New and Short and on a budget

[mimitabby]

Hey Guys
my niece (close to 40) has decided she needs a bike. She's not had one since she was a kid, and she's 5'1" tall with short legs and arms too.
She's on a very tight budget Probably under 450 dollars...
Any suggestions for what she can find in a bike?

I'm thinking hybrid here; something she can find in a LBS or REI.

Thanks

[KnottedYet]

My DPITA is 4'11" and very happy with her Trek hybrid. I think she paid $300 for it a few years ago.

[mimitabby]

Trek is one of my favorite bikes.. I'll look at them, thanks

[mimitabby]

I looked at Raleigh, Trek and Giant and Trek has the best range of bikes in the lower range.
Giant has a really sweet looking bike for 500 bucks, i don't think she's going to want to spend that much; Raleigh makes a nice bike too; but their sizes are a bit odd (they have 2 "womens" bikes and they have bigger sizes than the others)

Her goal is to ride the STP (Seattle to Portland)
It's a lofty goal considering, but I'm sure if she works at it she can do it.

[Denise223]

Hey Mimi:

Here's a link to the Gary Fisher site.

http://www.fisherbikes.com/bikes/collection.asp

I have a 2003 Nirvana & DH has 2003 Zebrano. (hybrid)

Check out his site.

Have a nice day !

Denise

[midgetcycler]

If she would prefer a road bike, I got a Motobecane Mirage Sport for about $400. It is on the low end for road bikes, but so far I have been very happy with mine. I too am short and on a budget!! I am 5'0" and the 51 cm fits me just fine. I got mine at a LBS, but it is also available through ebay for about $100 less. I just thought buying it through the LBS was a smart move for me since this particular shop gives free service for life.

[7rider]

I looked at Raleigh, Trek and Giant and Trek has the best range of bikes in the lower range.
Giant has a really sweet looking bike for 500 bucks, i don't think she's going to want to spend that much; Raleigh makes a nice bike too; but their sizes are a bit odd (they have 2 "womens" bikes and they have bigger sizes than the others)

Her goal is to ride the STP (Seattle to Portland)
It's a lofty goal considering, but I'm sure if she works at it she can do it.

That's a pretty lofty goal to do on such an inexpensive bike. Does her budget include necessary accessories (helmet, flat repair kit, pump) or is that JUST for the bike? Bear in mind the saying "you get what you pay for," and bikes in that range will tend to be heavier with lower end components - quite a challenge for a long distance ride. Has she considered used (eBay, Craigslist, etc)?

However, this time of year, she may be able to get a decent "year end close out" from a larger shop. A friend of mine got a really nice flat bar road bike from Performance for $400 last Fall on which she successfully completed her first century.

She should really be prepared to swing a leg over some options and ride them.

[mimitabby]

That's a pretty lofty goal to do on such an inexpensive bike. Does her budget include necessary accessories (helmet, flat repair kit, pump) or is that JUST for the bike? Bear in mind the saying "you get what you pay for," and bikes in that range will tend to be heavier with lower end components - quite a challenge for a long distance ride. Has she considered used (eBay, Craigslist, etc)?

However, this time of year, she may be able to get a decent "year end close out" from a larger shop. A friend of mine got a really nice flat bar road bike from Performance for $400 last Fall on which she successfully completed her first century.

She should really be prepared to swing a leg over some options and ride them.

Her stingy husband has bikes.. and don't worry; she won't go out the door without a helmet. He can fix her tires for her, at least at first.
I rode the STP on a cheap hybrid, not saying that just because i did, she can, but if she really gets into riding, it will validate her need for a better bike.
Hey, he was going to buy her a "comfort bike" before I jumped into the fray.
I'm thinking she's going to find some sales too.

[mimitabby]

If she would prefer a road bike, I got a Motobecane Mirage Sport for about $400. It is on the low end for road bikes, but so far I have been very happy with mine. I too am short and on a budget!! I am 5'0" and the 51 cm fits me just fine. I got mine at a LBS, but it is also available through ebay for about $100 less. I just thought buying it through the LBS was a smart move for me since this particular shop gives free service for life.

Thanks, i'll look at motobecane too.

[Grog]

Trek 7200FX

Many girls here got started on that (including me).

Very decently priced. Was happy with SPD pedals! Sometimes when I hop on it again I am surprised at how fast it is, especially when compared to my other hybrid.

[Geonz]

I'd try the FX too, unless she is set on a road bike. THe "city bikes" can do nicely for long distance, especially if you switch out the tires when you buy it (which is what I did with my 7500FX).

[Cassandra_Cain]

Trek 7200FX

Many girls here got started on that (including me).

Very decently priced. Was happy with SPD pedals! Sometimes when I hop on it again I am surprised at how fast it is, especially when compared to my other hybrid.

I started out with a 7200 some time ago and also recommend it. I think they (and similar bikes) are perfect for people starting out. The bikes aren't intimidating (not to the mind or wallet!), fairly comfortable, and very versatile. With a few tweeks and a little training, I bet she could to the Seattle to Portland ride on it.

[Cindyloo]

I don't know much about them but the Jamis Coda is around $440.

Edited to say that they also have a women specific design Coda.

[Bruno28]

I'm 5'2" and short in the leg department. I've had my Trek 7.2 fx wsd for just over a month and am finding it really comfortable and good to ride. No saddle or fitting problems from the time it left the shop.

And I think it looks really nice as well.

[mimitabby]

we're going to the bike shop tonight, they have mostlly treks where we are going.
I'll let you know..