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@[deleted]
larger, narrower wheels make a big difference (and putting enough air in them makes a big difference too). also, the geometry on the shopper is just not at all great for riding on the london roads and the frame has a lot of flex in it.
having a normal frame (not a step-through) makes it a lot easier to carry as you can put it on your shoulder, which is why i didn't get my gf a step-through.
the frame i got her was just a small, lugged steel tourer, which i sprayed up neon pink for her.
i think being ss helped a lot as well, because for a novice cyclist gears are just an added bit of confusion and aren't even that much of a benefit when you don't know how to use them properly and live in a pretty flat city anyway.
personally, i'd buy an old step-through tourer for £50 second hand, then convert it to ss, maybe change the bars if they're drops, add your basket, and you're away!
and i agree with emilia on girly bike kit! my gf is always looking for nice bike bits now!