male pig wants to buy enlightened wife a bike

[SadieKate]

You might contact the Mad Cows Tri team as well as get on the DBC email list. Post that you are looking for a used bike.

Other clubs in town might have email lists also.

Just don't buy her a tri-specific bike at this point. They aren't really comfortable for general road riding such as centuries. At this point in her budding career, she may decide againt tri's and go for centuries or even brevets. A road bike will be much more all purpose, but if she really gets gung-ho into tri's she'll want both.

[Wahine]

Don't be too afraid to get a used bike. If you buy from another woman who is about her height, and your wife does not have any really weird body comp issues (ie really short torso), you should be fine. I am a Physical Therapist and I agree whole heartedly that bike fit is parmount. In fact I've spent much time and money getting to the point where I now do custom bike fitting for people with injuries and special needs. The good news is that there are so many options out there for tweaking out bike fit that if you save a few bucks by getting a good frame you have some money free to invest in a different stem, saddle or seat post which is usually all you need to get a bike to fit well if it is within 2 cm of the right frame size.

The other factor is that your wife is kinda short and if you buy from someone the same height they will likely already have shorter cranks, saving a little cost for you.

Have fun shopping.

Wahine