Need help on deciding which comfort bike for GF under $400

I need opinions on the components and quality of bikes I have listed below. I am buying a bike for my girlfriend. She is 6", 145lbs with long legs, slender build. A novice rider who will use just for recreation around the neighborhood and local parks/trails. We've went out to about a dozen LBS and test rode and tried out a bunch of different bikes. We've decided that she likes the feel of a comfort bike because of the stability wider tires and more upright position.

Now the problem is that we've found a bunch of nice bikes right in our price range, and she likes the way all of them ride and there are just suttle differences and really can't decide on one. They all look good, feel well built, and ride smooth. Can you guys give me an idea of which ones carry better components for the money or build quality/reliabilty because that's what it really comes down to. I just want to say under $400 USD. I myself am a cycling noob, I've done a bunch of research, but I figure you guys will know much more about components and build quality of these bikes than I would even after months of research.

Below I'll list all the models that she's riden and likes and the prices and websites with specs. Any advice is greatly appreciated thanks so much!

06’ Sierra GS $330 http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/...ail.php?id=624

06’ Jamis Explorer 2.0 $350 http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/...er_2_spec.html

06’ Specialized Expedition Sport $330 http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...keTab=techspec

06’ Raleigh Venture 4.0/3.0 $360/$306 http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?itemid=308

http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=6&itemid=306

05’ GT Timberline LTD $330 http://www.gtbicycles.com/pavement/c...usa&brand=pave (Go to bottom and change to 05' model)

06’ Trek Navigator 100 $330 http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike...d=1210600&f=27

I am not tall like her, only 5 '4, but I chose a Specialized Expedition Sport this spring -- aside from the seat that came with it, I love it!

I have no special knowledge of bikes, but of the bikes I tried out, it was the most comfortable. The "bike guy" said some folk don't like that twisty shifter mechanism (as opposed to the levers) but I have found that much easier than what I've used in the past.

In spite of having seat issues to work out yet, I've been happil putting 5-18 miles on this bike several days a week, depending on what time allows me.

The more I learn about myself on a bike, and the hobby/sport in general, I can see myself "graduating" to a road bike at some point. For now, this one is going to go a long way toward helping me to be a healthier, stronger, leaner grandma!

Karen in Boise

Hi JCC,

I don't know much about components in that price range but I've had Shimano Acera derailleurs and shifters before and was rather satisfied (on a Trek 7100). Again, I am not sure, but I think it's pretty much the best you can get in that price range.

One thing I'm not sure about is: does she really need and want a front suspension? Without it, you end up with a much lighter bike, which might be more fun too (faster), and with regards to "comfort" I really am not sure it makes a huge difference. Those suspensions on entry-level bikes are often not of very high quality (I can't speak for these specific models though - your mileage may vary) and, in my opinion, are not a good investment compared to getting a bike with no suspension and better components.

I have an inclination towards Jamis, Specialized and Trek, but that's not very rational.

I hope she joins TE (or at least comes lurking) and enjoys the new sport!! Send her our way!

If you can't decide, I'd go with Specialized. I had a Crossroads, which I thought was very cool :cool: before getting the Ruby (which I love) :D

I have a three year old raleigh C40 hybrid which I use to commute - it has been reliable and easy to deal with - no problems- but it does weigh a ton. I would not get suspension front again - heavy and not really necessary for the roads I ride on. the Jamis coda bikes are 8-10 lbs lighter ( and probably more expensive - but I don't know) than the Explorer ones.

I had the Trek Navigator 100 for a couple of years (before it got stolen). It was a great bike for running errands around town, as well as rides in the countryside. It was very comfortable and the components lasted very well - I didn't have to change anything in 2 years. My model didn't have front suspension, and it didn't bother me at all.

I still miss that little bike.