Cheap bike for the missus?

Since I've been getting more into MTBing I'm keen to get my partner out on some rides. We wouldn't be doing anything too technical or hilly... but I think something reasonably light and with at least front suspension would help her gain confidence.

I actually bought an Orange P7 in her size but it's a project which might take forever. A few options below - all of which are local and sub £100. Welcome your thoughts and if you've got anything in the shed then let me know. Doesn't have to be "modern" (post 199... I generally prefer older steel steeds myself, but at the end of the day it's what's cheap and works...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specialized- ... 2918008609
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mountain-Bik ... 2813635672
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mountain-Bik ... 3278733292
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Scott-Kokomo ... 3027210590

Love the wrong way round forks on that Muddy Fox...

Re:

I have a small 1992 Clockwork available mate. It could do with a tidy up but is perfectly rideable as it is. It will come with Orange aluminium forks and Rockshox Quadra 10’s that work. Would be looking for £100ish but could also do a flasher build for a bit more cost. Bike is at work so no pictures until Monday at the earliest but PM me if interested.

Re: Re:

brocklanders023":28e62kg4 said:

I have a small 1992 Clockwork available mate. It could do with a tidy up but is perfectly rideable as it is. It will come with Orange aluminium forks and Rockshox Quadra 10’s that work. Would be looking for £100ish but could also do a flasher build for a bit more cost. Bike is at work so no pictures until Monday at the earliest but PM me if interested.

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Will send a PM.

Pretty sold on the Clockwork, but...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/273579478595

Re:

You should get her this or one similar - and then try to keep up with her on the hills to improve your fitness and help your wife have more fun with you..while you are begging her to slow down.

https://www.rutlandcycling.com/bikes/el ... ite_461986

Re: Re:

fotorat1":2hx3vuny said:

You should get her this or one similar - and then try to keep up with her on the hills to improve your fitness and help your wife have more fun with you..while you are begging her to slow down.

https://www.rutlandcycling.com/bikes/el ... ite_461986

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lol. I said "cheap".

Besides, to be honest, it's probably not fitness that'll be slowing her down, but bike handling confidence. That thing would terrify her.

Anyway, the clockwork sale fell through (too small) so I bought this the other day:

I built my missus something similar (aluminium frame, front suspension etc) but it wasn't really worth it as the bike-bug has never bitten her at all, and it sits unused in the garage!

Joe_Rides":f5jr7pa3 said:

I built my missus something similar (aluminium frame, front suspension etc) but it wasn't really worth it as the bike-bug has never bitten her at all, and it sits unused in the garage!

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We shall see... I keep trying. I already built her a nice road bike that she never rides. :|

watch out for those handle bars with no plugs/caps in them back in the 80's my mate failed to land his BMX correctly on the BMX track jump in Great Wyrley and his exposed handle bar went straight into his side and he had to have his spleen out!!

Also the front QR is on the wrong side.

Also with the saddle that low she wont reach the brake levers easily

And are the tires bald?

So apart from being a death trap - looks like a nice bike.....

fotorat1":38mo2f49 said:

watch out for those handle bars with no plugs/caps in them back in the 80's my mate failed to land his BMX correctly on the BMX track jump in Great Wyrley and his exposed handle bar went straight into his side and he had to have his spleen out!!

Also the front QR is on the wrong side.

Also with the saddle that low she wont reach the brake levers easily

And are the tires bald?

So apart from being a death trap - looks like a nice bike.....

Click to expand...

Haha. Very good, but you failed to notice that the front brake caliper isn't attached! Maybe I'll sort that out before I worry too much about which side the front QR is on...

As it happens the tyres are almost new... they're just semi-slick for road use. Will be changing them.