Bicycle Lesson?

Not on how to ride a bike, but on bicycles itself. And from the topic search results, it seems like there at least a few experts, so hopefully you'll let me pick your brains.

Looking for suggestions on a bike for the wife since I don't know much about bicycles.

It'll be a good low-end (<$300) small (15") hybrid/comfort bike (no Walmart bikes, that's the type she has now), typically for pavement, but that can occasionally go on dirt/gravel roads. Ideally have lockable suspension forks (I know, might as well go rigid since mostly pavement riding, hence if there are suspension it has to be lockable). Bonus if bike can be placed on a trunk mounted carrier without a top tube adapter.

I think the Specialized Ariel is decent, but hoping for something cheaper (since we're not serious riders). There were Cannondale Quick 6's at REI on clearance ($300), but we were too late.

Been scouring CL daily (a used bike in good condition would be great), but somewhat slim pickings (or I don't know how to spot a good deal).

Feel free to school me on some info, and like I mentioned, just hoping I can pick some brains.

Appreciate the help!

There are alot of swap meets at the local bike shops coming up...maybe find a deal there too.

Go to dick Maul's bike shop in Halifax and look at a giant cypress, or whatever they're calling it these days. It's a small, independent shop; they are old friends.

+1 on local shops. You'll pay more than ebay or craigslist, but you can get her properly sized, and she can test ride, which is critical.

I helped a friend get set up on one of these recently -- http://jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/s...allegro1f.html

It's a pretty good bike for the money, and seems to fit what you're looking for (they also make a non-women's-specific model that does have a suspension fork).

That being said, there are some good deals out there, once you know here size...

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...0_20000_400307

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...8_20000_400307

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._20000__400307

http://www.rei.com/product/813910

http://www.rei.com/product/822200

http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp...737439.3696716

Good luck!

http://www.thebicyclelink.com/

It's located one town over from you. Figure out what size and style then you can look out for a used one or a deal.

Also check out LL Bean. I got my mom a bike there for like $300-400. It seems pretty well built. She's had it about a year now without any issues. Plus LL Bean stands behind their products and will take back anything.

Thanks all. We've been looking around local bicycle stores, and reading some reviews online. Anyone know how can you tell if the suspension can be locked out (by the specs posted online)?

I'd go straight to the manufacturer of the boingers. Odds are, on a comfort bike, that's not going to be likely.

I just got my wife a Specialized Vienna 03 which is a hybrid road bike. It is a triple front and 8 speed rear, with V brakes and rapid fire shifters. She rides road only, and isn't doing long distances at this point. The bike was a left over, and I got it for a good price at Landry's in Westboro.

Thanks everyone, ended up getting a Quick 6 for the same price at a LBS.