Ladies Bikes - What are you riding?

All SRAM levers adjust in the same way, no shims needed: http://www.theroaddiaries.com/2009/11/24/sram-tech-update-setting-reach-adjust-on-rival-force-and-red/

8 speed Sora, despite its thumb lever based shortcomings also had built in reach adjustment.

cornelius, I think they're salsa bell lap bars

Salsa Cowbell? Gave them to Kati to try out, find the flare drop a massive improvement in braking both from top and drop.

okay I've had a look and a bit of a discussion with my friend and we've come to the conclusion that the way forward is new bars, and a re-positioning of the hoods, which right now are way to close to vertical, and with the bars being old school 90's the shape of them isn't the greatest. I am watching a couple of shimano sora brake/shifters, which are supposedly smaller and have in built adjustment for smaller hands, but they have to be 8spd, as friend doesn't want to shell out for new levers, cassette or wheelset, plus new derailleur to go 9/10spd.

Doing a quick search as I type, but any recommendations for 26.0 road bars, with a shallow drop? As the bike is all quill stem and 31.8 isn't going to fit..

Soma HY1 have a decent shape.

The Bontrager SSR also another cheaper option, but the shape might not be idea (plus the reach is longer).

My sister's looking for a new bike - I don't know much about ladies bikes, but would guess someone on here would. She's wants something that looks and fits like a dutch bike and with a front basket for shopping, but she also wants a light bike with wide gearing that can handle the 5-10% gradients around her town.
Can I find a bike for her, that fits all those criteria?

What's her budget?

I couldnt find hy1 in 38 in UK but if she doesn't mind traditional shape then kinoko has 38 wide nitto but they need a shim or new stem as they're 25.4 Reach is 10.5. Cinelli little wing are great but rare only 40/42 can be found.

Genesis does a Dutch bike and so does Decathlon if she wants exact Dutch bike look. I'd go for 5 speed if hills are steep.

Bear in mind a Dutch bike will usually be heavier than an audax / road bike / tourer...

If she likes mixte frames plenty of vintage lovelies there :)

SJS sell them, but out of stock for a short while.

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/soma-highway-1-drop-bars-260-mm-clamp-prod28240/

Since when Genesis does a dutch bike?

@jwestland, Brixton cycles can get hold of the deda piega in a 38, so we've gone for that. Will swap the bar out and move the hoods and levers to a better position to see if that's a better fit. If not we're onto new hoods and levers, then if still not working new group set/wheel set.

@edscoble, found CTC article it's a Pinnacle. My memory and all that. The review is here: http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=10&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CGgQFjAJ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ctc.org.uk%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Ffile_public%2F201307064-reviews-tale-of-two-city-bikes.pdf&ei=c5M6U4HZF6i27Qa3rYHIBg&usg=AFQjCNGwbyqX0JShHIBAO2tpFhiMjFy5tw&sig2=pcgwB9M5UMj2Px51n87p7w&bvm=bv.63934634,d.ZGU

For steep hills however 5 gears or more may be needed...which means a derailleur setup will quickly be more economical OR second hand bike. Gazelle/Batavus from e-bay as hub gears are much more common on Dutch bikes.

A slightly more forward position would help on steep hill, so adjustable stem if necessary.

Or fling on a used nexus 5 / 7 system from evil bay...I can't praise hub gears enough for their lack of maintenance :)

New toooooooy! Freecycled from deebles. Needed a brake and a new freewheel and some serious oilin' but other than that nothing!

I'm building a bamboo bike!!!

I'm selling my 2010 Fuji Track Comp, 52 cm because I basically never ride it/go to track and I'm lusting after a bike that will be used more often!

Anyone interested - looking for £250. I am rubbish at hosting pics but can email to anyone interested.

Kati might be interested, will double check geo and compare them.

O rly? Nice one Ed!

Good luck with sale :)

Thanks!

Super jealous of the BMX, planned next project for sure.

built this for my aunt.

Not many female customers go in for a custom bike tbh

built this for my ex

found a built up pic, bit different now.

For those who's looking for a good starting road/hybrid bicycle, kati is selling her sans wheels;

http://www.lfgss.com/thread130737.html