Bicycle Buying Advice, Please Help

[windwalker]

I want to get a bicycle for Sally. She would like to have the older style with "girl" lower middle bar and cruising style handle bars. Not exactly a cruiser or beach bike style but one that would be light enough for a comfortable 10 mile ride.

We have the runningwarehouse for our running and walking stuff, is there a site like that with good prices for bicycles and biking stuff?

Thanks.

Dave

 

[FireDancer]

Check out Performance Bike. There isn't a store in KY but if you are close to Cincinnati they have one there. If not you can still buy through the mail and if you sign up for their mailing list (or purchase anything there and get on it) you get 10-15% off coupons often.

Someone who has been biking longer might know of a better place.

ETA: Ok, I see southern Kentucky. I'm guessing not close to Cincy then.

 

[windwalker]

Check out PerformanceBike. There isn't a store in KY but if you are close to Cincinnati they have one there. If not you can still buy through the mail and if you sign up for their mailing list (or purchase anything there and get on it) you get 10-15% off coupons often.

Someone who has been biking longer might know of a better place.

Thanks.

Dave

 

[escape]

Hi Dave!

I've never bought a bike from Performance Bike but I have bought many related items from there. The discounts are nice! Like shoes, you really need to "try on" a bike (get fitted) before buying. Most bike shops will let you take a bike out for a little spin around the block or so.

Sounds like you may be looking for a comfort/touring bike or maybe even a hybrid/fitness bike. I have a comfort and a road bike. Before I got my road bike, I would often take my comfort bike out for 10-20 mile rides. It really wasn't good for longer rides. Now, I almost exclusively ride my road bike (short or longer miles) - so much better than the comfort. Even though you mentioned Sally riding around 10 miles or so, she may want to increase the mileage at some point. I'd look at the hybrids for this reason. You can still get the "girl" bar.

Good luck in your search! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE riding my bike and I love participating in organized bike rides. If only Disney had an event for bikes!

 

[Lynn G]

Dave - Performance is OK, I would go to local bike shop and see what they have, maybe in the used bike selection for a cheaper bike. It does sound like she might like the hybrid. Another advantage to local bike store is the service option, as many offer lifetime "tune-ups" and adjustments. Many of the new bikes now have lower top tube, but womens models have even lower ones.

Biking is great on the knees!

 

[cewait]

If you cannot get to a Performance Bike shop then head to a LBS. They will have bikes that are equipped with lower end componentry and be priced similar to those at Performance and other online shops. I think it important to actually be fitted to the bike you are buying. There are too many variables to just blindly order on line. Also as mentioned, the LBS will provide service once the sale is complete. There a knowledgeable wrench will actually assemble the bike rather than a high school flunky who is looking to get off work as soon as possible. With that said, avoid the big box stores as their stuff may or may not actually stay assembled.

It does sound like she is looking for a hybrid bike though the step over frame may be a tough order to fill. I know Trek has the Model 7300 that is a step over frame. It retails for the mid hundreds and comes with the entry level component and an aluminum frame.

Most importantly....... Get a helmet. Wear the helmet. Buy the helmet online if needed but you read too many stories about unnecessary brain bruises from real simple driveway falls. In 09 I busted two in a couple bad wrecks. One is on a shelf in the garage just to remind my of what could have been.

 

[FireDancer]

I should add I'd never buy a bike without trying it out, the online buying from performance was more for clothing and accessories after you have the bike.

 

[cloudnut220]

I have a seven speed Sun Bicycle. Sounds like what you're looking for and as a bonus, they're made in America. Worth checking them out online.

 

[windwalker]

We took your advice and went to the local bike shop. Tried several of the comfort and cruiser styles as well as a couple of mountian and hybrids.

The Trek Navigator was a clear winner for her, lighter weight, good components and fit her very well. We just got back from a ride, we live in a great area for riding, she loved it.

Dave