A bike for my wife?

[AntiSoCalSkier]

My wife has decided that she'd like to take the train to work, but since it's a fairly long walk, she wants to buy a bike to ride between home and the train station, and the train station and work. The total distance is less than 2 miles each way, and would be ridden on public streets. There is one large hill, but other than that, the ride is pretty flat. I don't want to spend a ton of money ($200 - $300), since the bike is going to spend a lot of time parked in public places and is definitely at risk for theft. On the other hand, it needs to be a decent bike, since it is going to get ridden every day.

I walked over to REI during lunch to see what they had, and they pointed me in the direction of the Novara Metro which is a hybrid bike from their in house brand. This seems like it might suit her needs, but since I'm a total bike JONG, I need help. Is this a reasonable bike to look at? Is there some other bike/brand/store I should check out for a better deal?

[snow_slider]

I don't really know much about hybrid bikes, but it sounds like a good choice. She'll want narrower tires than the ones that come on mountain bikes = less rolling resistance. But, she probably wants something more comfortable than a full on road bike.

Hybrid sounds like a good choice. Since she'll be leaving it out, make sure she gets a top notch lock. A combo of chain lock and "U" lock works well.

Here's a good combo:
http://www.kryptonitelock.com/inetis...s_item&pgrp=20

-and-

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/inetis...s_item&pgrp=20

Make sure to lock BOTH wheels and to replace a quick release seattube collar with a bolted one.

[DougW]

I commute on a hybrid though a few miles more and it suits commute riding well. An alternate would be a mtn bike, new /used, no suspension and put slicks on it. Be a bit concerned with weight if its a big hill. Also as she's getting on to the train and off less weight the better as I would guess some carrying up stairs.

You can get hybrids with front shocks but unless its a bumpy road I wouldn't bother as its extra weight and expense.

[DougW]

Just checked out bike and it does have a front shock. If you can ride the route and see if a shock is warrented. If good roads and you upgrade seat to something with gel in it probalbly don't need shock.

[Plakespear]

[altagirl]

Might also be worth checking out a bike swap or otherwise looking for a used MTB that you can put slicks on. Otherwise the hybrid you're looking at is probably fine for what she wants it for. Go cheap and get a good lock, replace quick releases, etc.

And since we're on the topic of commuter bikes:
http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/wdc/25241160.html

[AntiSoCalSkier]

Originally posted by altagirl
And since we're on the topic of commuter bikes:
http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/wdc/25241160.html

[schuss]

ahahahahaha, thats just cruel, stealing brake pads.