Bike recommendation for a friend

Hi all,
It’s been so long since I have looked at new bikes I’m not sure what to tell a friend that is looking for a bike. She definitely likes a step through. I was trying to point her to something in a single speed, as I think low maintenance would be good, it’s flat in Chicago, and she is not that big and will be bringing it up and down stairs. It would be an around town kind of bike. I think she’s looking for something around $300-500. What would you guys tell her? I was perusing the net, and I see a lot of men’s bikes that fit the price and are single speed, but not a lot of step throughs.  She likes something more modern, not classic looking. I see a lot of hybrid frames that would work, but they all have Derailers. I guess a 3 speed IGH is an option as well. What would you guys recommend?

Hi all,

It’s been so long since I have looked at new bikes I’m not sure what to tell a friend that is looking for a bike. She definitely likes a step through. I was trying to point her to something in a
single speed, as I think low maintenance would be good, it’s flat in Chicago,
and she is not that big and will be bringing it up and down stairs. It would be
an around town kind of bike. I think she’s looking for something around $300-500.
What would you guys tell her? I was perusing the net, and I see a lot of men’s
bikes that fit the price and are single speed, but not a lot of step throughs.  She likes something more modern, not classic
looking. I see a lot of hybrid frames that would work, but they all have Derailers.
What would you guys recommend?

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Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on August 4, 2011 at 11:23am

Iggi turned me onto Linus Bikes. Here's the Dover 1 Mixte. It's about $545 new in the single speed version.

 

Here's the Mixte 3-speed at $589 new. 

 

I think Rapid Transit carries Linus Bikes.

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on August 4, 2011 at 11:36am
Trek Belleville looks sweet. I also like the Raleigh One Way for a single speed.
Permalink Reply by Ash L. on August 4, 2011 at 12:08pm

Belleville's are pretty heavy to be lugging up stairs if she's looking for something light.

 

I don't know what the weight on these things are but they're cheap enough. Someone always has a purple step-through one parked in front of the Red Hen on Milwaukee and it's an attractive starter bike.

 

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/essex_deluxe.htm#sizing

Permalink Reply by Jason W on August 5, 2011 at 4:57am

Thanks for the help guys. Certainly some good suggestions there. I was looking around myself. I've been a fan of GT since I was a little kid, and should have looked there first!

 

http://www.gtbicycles.com/bikes/urban/city/2011-traffic-5-0-gtw-mat...

 

This thing looks pretty cool, and seems like what she wants. I don't think she wants a ton of racks BTW. What do you guys think?

Permalink Reply by ad on August 5, 2011 at 5:10am

+1 on the Linus 3-speed mixte, which is fairly modern looking but well equiped for city trnasport riding.  My wife just picked one up and it is extremely solid for the price.  Obviously not feather light, but it's light enough that she can get it up the stairs by herself.  Dutch Bikes Chicago (which is now in Wicker Park) had quite a few in stock when we bought my wife's bike back in early June.  Rapid Transit definitely carries them as well, but they seem to sell out of their Linus stock quicker than Dutch Bike.        

Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on August 5, 2011 at 5:14am

Blue City carries Linus and GT bikes also, if your friend happens to be on the south side. There is a lot to said for developing a relationship with your Local Bike Shop.


ad said:

+1 on the Linus 3-speed mixte, which is faily modern looking but well equiped for city trnasport riding.  My wife just picked one up and it is extremely solid for the price.  Obviously not feather light, but it's light enough that she can get it up the stairs by herself.  Dutch Bikes Chicago (which is now in Wicker Park) had quite a few in stock when we bought my wife's bike back in early June.  Rapid Transit carries them as well, but they seem to sell out of their Linus stock quicker than Dutch Bike.        

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