Any female leisure cyclists here? Advice needed!

[KenAdams]

Needing non MAMIL bike advice please.

I want something to just use on cycle paths and parks with DD who is 11. Nothing too fancy, just something that isn't too heavy and is comfortable.

I've seen the Pembleton Somerby and the Boardman 8.6 hybrid so far. Any opinions on either please?

What's your budget? Do you want straight handlebars or dropped? How fat/thin do you want your tyres?

I’ve got a Boardman ladies hybrid, I’ve had it about 4 years so not sure of the number though could be an 8.6. It’s very light and easy to ride. If you mean a Pendleton I didn’t want to look like a granny so went with one that was more sporty, plus I think it was heavier than the Boardman. You can try then out in Halfords I think or at least I did.

Go to Decathlon and have a look. I got my best bike from there.

Most most most important thing is that it fits you properly. Go to a good bike shop (not Halfords) with your budget and try out as many as you can. Have always found staff at local shops and Evans really helpful- they are cycling enthusiasts and will want you to have a fab time on your new bike.

I can go up to about £1.2k, I don't plan on replacing it ever really due to light usage. I prefer a more upright sit so won't be a mountain bike. Road bike tyres would be too thin.

I've been into Halfords today, they say 17" for my height but both bikes have pros and cons.

Decathlon is a great shout, didn't think of there!

Agree. Don't have too many preconceived ideas (except about whether you want road/hybrid/mountain) and go to a decent bike shop. Evans and Tiso have both been good to me. Halfords wouldn't even let me scoot around the empty shop on the bike to see if I liked it! They were rude and didn't know much about frame materials etc.
It really matters that the frame size is right for you. Saddles can be changed, but not frame size!

Do you mean a non e bike

I have a Townie bike from electra. I have a non electric version and the e bike version (Townie path go). I love the sitting position because its a step through, nice and low, sit up and beg but for me it allows me to put my feet flat on the floor due to the angle of the pedals and because Im so nervous at cycling I need this

You can pick up second hand townies off ebay, they are expensive new though

They're not as light a some though. I can lift the normal bike on and off the bike rack but I need help with the ebike as that is very heavy.

I have a Boardman hybrid and a Bianchi road bike.
The fit and size are most important, and utility. Don't get a road bike unless you're going to be 95% on roads.
My hybrid has seen me over grass, canal paths, woodland paths (not too rooty) and still pretty thin tyres so not bad on roads as well.

Gravel bikes are also a thing now, they seem to be road bike style but with slightly fatter tyres?

Definitely try one at a local bike shop, they tend to be much more knowledgeable than the usual pimply teens I get patronised served by in Halfords 😉

I have a hybrid, which I like. I also know what I don't like - dropped handlebars (just don't suit my style of riding), road bikes (too thin and wobbly), mountain bikes (too heavy). Go somewhere where you can try them out on the road.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255964194685?hash=item3b98a7a77d:g:fREAAOSwwjVj39nT

You'll be able to find something for a lot under that if you're not looking for electric! If you like the upright position have a look at Dutch style bikes. I've heard good things about Liv. But yes, agree with the local bike shop recommendation!

I know absolutely nothing about bikes but bought the boardman 8.6 hybrid last month.
it seems great, easy to ride and comfortable.
It’s nice and light so I’ve been able to put it in my car easily as I don’t yet have a bike carrier.
my husband has now bought the men’s version.

Yes, I'm looking at non electric.

Those Townie bikes look beautiful.

Maybe I'll just eBay it in that case!

That's a healthy budget. I don't know if it's a thing or not but you could check and see if you could do a test ride. I think some smaller bike shops might offer it.

I'd go for a light hybrid with good gears. I can go up,long steep hills with ease. Not because I'm particularly fit but because I've got a light bike with great gears.

What’s the terrain like where you live? If it’s flat, you’ll be fine on any hybrid in your budget. Hilly, and you’ll need to think about gears and lightness.

My townie ebike cost an arm and a leg, bought new.

My townie normal bike (which is slightly more comfortable) was 300 quid off ebay, baby blue with white seat and white handles

I do need the ebike for our proper adventures, canal paths, holidays, forest tracks etc. But the other one I take out evening times along the sea front, I can just about manage

We are seriously 'leisure', I dont think I go any faster than 8 mile an hour!!!

I never go on roads, too nervous (well the odd very quiet road now and then)

Maybe something like a Giant Roam. With your budget you could get the top of the range. It's a hybrid, flat handlebars with front compression forks. Not a full on mountain bike, but not a road bike. Slightly fatter tyres and can handle uneven surfaces. When I started biking I had one for commuting to work, river tow paths, that sort of thing. I then became a full on mountain biker, but that's another story. Roam Disc 1 (2022) | Adventure bike | Giant Bicycles UK (giant-bicycles.com)

I got a new hybrid recently from Giant - it's a liv which seems to be the branding for their women's bikes. They let me ride several up and down the road to see which I preferred.
They were steering me towards a small frame based on my height, but I guess due to my body/leg proportions I actually found the medium more comfortable.

The one I got has disc brakes which are great and mean less maintenance longer term.

Before this I had a trek which I liked a lot too.
That is a decent budget, try a good few, get extras like kick stand and pannier racks - v handy!

I usually go for the Giant Liv range for hybrids. Currently got a City Alight.

Another Electra fan here (they’re made by Trek and seem good quality). I have a Loft rather than a Townie. Love it. Lighter than a Pashley but better components I gather than a Pendleton or Bobbin etc. I had it fitted with gravel tyres instead of the road tyres it came with as I go through parks, canal paths etc as well as on road. I chose hub rather than derailleur gears, but the derailleur versions are cheaper.

I’d recommend the Trek DualSport. They do an option with a full pannier rack if you want a bit more of a utility hybrid or without for more of a ‘sporty’ hybrid. Perfect for leisure cycling, light gravel, cycle routes etc. https://www.trekbikes.com/gb/en_GB/bikes/hybrid-bikes/dual-sport-bikes/c/B430/

I recently bought a bike from decathlon - it’s ok, but heavier than I would have liked. Dirt cheap though and I’m a seriously ‘leisure’ rider - go about 5/6 miles at about 8 miles an hour!!!

I've got a Merida crossway 100 which is a hybrid and find it great. I'm no expert though and didn't have many in stock options to choose from during covid!

I'll check out the Giants too.

The Dual Sport was actually the first one I looked at - I'd forgotten about it.

It's a good budget I think but if I don't need to spend that much for what I want then I won't. One of the ones I'm looking at is £250ish for example but I'm happy to spend more if its worth the extra outlay for comfort or little maintenance for example.

To be honest for a non ebike 1.2k gets you a light bike and quality components or you pick a brand that's just generally pricey cos of the name and style over quality.

I think you're get what you need from a mid price range bike around 400 to 700.