So Claytron: Has your GF expressed in interest in cycling? Is this something she wants to do?

I always tell people if you have never cycled - don't buy a bike new - there are tons of bikes sitting in garages not being used because someone bought it for someone else who wasn't at all interested - get my drift?

If she is interested - just a word of advice - bikes are really personal from the style to the function and yes, even the color. Why don't you price out some bikes and then give the GF a gift certificate to the shop, go with her but let her pick out the bike for herself. That way she may be more "invested" in actually riding it.

I would even make that "certificate" something you make up - ie draw up or make on the computer - that way if she says "a bike???? what the heck were you thinking? I don't want a bike!!!!" You don't lose an investment to the bike shop.