My mum is an active 70yr old, looking to replace the way-too-big-for-her shopper that was miss-sold to her by a lbs many moons ago!
Budget is £500, must have lugs for racks, step-through frame [i]preferred[/i], as is a sit-up-and-beg riding position. Bike to be used mostly on roads, but also canal tow paths and gentle country trails. Colour is important...she will not have a black bike!
So far I've told her not to bother with suspension forks at this price-point, cos they'll be shit and other components will be compromised to meet the price-point...plus not needed for her riding.
Not sure about hydraulic discs for reasons similar to above, but can see the advantage of simplifying front wheel removal - this is reasonably important because the bike needs to go in the boot of a hatchback. Most bikes at this price range are canti anyway, so perhaps a moot point.
So far she's been looking at:-
[url= http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/Detail/11Vita/Vita/Vita%20Sport ]Specialized Vita[/url] (not a step-through frame)
[url= http://www.ridgeback.co.uk/bike/velocity-open-frame ]Ridgeback Velocity[/url]
What other manufacturers should we be looking at? I'm clueless when it comes to bikes in this sector! Where are bargain equivalents of the Carrera Fury > Boardman > Merlin Malt etc.?
Is there a level of groupset that's either a must-have or avoid like the plague?!
When it's all said and done, fit and comfort are king, with easy, reliable shifting and braking, and minimal maintenance.
I think a reduced 2010 bike would be perfect to get the best bang-for-buck, but need more suggestions!
Ta,
R
both my mum and dad ride treks for comfort. the ridgeback range are good for value for money.
My Mom (66) got a basic Trek Navigator pretty much like this one
http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/2007/archive/navigator30wsd
I would say that unless your Mom is keen to spend £500 and really likes her bikes then one of these is more than sufficient for her needs. She's unlikely to stress the suspension with her type of riding and the forks do take the edge off bumps on older wrists....
In fact, seeing as my old man has just asked me to sell his bike, Mom's will probably be up for grabs as well, it's done 100 miles at most and is in vgc (and it's a light blue colour, not black!). Size 16.5" step-thru frame. It also has a rack, sit up and beg riding position and a suspension seatpost.
I got my mum this for her 60th Birthday:
Ridgeback Avenida 3 + rack + straw Rear Pannier
Easy to ride, comfy (suspension seatpost), adjustable stem, 3 speed hub gear - simple to use, aluminium frame - light compared to a pashley etc
All in well under £500
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Other option I looked at (that was not black) was:
[url= http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/expression.w/7889/45557/ ]Giant Expression[/url] - 8 Speed Nexus - some Giant shops were doing 20% off these which would of made it the same price as the Ridgeback
There also was a Giant I seem to remember. Or an Electra?
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Some thought [url= http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/retro-bikes-for-girls ]here[/url], loving the paper bicycle with fat tyres (not a cheapy though).
This seems to fit the bill nicely
[url= http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/dahon_speed_d7.htm ]£399 details here[/url][img] 
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alo fitted one of these to the Ridgeback (it has a stand mounting boss on the chainstay).
ace stand.
dual leg stand, but folds up on one side - ultra stable
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http://www.simpsoncycles.co.uk/product.php/475/pletscher_twin_leg_stand
Thanks for the input folks, I have pointed my mum in the direction of this thread, much appreciated.
Ta,
Hairychested: love the Electra, is that yours?