Bike Selection for Mom

[Sylvia]

When she asks for easy to get on and off is she looking for something like a step-through frame?

When I was looking for a bike, I ran into a similar problem. I wanted a road bike with a step-through frame that was light so I could easily take it with me. I am pretty short with a 25" inseam and most older bikes were either too large or too heavy. And the newer hybrids that might work were 25 to 35 pounds. I was looking for something closer to 20 pounds. I ended up getting a Bike Friday. The fact that it could be packed into a suitcase was more a side benefit for me.

One thing to look out for if she does look into this type of bike is they are on 20" wheels so it can effectively lower the gearing. I went with a Capreo cassette which goes down to a 9T cog and helps with this problem.

[NbyNW]

When she asks for easy to get on and off is she looking for something like a step-through frame?

When I was looking for a bike, I ran into a similar problem. I wanted a road bike with a step-through frame that was light so I could easily take it with me. I am pretty short with a 25" inseam and most older bikes were either too large or too heavy. And the newer hybrids that might work were 25 to 35 pounds. I was looking for something closer to 20 pounds. I ended up getting a Bike Friday. The fact that it could be packed into a suitcase was more a side benefit for me.

One thing to look out for if she does look into this type of bike is they are on 20" wheels so it can effectively lower the gearing. I went with a Capreo cassette which goes down to a 9T cog and helps with this problem.

+1 on this type of frame, with low step-through, and you can probably also find wheels that are more roadie or hybrid/city, depending on your preference.

If she is just doing rail trails, they tend to have very gentle grades, so it shouldn't be difficult to find appropriate gearing.

[Zen]

7 speed
Aluminum
Mixte
Ticino 7D

[TrekTheKaty]

Zen, I want one--a townie. Or maybe the tandem They don't have a dealer in Mo or Il.