Need bike suggestions

[MomOnBike]

My daughter and her boyfriend flattered me by asking my help in choosing a bike for Boyfriend.

I asked the obvious questions: What do you want to do with the bike? What is your budget? - all that, and got mumbles in reply or blank looks. He did say that he is more interested in an upright posture, crouched over the bars with his nose touching the front tire is just not for him.

I don't want to put him on a racing-type bike. He's built like a hockey goalie (Oh, he is a goalie!), so a sturdy bike might be in order.

I think that BF would use it to go for rides with my daughter, and maybe some bike picnics with the more extended family. My daughter rides a Jamis Commuter and loves it.

I was thinking an Electra Ticino or something similar. Maybe a Long Haul Trucker? Any other ideas out there? He'd be open to a recumbent, especially if my daughter decides we are doing RAGBRAI next summer, but I don't think that's in the cards right now.

Ideas? Suggestions? I'm really happy they want my help and want to find him something he'll be happy with.

[indysteel]

Just a few off the top of my head: Jamis Coda and Kona Dew or, if his budget is a bit higher, the Surly Crosscheck or Salsa Casseroll.

[jyyanks]

I was thinking a cool Jamis mountain bike like a Jamis Dragon but of course, that bike runs about $3K so maybe the Jamis Trail or Allegro may work too.

[Sky King]

Do encourage him to go ride a surly, if you have a lbs that stocks them. The LHT is so versatile and can be set up several ways. The cross check as well. A nice steel bike is worth the investment, especially for someone needing just 1 bike. He would have it for years.

[indysteel]

I was thinking a cool Jamis mountain bike like a Jamis Dragon but of course, that bike runs about $3K so maybe the Jamis Trail or Allegro may work too.

I can understand the Allegro, but I'm not sure why he would get a mountain bike based on the kind of riding he intends to do.

[MomOnBike]

The suggestions so far have been helpful.

I don't think that we have a Jamis dealer here in Lincoln, so those are out. I've been thinking that I'll steer him toward the Surleys and see if any bike speaks to him. I think a LHT could be set up to make him happy.

I fear I set myself up on this. When we helped my daughter move to Minneapolis, she requested that I get her a bike. Ever the doting mother, I agreed to the idea. We walked into a bike shop I'd never seen before and a bike spoke up and said "Hi. I'm your daughter's bike. Be a good mother and go pay for me. And that basket over there, too, will be appreciated."

Long story short, she loves that bike and thinks I have magical powers to find the right bike by just glancing about. I don't think I like the pressure.

[indysteel]

I'd try to ascertain his budget before suggesting a specific bike(s). Also, it appears that there's an LBS in Lincoln called Cycle Works (http://cycleworksusa.com/)that sells Jamis. One of the reasons I like Jamis is that I think you get a lot of bike for your money, so if he's on a budget, there may be a bike in their lineup that works for him.

[Penny4]

Maybe you could go to the lbs with him, let them ask him some questions and make suggestions and you help him with the finAL decision? You can also go with him on test rides to see how he likes the bike, if he is having any troubles etc.

[MomOnBike]

Today is the big day. We'll wander over to the LBS after work and BF will go home with a new bike (if my daughter has her way - and she will). My plan is to point him at a few bikes that I think he'll appreciate and see what happens. I hadn't really considered a mountain bike. Thanks for suggesting them.

Of course, the final decision will be his. It is his backside that will be on the saddle, after all. Still, I'm looking forward to pointing out bikes for him to consider.

Saturday, my daughter has decreed that we will all meet at the Farmers Market downtown, having ridden there (elegantly) on our respective bikes. Sometimes I wonder why BF puts up with her, but I'm glad he does.

[MGM]

I'm going to suggest a Cannondale Quick, either a 4 or 3, depending on whether he wants thicker or thinner tires. Great flat bar road bike, very nimble.

[MomOnBike]

BF has his bike.

I'm glad I asked him all the usual questions, because he obviously went home and thought about them.

As it turns out, he wanted a considerably more sedate bike than we had envisioned. No bombing down gnarly single track for that boy (yet?).

He ended up with a Giant Cypress. He is smiling, when he isn't complaining to me that my daughter is trying to kill him going across town into a stiff headwind. I am smiling, because they look so good together riding down the street. It is all good.

Thanks for the help.