Buying First Bike for Fiance (woman) - Help Needed!

Sorry!!!

4th reason is Xmas Excess has brought about some water retention (ahem!)

Welcome to my world!!

I bought a TREK 1000 last year so I could start doing sprint tri's.

It is a very good entry level bike. I had some derailer issues and some shifting problems... and one LBS could not fix... but I finally found a mechanic who could fix the problem... and now it rides easy and smooth.

As far as WSD or not.... maybe you can get her a gift certificate to the bike shop (for the TREK 1000)... so she can pick out the bike that she wants?

I am a short woman (5'2") and was a total beginner when I went bike shopping. I had a very hard time finding a bike that fit right and was comfortable (some of those speedy road bikes felt WAY too fast for me!)

I opted for a WSD Specialized Sequoia which is billed as a "comfort" road bike (similar to the Trek Pilot) It has a slight shock thing in the seat post, and has extra breaks along the top of the handlebars (which I promtly removed once I felt more comfortable) The stem that the handlebars goes in is also adjustable, so I started out much more upright and adjusted the stem downwards as I got more comfortable. This season, I will swap it for a lighter one that is fixed, and I might change my seatpost too, but this was a great bike for me for satring out bc it made the whole road bike thing less uncomfy and less intimidating. The frame is solid, it comes with clipless pedals, and the other parts are cheap and easy to upgrade as I have felt more secure.

For a beginner, COMFORT is key, and fit is a big part of that. If it hurts too much, your fiancee will hate you for this "gift!"

I would like to say that my TREK 1000 is comfy. The pain I do have... is fixable.

I have some neck pain, which can be fixed if I raise my handlebars so they are more level with the seat (which will be happening when I get my new handlebars in).

I also have some pain in the sit bones, and that could be fixed with a new seat (will do when I am riding more) and some new shorts (I think my padding has worn out).


But, that is just me.... I think it could be very comfy as soon as I fix the problems I have.

I wouldnt buy anyone, including myself a bike with out having the rider's cheeks on the seat. You never know if a shop will take the bike back. Also, preference is soo different from person to person. Give her a shopping trip so you can go to several different shops and find the right fit for her. Or else you might be selling a "rode once, didnt fit" on ebay..Good luck

Take her bike shopping, get a bike that fits her. There are a number of bikes out there in the same price range as the 1000. The 1000 is a good entry level bike, but if the bike dosen't fit in the garage it will sit.

Keep in mind that typically Trek WSD just means narrow bars and a shorter stem (and maybe 650c wheels). They are not truly WSD bikes.

For that you should look at Specialized (Dolce and their new model) or Terry bikes. Those are actually designed and engineered specifically for ladies.

Trek WSD's are most definitely designed for women in their entire geometry. There was a Trek WSD tour this summer, they stopped off in many cities and were at a few races, specifically the Daskin series. As I said, I am a very hard to fit woman, and I demo'ed the Equinox WSD which immediately fit like a glove (minor seat height adjustments and aero bar adjustments for my puny arms) and I ended up with a PR on the bike leg, on a hillier than normal course. So my next bike will be an Equinox, or, if I really hit the big time, a custom Waterford or serrotta.

But for my first bike and intro to the Tri World, I do love my Seqopia...

Guess they've changed then ....... my bad.

They used to be known for their lack of WSD in their WSD bikes. Having Specialized design one for women much better must have changed their thinking.

Thanks for the clarification/education.

Dear all,

Many thanks for your help and advice on the bike for my fiance. Now fully clued up we yesterday both went to my LBS, where she sat on more bikes than i can remember and finally was professionally fitted for her Trek 1000 WSD.

When we got to the cash register i was suprised to be told that for that day it was 20% off everything in the store. On hearing this my fiance disappeared back into the bowels of the shop and emerged with some Nike padded leggings, Trek WSD Gloves and a Trek Road Helmet - and although we got 20% off these items it added up to just enough to negate any saving we were going to make on the 20% off the bike.

Once again - many thanks for you guys help.

Rgs,

J