Gift for my sister

[SLash]

I want to buy my sister a bike. She has a child with profound special needs and she is desparately in need of some joy. Which is obviously why I want to buy her a bike. :)

I could do the research but thought a better idea was to check here first for ideas and suggestions - I'd like to do this pretty soon. I could get her more bike if I bought used, but I want her to have a new bike if I can swing it.

I can afford around $400. She will want a bike that's upright riding position and not a tank. She lives in Austin so will need some gears for the "hill country" and will want something for road and trail.

I'm thinking commuter/hybrid style bike, with internal gearing if I can afford it for ease of use and lack of maintenance. My plan is to settle on the type of bike, buy it from a lbs in Austin and then have her go there for the sizing, fit, etc.

What bikes would you recommend? Thanks!

[SLash]

She's 52 and previously fit. She like many of us could stand to lose 10 lbs. ;)

My hunch is she'll probably never go more than 10 miles at a time. Last time she rode was pre-child, 11+ years ago.

The biggest factor is comfort and something not too heavy (as in cruiser). Her preference will be for a step-through frame.

Thanks,
Susan

[SLash]

Sheila, thanks very much, I appreciate the links.

I like Jamis, I have a Jamis Aurora Elite. I like the looks of the commuter and love the Kona... but this is for her not me. :)

Jamis and Kona both give you a lot of bike for the $$.

Good suggestions, thanks.

Susan

[tulip]

Someone very wisely suggested in another thread where the poster was looking for a bike for his/her girlfriend: make a beautiful homemade voucher and take her to a bike shop and let her try out bikes so she'll be sure it fits her. I made the mistake of buying someone a bike that I thought would work, but it did not and it was a waste of time, money, and effort. The bike was not ridden and not appreciated.

The added benefit is that your sister gets a break from her responsibilities to go bike shopping with you. That might be worth more than the actual bike!

[SLash]

Tulip,

All good ideas. That more or less was my plan, i.e., I don't plan to buy a specific bike for her.

We don't live that close to each other and I won't have an opportunity to see her until June so actually shopping with her isn't a possibility - although I will give her advice on what to look for and work with her/lbs on selection and fit, etc.

I didn't tell her my plan today when I talked to her because I knew she would tell me not too and would even feel bad that I was doing it (spending the $$), but I think I need to tell her and have her start looking/test riding. Surprises are nice, but you're right with a bike gift it's risky. Even though I won't physically be there I can still be really involved. Even long-distance bike shopping will be fun. :)

Susan

[Velocivixen]

I have owned two different Electra Townies, and I don't think they are all that great for hills. It's kind that you want to give your sister some joy. Let us know how it turns out.

[SLash]

I have owned two different Electra Townies, and I don't think they are all that great for hills. It's kind that you want to give your sister some joy. Let us know how it turns out.

Thank you, I will.