What should I look for in a ladies' bike?

Question

I am a woman in my mid 30's who is 5' 11" and typically a runner; however, my kids have just learned to ride bikes. So I'd like to find an inexpensive bike so we can ride together.

What should I look for in a bike (i.e. tire size, gears, frame...everything)? I haven't been on a bike since I was a little girl so any input would be very helpful.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hello!  Like the other poster said, frame size is important.  I'd also consider the frequency of use:  if you're only going to be using a bike to ride around the block with your little ones, I'd get something as inexpensive as possible.  Try your local Craigslist or Ebay, or try www.pinkbike.com     It just might surprise you, tho ... not having ridden for a very long time, I just decided to pull my bike out, clean it up, and start (small) to cut down on gas prices.  I'd really forgotten how much fun it is!  More wind in your face than running, and you're using a whole new set of muscles.  Perhaps your local bike store has a rental option; if this is the case, try a few out before you buy.  I don't think that tire size, gears, etc will be sooo important if you aren't going to use the bike too much.  Some bikes only have one gear (remember the 80's?!  LOL) and people use them just fine.  Smooth, slick road tires will get you more speed than mountain bike tires but again, having to "wait" for small fries who've just learned to ride, speed is probably not going to be an issue either.

Have fun and best of luck to you!  I hope you find just what you're looking for!

Answer 2

When buying a bike, you start with the frame size.  Comfort is important, and having the right framesize is the critical foundation to build on.  Too big a frame, and you find yourself having to stretch to reach the handlebars, which leads to arm and back discomfort.  Too small a frame, it will feel like your knees are going to bump into the handlebars.

So go to a bike shop and ask them to fit you to a proper frame size, then choose a bike based on how much you can afford to spend and the feature sets you like (such as different handlebar setups like straight bars or road-bike drop bars, etc.).

Don't go to a department / warehouse store.  Their bikes only come in one frame size.

Hope this helps, and good luck.