Recommendations for Small/Bigger Ladies…

Hi all! I am wondering if you all can help me. A coworker of mine has been inspired by my bike commuting to start herself! I am so excited!!! I promised to ride with her each weekend and show her how to get to work and back from her house once she feels she is ready to commute. Plus riding over to her house gives me a great reason for a long ride!!!!

I told her I would go bike shopping with her, do you all have recommendations? We are the same height 5’2 but she is a Plus Size lady working on getting into shape. She is thinking about a comfort bike. She has a mountain bike but doesn’t want to be riding around the concert jungle on such a heavy bike.

I was reading the tread Tahoe started and I saw people mention warranties not being honored etc due to size limitations.

I really want to make sure that she gets something that will help her fall in love with cycling. I don’t think the LBS always has your best interests in mind over a sale as my first road bike made me want to stay off of it…

Any suggestions?

I would recommend a hybrid: it's lighter than a commuter and it's an upright. It'll handle the varieties of road that a commute can produce, can take racks/panniers/lights etc for commuting but still ride lighter and faster than a "comfort" bike.

and of course since I'm a Trek-head I would always recommend Trek! ;)

I'm not a plus size but I am 5'2 and I do have a Trek hybrid . . . so, that's what I would suggest. Upright ride, but lighter and with narrow tires (compared to a mt. bike). Just my 2 cents. Good luck

There was a similar thread back in June..

oh - just found it:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=3040

That's great that you can help get her started! Having a coach/mentor/pal is so helpful!

I'm about 5'5" and a solid 225. I've been riding a Giant Cypress hybrid. It was approx. $350 two years ago. It's been great for me to get used to riding again, it feels stable and comfortable but is responsive as I try for a little speed and power. The owner of my LBS (not where I bought it) said that it was a great bike for me when I asked him to check fit.

And I'm head over heels in love with riding. :D

And three cheers to you for leading the way for your friend. :D :D :D

I'll join in with everyone recommending a hybrid. I began commuting about 10 years ago and found a hybrid really worked the best. Easy to ride, much lighter than a mountain bike, and agile enough to help you deal with the traffic. Good luck to you and your friend!

Thank you gals so much! We shall be off to cover all of the LBS in town tomorrow after work! I have yet another friend who came to me today and asked if I would help her buy a bike and ride with her to work in the mornings since we live near each other.... !!!!

I tell you having a bike in your cube at the office must be contagious!

I think I am more excited about it than they are! Fab Ladies to go riding with!!!! Wahoo!
:p