I am investigating bike options for my wife.
I need to make it as easy and less tiring as possible for her so its enjoyable hence I think it has to be the larger wheels ie. 700C over 26inch.
Another pet peeve of hers in the past has been slipping gears however until now she had only had 2nd hand bikes Id found for her.
Use: casual riding at the weekend, for now with baby carriers but possibly also a moderate commute on paved city paths.
The only offroad would be limestone paths which are mostly smooth but we do encounter a large drop-offs from the smooth paths down onto the limestone paths.
Budget is around $500-600 I think.
I was thinking of these
Giant Cypress DX $449http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... ifications
Shimano Altus
Giant Cypress LX $549
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... ifications" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The LX has Shimano Acera derailleur's over the DX Shimano Altus
This model Giant seems a step up from the Cypress models, which are in the 'comfort' Giant range
Cross City 2 W
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... 937/66381/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
also saw Trek, in the their womens section there are 3 optionsDrivetrain
Shifters
Shimano SL-M310 Rapid Fire 24sp
Front Derailleur
Shimano M191 34.9 8sp
Rear Derailleur
Shimano Altus 8sp
Brakes
Tektro, V-brake
Brake Levers
Tektro
Cassette
SRAM PG830 11-32T, 8sp
Chain
KMC Z7 8sp
Crankset
SR Suntour NEX, 28x38x48T
Bottom Bracket
SR Suntour XCT sealed
Fitness Rangehttp://www.trekbikes.com/au/en/collecti ... itness/fx/
7.2 FX WSD $599
Shimano 8-speed shifting
Puncture-resistant Bontrager H2 Plus tyres
Shimano Alivio rear derailleur
Bontrager H1 WSD saddle
Bontrager aluminium Low Riser handlebar
Recreation
Verve 2 WSD $549 hybrid bike
http://www.trekbikes.com/au/en/collecti ... rve_2_wsd/#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Dual Sport
seems lower on the list as its geared, it appears half and half btw road and trail, her riding will be 90/10
Neko $519
http://www.trekbikes.com/au/en/collecti ... /neko/neko" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Neko is a perfect hybrid: part refined women’s city bike, part adventurous trail ride, with fast 700c wheels, capable suspension, and a light, strong frame.
Any opinions is appreciated, particularly specifics about brands, derailuers, geometry anything technical you think sorts one model above another. Or maybe I am missing some other decent Brands?
thankyou