need to buy my wife a bike

[Trek420]

eta - norm, take your wife out bike shopping, have her try a number of different bikes. A lot of the ladies here seem to like Specialized bikes. Once you know what she likes, maybe you can find a used one on ebay or craigslist, or find a good deal on last years model.

At norm's expense I hope you'll forgive the slight thread-drift. Maybe we can all get something out of this subject.

I know this is done, our LBS's know it; the customer who tries bike after bike, jots down sizes and models .... gets it on Craigs or E-bay.

I've always objected to this because it takes advantage of the shops time and expertise.

Cycling can be expensive and we all need to save a buck or two... thousand. How do you save on this expensive addiction

And yes snap, getting last years models at the beginning of the year is a great way to start. When do the new ones arrive? Guess I'll look for the balloons on the dealers lot and the big tent.

And norm, you don't know if she'll do another tri, or if she'll just take off. My vote is find the upgrade-worthy frame at a good price that fits. Upgrade the bike as her skills, more challenging rides dictate.