help a bro out: townie for wife

[sfghbiker]

I need some help with suggestions for a townie style bike for the wife. She wants something that is "cute," not too expensive and easy to ride around town. What I think this means is:
mixte or step through frame
8 speed drive train

I'd like to get her something that is a step up from the linus, bd, Public mixte 8 bike which all seem basically the same and not that great.

Anyone have any good thoughts for a complete bike in this townie/coffee cruiser category under say 1250-1500?

I am also hindered a bit because I need to buy a complete bike and can't go shopping for the frame and then put this together piece by piece like I have with other bikes from this forum.

thanks!

[shortribs]

Have you looked into Rivendell's Betty Foy? They're a bit dearer at about $2K new, but you might find a nice used example...

For half the price, both Soma and Handsome production lineups include mixtes.

Good luck!

[David Kirk]

The thread title makes it sound like you want to trade your wife for a townie bike and I'm pleased to see that I'm wrong.

dave

[shortribs]

I am also hindered a bit because I need to buy a complete bike and can't go shopping for the frame and then put this together piece by piece like I have with other bikes from this forum.

thanks!

A few more to consider, for complete models:

http://www.adelineadeline.com/bicycles.html

[Louis]

The thread title makes it sound like you want to trade your wife for a townie bike and I'm pleased to see that I'm wrong.

I absolutely agree.

I'd say that for her he ought to get at least a cross bike, maybe even a road model.

[VA-Scooter]

I absolutely agree.

I'd say that for her he ought to get at least a cross bike, maybe even a road model.

Have to see the the wife first.

[bobswire]

The thread title makes it sound like you want to trade your wife for a townie bike and I'm pleased to see that I'm wrong.

dave

I don't know Dave I sure would have saved me a lot of anguish had I traded her in for a bike.
In the immortal words of Henny Youngman, Take my wife, Please!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVGVJGX--o0

[Sandy]

My normal advice in instances like this-

I think you may have the wrong perspective. You mention that you will go shopping, and that you'd like to get her something...., and you think she means.....Who is going to be riding the bike? Her not you. She should do the shopping and test riding of the bikes to see what she really likes and what is best for her. I suggest you accompany her and use your knowledge to assist her, but not shop for her. She is riding the bike. It must fit her and she must want it. The choice of the bike, within most parameters, should be hers and not yours.


Suggesting Serotta Sandy

[pdmtong]

Spot Brand

[Ken Robb]

bikefriday

[zmudshark]

Used Bianchi Milano.

I bought one a few years ago on the cheap...great townie bike.

[ORMojo]

Take a look at the Civia line. My wife loves her 2-year old Civia Loring. (The first picture below is her's right after we bought it.) I even sneak it out sometimes.

http://civiacycles.com/bikes/loring/
This gives you an 8-speed Alfine IGH, disc brakes, nice front rack, and more, right in your price range at $1,295 list, but I got my wife's for much less, so shop around. It has been completely problem-free and a lot of fun.

There is also a Loring base model, with SRAM i-motion 3-speed IGH and no rack, for only $650 shipped. http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=35474

The current Loring is shown in the second picture below (available in white or black). You may want to also check out the Civia Midtown and Twin City models - less expensive town bikes. I haven't been on one, but have seen them at the local Civia dealer and they look every bit as well-built and thought out.

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv48/ORMojo1/ecf7b223.jpg
http://civiacycles.com/files/bikes/loring_white_v2.jpg

[DRZRM]

+1

My wife is on a Bianchi Milano, she gets compliments every time we go out on it. She named it, works fine, very popular gift.

http://kentuckybicycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/bianchi-milano400.jpg

You may also look for similar Breezer

http://kentuckybicycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/uptownfullchaincase400.jpg

or

Masi

http://kentuckybicycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/soulville.jpg
Used Bianchi Milano.

I bought one a few years ago on the cheap...great townie bike.

[jr59]

my normal advice in instances like this-

i think you may have the wrong perspective. You mention that you will go shopping, and that you'd like to get her something...., and you think she means.....who is going to be riding the bike? Her not you. She should do the shopping and test riding of the bikes to see what she really likes and what is best for her. I suggest you accompany her and use your knowledge to assist her, but not shop for her. She is riding the bike. It must fit her and she must want it. The choice of the bike, within most parameters, should be hers and not yours.


Suggesting serotta sandy


^^this^^

[aaronv]

She wants something that is "cute,"


Cute is a code for 'the color matters'. Color choice might end up overriding your interest in keeping the component quality at a certain level. I would not try to win that battle, but instead do stealth upgrades at a later date.

Orbea's Carpe line has some attractive options, none of them step-through or mixte however.

http://www.orbea.com/us-us/bicis/familias/carpe/

[binxnyrwarrsoul]

+1 to infinity. Makes me think of the Simpson's episode, when Homer bought Marge a birthday present. A bowling ball monogrammed with Homer's name. Funny. And maybe not. I bought my wife a bike for her birthday, a sweet (IMO) hardtail. 10 years later, she has ridden it maybe 5 times. Get her what she wants, not what we think she wants.

My normal advice in instances like this-

I think you may have the wrong perspective. You mention that you will go shopping, and that you'd like to get her something...., and you think she means.....Who is going to be riding the bike? Her not you. She should do the shopping and test riding of the bikes to see what she really likes and what is best for her. I suggest you accompany her and use your knowledge to assist her, but not shop for her. She is riding the bike. It must fit her and she must want it. The choice of the bike, within most parameters, should be hers and not yours.


Suggesting Serotta Sandy

[learningtoride]

...

[rugbysecondrow]

My normal advice in instances like this-

I think you may have the wrong perspective. You mention that you will go shopping, and that you'd like to get her something...., and you think she means.....Who is going to be riding the bike? Her not you. She should do the shopping and test riding of the bikes to see what she really likes and what is best for her. I suggest you accompany her and use your knowledge to assist her, but not shop for her. She is riding the bike. It must fit her and she must want it. The choice of the bike, within most parameters, should be hers and not yours.


Suggesting Serotta Sandy



I have to agree with Sandy. I tried "getting my wife a bike" and they all ended up being sold for what she picked out.

She has a Giant Cypress hybrid that she likes quite a bit. Comfy, works well, highly adjustable, cheap (paid 150 on CL for a barely used bike). She has a custom Bedford road bike now, but it is her Giant she tools around the hood on, rides to vollyball games, over to friends house for dinner etc. Easy to hop on and go.

Anyway, getting back to what Sandy said, take her to a shop and let her sit on whatever bike she wants, let her pick it out, then buy it. Buy a bell and a basket for her and you are set.

[Nooch]

Globe Live 2 Mixte

http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Specialized/G_9466?wid=900
http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Specialized/G_9465?wid=900
We have the Live 1 as a shop bike, it's a ton of fun to ride!

[oldpotatoe]

I need some help with suggestions for a townie style bike for the wife. She wants something that is "cute," not too expensive and easy to ride around town. What I think this means is:
mixte or step through frame
8 speed drive train

I'd like to get her something that is a step up from the linus, bd, Public mixte 8 bike which all seem basically the same and not that great.

Anyone have any good thoughts for a complete bike in this townie/coffee cruiser category under say 1250-1500?

I am also hindered a bit because I need to buy a complete bike and can't go shopping for the frame and then put this together piece by piece like I have with other bikes from this forum.

thanks!

www.linusbike.com

Nice Mixte 8 for about $850.

I sell 'em, nice bikes.

[schwa86]

When I saw this thread, as a Bostonian, I thought you had married someone from Charlestown (most recently immortalized in the Ben Affleck film "The Town.") Whew!

[bigman]

Check out Breezer - way less than your budget on a number of step through models.http://www.breezerbikes.com/bikes/details/uptown_ex_ls

[Bob Loblaw]

+1. Buying a bike is more like finding a friend than picking out a blender. Let her pick her own or it will never be what she wants.

Anyway, getting back to what Sandy said, take her to a shop and let her sit on whatever bike she wants, let her pick it out, then buy it. Buy a bell and a basket for her and you are set.

[leooooo]

+1 on the Bianchi Milano.
$350 at lbs.

Color sold it for her.

[c-record]

Well said. I've been impressed by the Felt Cafe bikes and the actual Townie Electra bikes are great. I know, not for many of us but I've seen them purchased by many people who are definitely not 'cyclists' and then get ridden a ton. That's the idea anyway. :)

+1 to infinity. Makes me think of the Simpson's episode, when Homer bought Marge a birthday present. A bowling ball monogrammed with Homer's name. Funny. And maybe not. I bought my wife a bike for her birthday, a sweet (IMO) hardtail. 10 years later, she has ridden it maybe 5 times. Get her what she wants, not what we think she wants.

[Doug Fattic]

This is just to reaffirm the value of this type of bike instead of making a specific model suggestion. A townie is often under appreciated by experienced cyclists. I've been involved with making them both here in the States and in Ukraine for over 10 years. Several of my framebuilding class students have a business making them like Violet Crown Cycles in Austin, TX and Detroit Bikes.

Here are my suggestions. Get one with an internally geared rear hub that has 7 or 8 gears (unless you have steep hills). It is much more pleasant to be able to shift anytime whether standing still or coasting. She will want all the fixings. A front basket and a rear rack to carry stuff. A built in kickstand is a must. A chainguard is great for riding in any type of clothes. I prefer M shaped handlebars over the more straight MTB type. It is a more natural hand position when sitting fairly upright. Don't worry about weight, they are ridden at under 10 mph at a walking effort and usually just a few miles at the most. The bicycle may not come with a lock so get one that is easy to use. I prefer a ring lock attached to the seat stays with the option of a cable attachment that makes locking at the destination a snap. These are rare in the States but common in Holland. I really like a generator front light for quick trips to the grocery store a few blocks away at night. It is easier to have a battery blinky in the rear.

My wife rides hers to work almost every day (as she did this morning). Her job is about a mile away. We also enjoy getting on them for a quick a bit of fresh air with our street clothes when it would be too much bother or time to get suited up to ride our real bikes.

Here is a picture in front of my framebuilding shop of the stable of around town bicycles I keep for the students. They make it easy to get around my town of Niles.