Greetings all, I'm a dedicated cyclist of over a decade and my wife is wanting to start cycling herself. She's pretty much a newb and not aerobically fit (yet). She won't be trying to hang on group rides with me or anyting like that for awhile. She'll be doing recovery rides with me, solo riding, and riding with other newb types.

Some people might argue the bike won't matter much and we should get an inexpensive starter bike (like a C'dale R500 Feminie). However, we have a unique (warranty) situation whereby we can get any bike our LBS carries at wholesale and I'm thinking we should capitalize on it and empty our piggy bank (and get an R1000 Feminie).

So just when I've decided on the R1000, I see that PreOwnedBikes is selling a Merlin ExtraLight in her size that isn't much more than what the R1000 would cost us.

So our current options (prices disguised but relative to each other):

'05 Cdale R500 (Tiagra/105/Gipiemme/21 pounds) - $6
'05 Cdale R1000 (Ultegra/Ksyrium Elite/18 pounds) - $13
PreOwnedBikes 'like new' '01 Merlin Extralight (all new Ultegra '9spd/Sun ME14A rims on Ultegra hubs/17 pounds) - $16

I'm leaning toward the Merlin due the lifetime frame warranty, largest discount from retail, the Merlin mystique/craftsmanship, the Ti mystique/longevity, the weight, and the raving reviews that say it's a great frame with a very comfortable ride. The only problem is that it's way more money that we planned on spending (like twice the $8 we budgeted!).

May I please have some feedback? Should we save our money or go for broke! What say you?

Greetings all, I'm a dedicated cyclist of over a decade and my wife is wanting to start cycling herself. She's pretty much a newb and not aerobically fit (yet). She won't be trying to hang on group rides with me or anyting like that for awhile. She'll be doing recovery rides with me, solo riding, and riding with other newb types.

Some people might argue the bike won't matter much and we should get an inexpensive starter bike (like a C'dale R500 Feminie). However, we have a unique (warranty) situation whereby we can get any bike our LBS carries at wholesale and I'm thinking we should capitalize on it and empty our piggy bank (and get an R1000 Feminie).

So just when I've decided on the R1000, I see that PreOwnedBikes is selling a Merlin ExtraLight in her size that isn't much more than what the R1000 would cost us.

So our current options (prices disguised but relative to each other):

'05 Cdale R500 (Tiagra/105/Gipiemme/21 pounds) - $6
'05 Cdale R1000 (Ultegra/Ksyrium Elite/18 pounds) - $13
PreOwnedBikes 'like new' '01 Merlin Extralight (all new Ultegra '9spd/Sun ME14A rims on Ultegra hubs/17 pounds) - $16

I'm leaning toward the Merlin due the lifetime frame warranty, largest discount from retail, the Merlin mystique/craftsmanship, the Ti mystique/longevity, the weight, and the raving reviews that say it's a great frame with a very comfortable ride. The only problem is that it's way more money that we planned on spending (like twice the $8 we budgeted!).

May I please have some feedback? Should we save our money or go for broke! What say you?

Save your money. I never recommend spending a lot on a first bike. Get something that fits well and rides well, and see what you do with it. If she gets bitten by the bug, you can buy her a top-notch bike then. And by that time, she'll know a lot more about her riding style, her comfort issues, and you'll be able to get a realistic fit because she'll have ridden enough to really understand the different in feel and fit between different bikes.

A lot of us have spent money on wives' bikes and have wanted to get her something really great, only to find that it turns out to be very expensive wall art for the garage.

You could argue that the Merlin will have better resale value if she doesn't use it, which is true, but would you actually have the willpower to sell it if she doesn't ride it?

Cycling is fun, but don't put yourself in a financial bind for it.

Greetings all, I'm a dedicated cyclist of over a decade and my wife is wanting to start cycling herself. She's pretty much a newb and not aerobically fit (yet). She won't be trying to hang on group rides with me or anyting like that for awhile. She'll be doing recovery rides with me, solo riding, and riding with other newb types.

Some people might argue the bike won't matter much and we should get an inexpensive starter bike (like a C'dale R500 Feminie). However, we have a unique (warranty) situation whereby we can get any bike our LBS carries at wholesale and I'm thinking we should capitalize on it and empty our piggy bank (and get an R1000 Feminie).

So just when I've decided on the R1000, I see that PreOwnedBikes is selling a Merlin ExtraLight in her size that isn't much more than what the R1000 would cost us.

So our current options (prices disguised but relative to each other):

'05 Cdale R500 (Tiagra/105/Gipiemme/21 pounds) - $6
'05 Cdale R1000 (Ultegra/Ksyrium Elite/18 pounds) - $13
PreOwnedBikes 'like new' '01 Merlin Extralight (all new Ultegra '9spd/Sun ME14A rims on Ultegra hubs/17 pounds) - $16

I'm leaning toward the Merlin due the lifetime frame warranty, largest discount from retail, the Merlin mystique/craftsmanship, the Ti mystique/longevity, the weight, and the raving reviews that say it's a great frame with a very comfortable ride. The only problem is that it's way more money that we planned on spending (like twice the $8 we budgeted!).

May I please have some feedback? Should we save our money or go for broke! What say you?

I'm thinking that like most warranties in the bike business it is for the original owner only.

On the subject of which bike, just get her a bike that is good enough so that the bike doesn't make her slower than you. For example you have a Trek top end Madone with full DA 10 and ultralite wheels get her a low end Madone with good wheels and 105 parts.

OBTY let her have the final say on which bike so she is "Invested" in the thing.

Good luck.

"Ti mystique/longevity" to an afficionado may well be "drab, grey metal" to a new rider. If the "Blazer Blue" R1000 with the white panels catches her eye, or even the R500 without the panels, that is the smartest buy. Don't fool yourself into thinking that your wife will learn to appreciate a "better" bike that she does not create and emotional spark for her. Also consider that a bike that is too expensive or too "racy" looking may discourage her from riding because it makes her feel self-concious and unworthy. The important thing now is buy the bike that will motivate her to ride. So listen to what she has to say about it and restrain yourself from imposing your greater experience on the decision (short of steering her clear of junk, which Tiagra is not). If she has no opinion, I'd be wary of spending a lot of money up front.

My non-cycling wife likes nice things. She had been riding her $300 step-through, upright-riding-position "city bike" for 3 years. Longest ride was 5 - 6 miles with a stop mid-way. I wanted to take her to the next level, but without pushing her, so I suggested a tandem and got the Softride beam for her comfort. She bought into all of this and even wanted clipless pedals and a jersey. To make a long story short, I was trying to jump her from "just riding a bike" to becoming a "recreational cyclist" before she had evolved on her own ( I never pushed for speed or distance, nor did we ever fall or have a close call). Thank goodness the kids became stokers after the wife gave up.

I'd go cheap for a year or two, before dropping $$$ on a Merlin Extralite for a newbie.

I bought my wife a Serotta MTB (at a great price) a number of years ago when we thought she'd be interested in cycling (and also because she liked the color :) ). It got ridden a few times at which point she decided that cycling wasn't for her. Fortunately, it fit my son -- at this point it's got lots of miles on it including a cross-country (VA to WA) ride that he did with a few friends of his several years ago. Bottom line -- don't spend a lot on that first bike unless you have a backup plan for it!

I'm thinking that like most warranties in the bike business it is for the original owner only.

On the subject of which bike, just get her a bike that is good enough so that the bike doesn't make her slower than you. For example you have a Trek top end Madone with full DA 10 and ultralite wheels get her a low end Madone with good wheels and 105 parts.

OBTY let her have the final say on which bike so she is "Invested" in the thing.

Good luck.

Thanks MB1... sounds like good advice.

PreOwnedBikes is unlike other warranties. They are part of the ABG, so they're the original manufacturer. After checking over and refurbishing trade-in bikes, they (generally) extend the original warranty.

From their terms and conditions (http://www.preownedbikes.com/preowned/termscond.aspx):

"Preownedbikes.com titanium frames shall be under warranty for the lifetime of the bicycle from the date of purchase to the original owner of the bicycle. Preownedbikes.com aluminum frames shall be under warranty for three (3) years from the date of purchase to the original owner of the bicycle."

Save your money. I never recommend spending a lot on a first bike. Get something that fits well and rides well, and see what you do with it. If she gets bitten by the bug, you can buy her a top-notch bike then. And by that time, she'll know a lot more about her riding style, her comfort issues, and you'll be able to get a realistic fit because she'll have ridden enough to really understand the different in feel and fit between different bikes.

A lot of us have spent money on wives' bikes and have wanted to get her something really great, only to find that it turns out to be very expensive wall art for the garage.

You could argue that the Merlin will have better resale value if she doesn't use it, which is true, but would you actually have the willpower to sell it if she doesn't ride it?

Cycling is fun, but don't put yourself in a financial bind for it.

A lot of good points there... Thanks for you feedback.

"Ti mystique/longevity" to an afficionado may well be "drab, grey metal" to a new rider. If the "Blazer Blue" R1000 with the white panels catches her eye, or even the R500 without the panels, that is the smartest buy. Don't fool yourself into thinking that your wife will learn to appreciate a "better" bike that she does not create and emotional spark for her. Also consider that a bike that is too expensive or too "racy" looking may discourage her from riding because it makes her feel self-concious and unworthy. The important thing now is buy the bike that will motivate her to ride. So listen to what she has to say about it and restrain yourself from imposing your greater experience on the decision (short of steering her clear of junk, which Tiagra is not). If she has no opinion, I'd be wary of spending a lot of money up front.

More great feedback. Thanks! I had to laugh at your "restrain yourself from imposing..." comment. That's exactly how I felt when we were at the shop fitting her. I had to make a special effort to let the shop guy talk and ask questions and talk TO HER, without me butting in and imposing everything I think I know. :)

My non-cycling wife likes nice things. She had been riding her $300 step-through, upright-riding-position "city bike" for 3 years. Longest ride was 5 - 6 miles with a stop mid-way. I wanted to take her to the next level, but without pushing her, so I suggested a tandem and got the Softride beam for her comfort. She bought into all of this and even wanted clipless pedals and a jersey. To make a long story short, I was trying to jump her from "just riding a bike" to becoming a "recreational cyclist" before she had evolved on her own ( I never pushed for speed or distance, nor did we ever fall or have a close call). Thank goodness the kids became stokers after the wife gave up.

I'd go cheap for a year or two, before dropping $$$ on a Merlin Extralite for a newbie.

Thanks!

I bought my wife a Serotta MTB (at a great price) a number of years ago when we thought she'd be interested in cycling (and also because she liked the color :) ). It got ridden a few times at which point she decided that cycling wasn't for her. Fortunately, it fit my son -- at this point it's got lots of miles on it including a cross-country (VA to WA) ride that he did with a few friends of his several years ago. Bottom line -- don't spend a lot on that first bike unless you have a backup plan for it!

Thanks!

I would go with the R1000, it is nice enough to perform well over time and ensure your wife has a fair shot on the hills. The shifting action is much nicer as well. Finally, should you need to resell it- with that parts kit it will hold much more value.

Pass on the Merlin, you will need that extra money for shoes, helmets, gloves ect.

:)

I would go with the R1000, it is nice enough to perform well over time and ensure your wife has a fair shot on the hills. The shifting action is much nicer as well. Finally, should you need to resell it- with that parts kit it will hold much more value.

Pass on the Merlin, you will need that extra money for shoes, helmets, gloves ect.

:)

Thanks Coolhand. I fear my "disguised" dollar figures might have scewed feedback a little. I just crunched the nunbers I already should have and the actual price difference between the bikes, after taxes and s/h is:

Upgrading the R500f w/ Ksyrium Elites is $320
Upgrading to the R1000f is $405 more
Upgrading to the Merlin is $175 more

We've already accumulated shoes, pedals, helmet, gloves, and at least one outfit for her.

Money is a big concern of course, but in lite of the available deals it seems I should seize the day. I totally respect and will carefully consider the advice from core members here like you. The previous replies have me strongly leaning toward the R500 w/ Ksyriums (and letting Lisa make the final decision)...

Do you still vote for the R1000?

Thanks Coolhand. For argument sake... the Merlin is "only" $300 more than the R1000. I fear my "disguised" dollar figures might have scewed feedback a little. I can get the R1000 (Feminie) for $1300 and the Merlin for $1600.... and the shop has offered the R500 (Feminie) ($600) with Ksyrium Elites instead of Gipiemme T3s for $900.

We've already accumulated shoes, pedals, helmet, gloves, and at least one outfit for her.

Money is a big concern of course, but in lite of the available deals it seems I should seize the day. I totally respect and will carefully consider the advice from core members here like you. The previous replies have me strongly leaning toward the R500 w/ Ksyriums (and letting Lisa make the final decision)...

Do you still vote for the R1000?

With the K's the R500 may be the way to go then- much nicer wheels.


:)

With the K's the R500 may be the way to go then- much nicer wheels.
:)

Thanks again. I think that makes a lot of sense too. It's just hard to not spend a little more on the nicer bikes when the deals are so good. Of course, Lisa will make the final decision and she asked a moment ago if "her Merlin" is still available... so we'll see :)

Thanks Coolhand. I fear my "disguised" dollar figures might have scewed feedback a little. I just crunched the nunbers I already should have and the actual price difference between the bikes, after taxes and s/h is:

Upgrading the R500f w/ Ksyrium Elites is $320
Upgrading to the R1000f is $405 more
Upgrading to the Merlin is $175 more

We've already accumulated shoes, pedals, helmet, gloves, and at least one outfit for her.

Money is a big concern of course, but in lite of the available deals it seems I should seize the day. I totally respect and will carefully consider the advice from core members here like you. The previous replies have me strongly leaning toward the R500 w/ Ksyriums (and letting Lisa make the final decision)...

Do you still vote for the R1000?


My wife decided last year that she wanted to join me, or at least get a bike so we could spend some time together doing something I enjoyed. We went looking for bikes for her and ended up buying a Cannondale R500 Feminine, because she liked the color better then the other bikes in the price range we looked at. Some of the other bikes had better components, but for her looks was the deciding factor. While she did enjoy going for leisure rides with me 1-2 times a week (once a week we'd go to a near-by lake and ride). She never really got into it.

Now, due to me getting hit by a car and her getting pregnant it hangs on the wall. It will most likely be a few years before it gets taken down again. So, I'm glad I didn't convince her she needed a more expensive bike. I do agree with upgrading the wheelset on the R500 though, the stock wheels suck and were going to be the first upgrade on her bike. You might wait until she starts getting into it before you plunk down the cash though (unless they would be an upgrade to your bike if she don't get into it
;) )

Good luck, and remember to let HER set the pace when you ride, you'll both enjoy it more. If you get bored you can hammer up the hills and then roll back down to meet her and go back up at her pace. Another alternative is pedalling one legged.

Well, in my experience, I'd say one thing you didn't mention is...which one is prettier to her? My wife did not like the hyper looks of the Trek's or Specialized, but did like the more understated looks of the Lemonds.

We actually managed to find her a last-year's model Ti frame, and after test driving low-end Al frames, she fell in love with the buttery ride. Pretty and plush. That hooked her!

Had the same question when purchasing for my wife.
First of all, as all wifes probably feel, she was intimidated. Not by the bike, but by the unfamiliarity of it and her uncertainity in doing the right thing, and being uncomfortable.
While we will almost always try for the quickest, best quality bike; they may go for what looks best.
1) Come up w/a baseline on what you can afford to spend (lose). Purchase a bike that can keep up w/you and maybe has the same type if not quality of components as you. Shimano Flight deck begins at Tiagra for example. If its the same, then you can talk them through it a little easier.
2) They have to be comfortable, this includes reach, seat, etc. If they have not been on a road bike or are coming from a MTB, the bike will feel a little strange if not uncomfortable. I agree w/one of the other posters...Meet w/a bike guy first, explain to him what you are doing, and let him talk TO HER and ask her questions. This pulls her into the purchase, gives her some ownership for the decision and also educates her in the process. Do not answer for her or tell him/she what your wife wants.
3) $600-$1000 will give you a pretty damn good bike w/carbon forks, seat post, and either Tiagra or 105 Flight deck. This is a pretty good begining for a new cyclist.
4) Purchase her the equipment that will make her feel comfortable, even if this means a more padded seat, thicker padding on her shorts, and even that pink halter top cycling shirt. If she is not comfortable w/clipless, get the baskets, Get her some mtb SPD shoes, that can be used w/SPD's later, and you can even purchase the SPD's (dual sided) only to return them at a later date. The baskets will teach her the push/pull technique w/o the fear of being locked into her bike. Eventually she may want the SPD's. I bought MTB shoes./pedals because they were cheaper, more durable, and the shoes are more walking /spinning class friendly.
5) If you have a friend that rides, or better yet a female friend, let them get together for a ride or two. Having you behind her telling her when to shift, etc may help, or it can frustrate her. We have good intentions, but they don't always come across that way.

My wifes MTB hung in the garage for a year. I bought a Road bike after returning from Iraq and have been spending alot of time on the bike (she runs/I can't). Purchasing the bike, gives us something physical (besides sex) to do together, and now she even goes out on her own or w/ a friend. She is even interested in doing a dualathalon or two this summer.

Anyway, be patient, research the best for the buck, let her choose, and make it fun. Remember, she may be intimidated by your abilities and in trying to "impress or keep up with you".