can ride togther. >> I ride a fair bit and have three bikes: an alu commuter hybrid, steel >> tourer and titanium/carbon road bike. >> >> 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 confused by the "Women's" frames - The major difference seems to >> be the "step-through" design... for dresses? I'd really appreciate >> hearing from anyone that can comment on the differences, and maybe >> recommend a bike... I'm looking at the Dawes Sonoran - is this any >> good? >> >> Also been looking at Trek, Ridgeback and Scott: They all don't have >> mudguards, guess I could add some later maybe? >> >> Oh, well, sorry for this rather vague posting. Maybe someone will >> have some ideas > You need a tandem, or either you or your girlfriend will NOT be happy, > and the bike will soon go unused. > > With a tandem, you can actually ride together, as opposed to riding in > close proximity with you either wishing to go faster or her thinking > your a jerk for leaving her behind. > > A tandem allows you to both ride to your best, or desired, ability. > And you can carry on a conversation while you ride. My wife used to > rarely > go riding with me, but now it's her that suggests we go riding all > the time. There you go again -- assuming you know what other people need. Some women HATE tandems. -- BS (no, really) |
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01-05-2005, 03:12 PM
| #20 (permalink) |
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Posts: n/a
| Re: Good sporty hybrid for women Rich top-posted: {moved for coherency} > Mark Roberts wrote: > >> Hello, >> >> I'm trying to help my girlfriend find a bike so we can ride togther. >> I ride a fair bit and have three bikes: an alu commuter hybrid, steel >> tourer and titanium/carbon road bike. >> >> 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 confused by the "Women's" frames - The major difference seems to >> be the "step-through" design... for dresses? I'd really appreciate >> hearing from anyone that can comment on the differences, and maybe >> recommend a bike... I'm looking at the Dawes Sonoran - is this any >> good? >> >> Also been looking at Trek, Ridgeback and Scott: They all don't have >> mudguards, guess I could add some later maybe? >> >> Oh, well, sorry for this rather vague posting. Maybe someone will >> have some ideas > You need a tandem, or either you or your girlfriend will NOT be happy, > and the bike will soon go unused. > > With a tandem, you can actually ride together, as opposed to riding in > close proximity with you either wishing to go faster or her thinking > your a jerk for leaving her behind. > > A tandem allows you to both ride to your best, or desired, ability. > And you can carry on a conversation while you ride. My wife used to > rarely > go riding with me, but now it's her that suggests we go riding all > the time. There you go again -- assuming you know what other people need. Some women HATE tandems. -- BS (no, really) |
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