Saw the same thing yesterday. Went up with a couple who rented bikes to try them out before building. Since it's spring - staged at 6 miles and another 8 miles until we hit rideable snow. "Susan" was wiped by the time we got there, and then proceeded to dump the bike on herself on a small side hill. That put her right off. Her husband loved it of course.
The day taught me a few things
1.). The first ride should not be in the alpine. Flat terrain. As much good snow as you can find.
2.). They should have not rented two bikes. She should have gone up and down on a sled. If he wanted to convince her on the bike - make it easy, peasy. Have her sled up, ride the bike as much as she wants, then sled down. But now he is fighting an uphill battle trying to persuade her to bike.
3.). You should not be putting a 5'4" person who weights 120lbs, on a machine set up for 6+ footer. I take it for granted I can touch the ground. I could not imagine learning in a situation where I could not steady myself with a foot. Riding without touching down is a learned skill and actually counter-intuitive. You can't just tell someone to do it.
It was for me actually the best thing that could have happened. I know that the bike I build for my wife/daughter/ teenage son is going to be lowered. If I have to use it as a backup - well 1 hour of wrenching will get it back to standard. (Forks, strut arm and lowers subframe). Even would make sense for my vertically challenged friends
We never said it was easy, just that it looked cool.
