Is there a woman's bike that can do mild offroad AND uncompetitive triathalons?

I forgot to mention, we are looking at Specialized Ariel Sport as our budget is only about $600 not including eqiupment.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by jcrow3969 [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

I have a Gary Fisher Utopia and found a tire swap will give me the performance I want on and off road. Is there anything comparable to the Utopia in a woman's bike?

As you have ascertained, tire SIZE (and therefore, weight) has an affect on how much effort a rider needs to expend when riding on the road ... AND, tire SIZE is the key to whether or not a bike can be effectively ridden off road ...

First, what size wheels does your wife's bike have AND why couldn't you replace the tires on her bike for the half triatholon?

Why can't you buy an equivalent TREK for your wife?

• i.e., the Trek Utopia (from the "Gary Fisher collection"😉
  

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by jcrow3969 [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

I forgot to mention, we are looking at Specialized Ariel Sport as our budget is only about $600 not including eqiupment.

The Trek Utopia is already in your price range ... it should be negotiable for even less if you can find a NOS 2011-or-older version in your local bike shop ...

[CENTER] villagecycle.com11trek utopia gary fisher collection 72273 1.htmOpen ↗
[/CENTER]
If you need to, then CANCEL your cable ... or, make some other short-term adjustment to your budget (e.g., no more Starbucks).

Her present bike frame, stem, etc. is way too heavy to just swap out the wheels. If possible I may just buy her a used Utopia as others on this thread suggested. Thank you for your response!

Welp, that was easy enough. Thank you all for your knowledge and for pointing out the obvious. This leads to my next inquiry; Does anyone know and recommend any used bike sources in Maryland? (online or otherwise)