In European and Japanese Cities a large proportion of utility cyclists are female and a large proportion of them are 'middle-aged' or elderly. Virtually none of them ride mountain bikes or road racers or wear lycra and virtually all of them ride 'comfort bikes'.  ( see: Copenhagen Girls on Bikes )

 






This graph is from Japan's biggest bicycle manufacturer 'Bridgestone' which has 11% of the market in Japan.

I'd guess that a similar graph for bicycle sales in New Zealand would look more like:
sports cycles 80% , kids, 19.99 %,
'comfort cycles' 0% , folding & compact and electric bicycles 0.01 %

 If you're also riding your bike wearing elegant clothing from time to time, the «Server 3.4» is the right choice for you.

For its closed chainguard makes sure your favourite garment will not be damaged or crinkled as much as the relaxed, upright position this bike has to offer. Thanks to the Nexus-groupset's internal transmission, rollerbrakes and hub dynamo, maintenance is kept to an absolute minimum. Comfort, on the other hand, is a major trait of the «Server 3.4», courtesy of Suntour's suspension fork, a suspended seatpost, a wide rizerbar and an anatomically correct saddle. No expenses have been saved with the commuter package, as Busch& Müller's halogen headlight, Pletscher's carrier and SKS's fenders show. Another important feature on a citybike are tires with reflective sidewalls. After all, in urban traffic and at night the all-important motto is «seeing and being seen.»

http://www.wheelerworldwide.com/server_3.4_lady.htm

 

Leontien by Koga-Miyata
 

Expression by Koga-Miyata from the Netherlands

 Have a look at the range of bicycles from Gazelle in the Netherlands

These 3 bikes (above) are available in New Zealand from Reiker cycles near Timaru

 In New Zealand it is possible to get a great classic ladies bike shipped over from The Classic Bike Shop in Melbourne. Australia. 

An article about Velorbis bikes "ladies don’t want a mountain bike.”

More on folding ( and electric power-assisted bikes ) here.

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