Conference noted::bicycle

    
    
    You didn't indicate what you are willing to pay, but take a look at
    Specialized, Giant, Trek, Schwinn, etc. Get something with a 
    chromoly frame/fork. Since the person who is going to ride it is not
    here, then you should get her inseam (floor to crotch length) and use
    that as a basis for buying the bike (get this length and ask here for
    sizing suggestions).
    
    good luck,
    
    doug
    

    I own a Hybrid and am in the market for one for my wife.  
    
    My experience:
    
    Buy a bike with Shimano components.  My Schwinn has Suntour stuff and
    is in constant need of adjustment.  As a personal note, my wife and
    myself can not stand the new twist-style gear changers.
    
    If she is a casual rider, consider getting antler-style handlebars. 
    These bars have SLIGHTLY elevated (About 1-2 inches) hand positions. 
    This allows for a more upright and confortable riding position.  By the
    way, this position is less aerodynamic.
    
    Tires on most hybrids are 700Cx35 or 38.  There should be no reason to
    exchange the standard tires.
    
    If you stay within these guidelines, and pay between $330 and $450, you
    can't really go wrong.
    
    For what it is worth,
    
    Jack Boyle  dtn 323-4448
    
    

    RE; .2
    
    I have worked on Schwinns and other bikes that use Suntour, and I have
    found that using the Suntour chain, or the DID (samething) makes a big
    difference over the KMC OEM chain that I see used a lot with Suntour.
    
    Dave

    I called my favorite bike dealer in Nashua, "Larrys Bike Shop".
    He also switched from Schiwns to Trek, as other notes here indicated.
    I also heard that Schiwn is bankrupt. Is that true? The price range
    seens to be the same ($300 and up). I have to find out if one can get
    parts for a Trek in Brasil.
    
    Thanks,
    
    	Dirce
    

    
    >seens to be the same ($300 and up). I have to find out if one can get
    >parts for a Trek in Brasil.
    
    Dirce,
    
    Don't worry too much about parts for Trek in Brasil. If Shimano
    sells components/parts in Brasil, they should have you covered.
    hybrids and MTBs have really "standardised" as far as parts go. 
    In the really high end bikes you might find some special need or part,
    but on your normal-low-end-but-good-quality bike parts should 
    be easy to find. I've never been to Brasil, but I imagine Shimano
    has penetrated nearly every market on earth!
    
    
    doug
     
    

    You won't go wrong with the Trek. My wife has a Trek 720 and its
    a good bike. I would try and get a 1992 if they have any left. You'll
    get a better price.

    Schwinn was taken of by a company named Scott. I believe their the same
    ones that manufacture ski equipment.

    Good Luck
    Jim

    I have narrowed down to a Trek or a Specialized. Both are what they
    call "city bikes" or "entry level montain bikes". The price range is
    the same ($330-$350). I prefer the Specialized, but I am thinking that
    the only reason is because they had one my size for testing (I am only
    5'1", my sister is 5'2", the size is I think 14 and 1/2).
    
    They both have shimano parts and are chromoly. Any other comments?
    
    Thanks,
    
    	Dirce
    

    Only comment I have now is... just do it!


    Jim

    Yesterday after my wife and I finished our rides, I decided to try her
    Trek 720 and compare it to my Schwinn Crisscross. No two ways about
    it, the 720 with the Shimano components shifts much smoother than the
    Schwinn. In fact, the Schwinn will sometimes not shift when I go into a
    gear unless I move the shift just a little past the position I want
    until it shifts, then move it back into its position. I have to bring it 
    in for my free 30 day tune up so I'll see what they can do. It looks like 
    they haven't improved the Suntour for 1993 like they claimed, cuz what 
    I'm getting seems to match the other complaints I've heard from people 
    who own older models of Schwinn. 

    Jim

    I have an Ironhorse XT3000 hybrid with Shimano 200 components.  I'm
    VERY satisfied with it!!  Best $320 I've spent yet!
    
    dave