non-cyclist friend attempting charity ride & needs bike

[jax13]

a friend of mine is attempting the manchester - blackpool run for charity in june (i think) and doesn't actually have a bike!

she has asked me to help her find a bike & has a budget of £200

obviously, as non-cyclist she isn't going to appreciate anything with retro character & simply needs something lightweight & in decent condition so I am asking for advice on what to look for. sti's would be better than downtube shifters but because of the budget i'm thinking old-ish (but not strictly retro) claud butler, raleigh or similar with early sora or similar kit on board or a low end equivalent.

size wise, she is about 5'6" with an inside leg of about 32"

any advice on where to start looking & what to look at would be grand, i'm not exactly up to speed on what is worth its price tag when it comes to road stuff.

cheers

 

[kula]

can't help with a bike, but the 32" leg measurement seems a bit long for only 5'6"
Either that or I've got short legs!

 

[jax13]

verging on 33 apparently. (she is fairly narrow & leggy)

the missus won't let me measure it in person, apparently there is a grey area about fondling the crotch of one of her oldest & closest friends!

 

[Jonny69]

Women :roll:

 

[bobbinogs]

Blimey, she must have legs up to her arrrrmpits. I am 5'10 and have a 32 inside leg. Might be asking a bit much to find a reliable lightweight bike with retro charm and STIs, all for £200. I suspect that something for that price, even if found, may also need tyres/chain/brake pads, possible fettling on the wheels, etc., but good luck anyway.

It might be worth warning her about the non-bike budget that needs to be considered too.

 

[hamster]

If she's not a cyclist I'd go for an MTB with rigid forks and slicks. Manc to Blackpool isn't exactly a huge distance.

She'll probably appreciate the wider bars and more docile handling.

 

[Al3xander]

I'm not sure how much Raleighs start as these days, but for a one-off event, probably makes sense to buy the best new bike you can find and if the cycling bug doesn't bite, sell it on afterwards. I'd recommend going for a hybrid, or as suggested, possibly an MTB.

Nothing unusual in a woman who's 5' 6"-ish having a 32" inside leg, btw. Women have longer legs, that's all.

 

[Lazarus]

Hi Jax I made a similar post to this last year (can't find it right now). I decided to build a bike for a woman down south to do the London to Paris on. She was also a non cyclist. It played many games with my mind, especially the "pain barrier us hardened guys go through" when on longer runs.

There are some very good womens bikes pop up on fleabay regular, all ready to go. I opted for a custom build Mixte for the woman in question, all Campagnolo'd out, with Ma40's, simply because long haul needed reliability & comfort. If I find the post I'll get back to you. Best of luck, yours Laz.

 

[Chute55uk]

a trek 1200 with 105 in good nick for 150? only trouble is its a 58cm

 

[jax13]

a trek 1200 with 105 in good nick for 150? only trouble is its a 58cm

i'd be tempted by that for her - i could always pitch a deal to her to buy it off her for once she has done it!

i'll try and speak to her & get back to you.

cheers.