Kurt in CT
Active Member
I'm going to interpret things a little differently than some others, and conclude that the issue isn't that your wife needs to learn to ride a bike, it's that she does know (or at least once knew, which implies she could pick it up again a lot easier than someone completely new to it), but is just uncomfortable due to circumstances with that "oversized bike" of her youth. If this is the case, maybe a better solution is a step-thru bike. I figured out (after three tries/bikes!) that this was the key to making my wife more comfortable: not having that bar, creating a fear that she wouldn't be able to get off if it started to fall over (or whatever). Maybe that sounds irrational to some, but I'll be honest, I had the same fear when I learned to ride a motorcycle as an adult (actually it was more than just a fear, I did drop the cycle on the ground at least once at a stop light, they are heavy!)
The trike may or may not be a good idea -- only you know your wife. But just reading literally your post, in which you indicate that she did ride once, but is not willing to talk much about why she stopped, and also that you have reason to think it would go better with a third party helping her to try it again ... with that context I see a possibility that some women (and men) might be annoyed with/insulted by the suggestion of a trike, she might regard it almost the same as if you suggested training wheels. Similarly with asking her to watch a video titled "Learn How to Ride a Bicycle in 5 Minutes." Just a "be sure of yourself before you open your mouth" caution that we men often forget when it comes to our wives
Mark (and everyone), you're saying some interesting things! And you are so right in assuming there is some complexity to this subject. It's funny, this is not a site about personal relationships, but clearly I could get into it big time in this discussion. We actually have a great long-term marriage. But, there are a few areas that, if I could tweak, I would. And this would be one. Needless to say, in the scheme of things, this is nothing. (Fortunately for her, I am perfect, so there would be nothing about me she would change. Ha!! )
I honestly don't know exactly what the issue is in regards to her aversion to riding. Over the years of conventional bikes, I stopped trying. The whole darn thing is pretty sensitive I think. (And if she knew I was talking to you all about her, she probably kill me.
) The trike is actually a wonderful idea. But I do have two concerns. One is, as you state, she may look at it as training wheels. I could be wrong about that though. The second thing is, how in the world would I transport both my bike and a trike? Unless the trike folds up to some degree. I have to check that out. But in theory, a step through trike, has merit. Ideal however, would be getting her comfortable with the step through traditional E bike . In regards to my mention of being taught by a third-party, I only say that because, as you say, only I know my wife. And I won't bore you all... but long story short, I just think we are less likely to get in a stupid argument when somebody else is teaching her, other than me. Some things are worth paying for! As was suggested above, I may just look into that.
