I have my opinion but thought I’d put the question out there. I finally convinced her to try and although she can ride a bike, she has not done so for years. I have 3 bikes but thought it would be nice if she had her own, that fits her properly and all that jazz.

Here’s the situation. After she is ready, she would eventually like to commute to work. The commute is 7.5 miles one way. She’ll be carrying a laptop and some other papers and junk. She’ll also need to pack her professional clothing. It will be city riding with all street paths – she is nervous about riding in traffic (I’ve got books and personal experience to help but thought the info would help add to your suggestion). I’ve described some of my longish regular (50 miles) weekend rides and she liked the sound of that too so maybe we will eventually do 20 or so together. Also, I am not willing to break the bank on this because I really don’t know if she’ll stick with it so please, no high end carbon fiber Wilier or Cervelo. Just looking for your opinion on a type of bike (i.e. road, hybrid, mountain, comfort, cyclocross, etc.)

Thanks for the input.
Thanks all. I was thinking hybrid. I am sure that Joe and mtrlbike suggested a tourer because it can double for the commute and longer weekend rides – good suggestions. Bob is correct about women wanting style – I’ll get her a cute bike but won’t sacrifice function – there are plenty of options so I’m OK there. Those links to commuters seem like hybrids with fenders, lights, and a rack. I have some extra junk I can throw on so I don’t need it to come “fully loaded”, and I like to shop for those types of accessories anyway. Besides, I am sure she will be a fair weather rider so fenders won’t be necessary.

I hadn’t thought of a tourer and appreciate the suggestion. I think the comfort of an upright position will make her more confident on the bike. She would definitely make a reasonable trade off of speed for comfort I think. And, 7.5 miles is a reasonable distance for a hybrid. I’ll talk more with her about what she intends to do on the bike but I don’t think she is ready for a toure
She is a bit timid (only on bikes…definitely not in real life) and I think a more beefy bike that is easier to balance and control would suit her better. Maybe drop handlebars and a clipless system in a couple years . Oh, and Soccerref, I’m trying my best not to push too hard but I get so darn excited. I think if I say the word derailleur or mention a top tube one more time, it’ll be the last time!

Feel good II Art Poster PRINT Stacy Dynan 8×8
Title: Feel good II. Artist: Stacy Dynan. Image Size: 8.00in. x 8.00in. Paper Size: 8.00in. x 8.00in. Art Poster PRINT-… More >>

GORE BIKE WEAR Men’s Alp-X Pants,Black,X-Large
Lightweight: Waterproof, windproof and breathable rain pants that takes up minimal room in your backpack. Back zipped st… More >>

Disclaimer: This site is a paid affiliate of Amazon.com