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?

Whatever you choose, you should be allowed to try it on the road (briefly!) before you buy it, and that's invaluable - when I first tried the bike I have, the reach was too long (I have long legs and a short torso), so the bike shop put an adjustable stem and different handlebars on it, for a small fee. The bike was £300 ten years ago, so at your budget, that's an entirely sensible request.

I've got a Giant Liv hybrid (not sure which one), but you can probably go for something nicer.

Also, I really recommend Marathon Tyres, they really do reduce punctures - I went from 6/year (average!) to one in three years.

Make sure you leave don't skimp on a really decent bike lock and, In case th bike lock doesn't work, decent bike insurance.

I really like Liv bikes - it’s more than just a Giant with female branding, they put a lot into the whole geometry. I have a Liv Devote gravel bike which I adore, the drop bar is more comfortable for me. Decathlon is a good shout, and people also seem to really like Canyon bikes (online only).

Is the bike to work scheme an option? It’s a really good way to buy a bike.

So I do have access to the Cycle 2 Work scheme but I work 40 miles away so can't cycle there.

is the Somerby really 22kg ? That's insane. On top of how ugly it is.

I nearly bought a Boardman 8.9 a few years ago. Bn 8.6 is supposed to be 11.2 kg, Dual Sport 13.3 kg. Go for Bn 8.6

Merida crossway 100 is 13..1 kg...

I think Ribble Hybrid AL is roughly what I have now, in OP's price bracket. We just replaced rear derailleur, otherwise it's been easy enough over 4 years but I had to go up a frame size because of the short stem.

Does OP want suspension ? Giant Roam Disc 1 has suspension.

#MAPIL so maybe no help

I got a bike from Decathlon recently, it was £200. The model is "Rockrider". All terrain tyres, great suspension and comfy seat. My DS and I do a lot of leisure cycling and I prefer bike to car in good weather. I am really pleased with it! Great value for money.

Yep that's the only thing with the Somerby, it's really hefty!

A gravel bike or hybrid might be the way forward. Agree that you don't really need to spend up to your limit for what you are planning on. It will get lighter and more comfortable to ride as you spend more (though the right fit is more important the price bracket here), things like disc brakes which make braking smoother.

Fatter tyres will make the ride comfier but mean that you're less efficient in covering distance quickly.

I had a non electric Somerby. Ended up selling it for a very low price as it was just so heavy! And long! I struggled to fit it in the shed. The brakes were sticky despite adjustments and the longer size of it made it feel wobbly at the front. Not my best buy!

Thanks that's interesting feedback actually. I'm thinking of taking that one out of the running.

Current frontrunner is a cheaper Boardman 8.6 (£500ish) hybrid because I've been able to have a look at it, until I can go and look at some of the other brands mentioned.

I don't think you actually have to cycle your bike to work to use the scheme, but I may be wrong.

22kg!! Holy moly, I think I would really notice that weight. Don't do it OP!
I've got a cheap-ish hybrid and it leans heavily toward mountain, and it's still only 13kg. Cost £300 new, disc brakes, front suspension, very comfy. In theory it's got more 'features' than you're looking for, so you really don't need to spend £1200!
For leisure cycling, frame size, weight, and handle bar comfort are key. Don't trust Halfords on what frame size you need, get an opinion from a proper shop where they know what they're talking about!

Doesn't matter.

You could for in theory cycle to your local train station, lock the bike up in secure parking and get the bike to work.

I've seen many commuters do that.

Also some people take the piss out of the scheme and use it to buy one of their children a bike.

I can't get my bike in the back of my car without having to take the front wheel off. It makes it easy to use. I don't mind using a bike rack but the bikes a lot more secure from theft if it's in the car.

Typo!!!
My post was meant to say I CAN get my bike in my car....

PP have mentioned a lock, I'd also add a pump, lights, a spare inner tube (much easier to just replace a punctured one in situ, repair at home in comfort) along with tyre levers. You can also get tubeless tyres which aren't supposed to puncture, but the bike needs to have the right wheels, ask in a shop (I agree about Evans or a local shop).

Another recommendation for Giant / Liv hybrid. Avoid suspension forks because they add a lot of weight. Do get proper mudguards, it allows you to ride when it has rained (but not raining now) without getting wet. A handlebar bag can be really useful, I use panniers because I commute to work and the laptop fits in a pannier well. The bags are really useful for kids stuff when out with them.

I ride the male giant escape from a few years ago. The liv equivalent is https://www.liv-cycling.com/gb/alight-3-city-2021

The new male disc equivalent: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/escape-2-city-disc-2021

Discs are good, but for leisure cycling rim brakes are fine, I'd save the money and go non-disc. For a bike being locked up in bike racks, that might get stolen, I'd keep the cost down.

It is not necessary to cycle to work in order to use the scheme. It’s not even a fudge, it’s there in black and white. I guess the reason being that even if you’re not cycling to work you could be doing more active travel closer to home.

I've got the Boardman MTX 8.6, specced up with Schwalbe marathon tyres, mudguards & pannier rack. It's not as light as the other one, but might be more comfortable for longer rides; I like it. I wouldn't go spending more at the moment, if I were you, given your proposed usage.

If the bike runs well, weight only becomes an issue if you're lifting it onto a bike rack regularly, or if you have issues with shoulders/elbows/wrists. The front suspension and paddle-style grips of the Boardman MTX 8.6 are kinder to wrists and elbows than my previous bike.

A light bike is very nice if you're gonna want to carry it up any steps, or lift it into/onto the car.

weight only becomes an issue if

you live in Sheffield, or any of many places with hills.
On my bike, I put the most puncture resistant tyres available.

lljkk good point - I am in Cambridgeshire after all!

I will be going up hills so the Somerby is definitely out.

Between a Liv and a Boardman now I think.

A trek is very reliable, easy to maintain and light enough to manoeuvre