Mountain Biking - Best Women's Bike - Novice Needs Advice

Hi all,

I am new to this forum and would appreciate any advice the "experts" here can offer me!

I am looking to buy a bike. I'm interested in a mountain bike (although not hardcore) ... I was considering a hybrid but think it may not take me on the paths around my home as well as on the road (I live in a small village near London and will probably use it for groceries as well).

I am 33, 5' 2" and of normal stature (120 lbs). I've tried some men's bikes and find them too big, but I'm having a hard time finding many women's bikes.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm looking to spend up to around $500 and the only feature I'm convinced I need is front sus. I won't ride in rain or do severe downhill so don't think disc brakes are required.

Thanks in advance...
Karie
:o

Here you go karie:

Trek WSD (womens specific design) $499.99 msrp
http://www2.trekbikes.com/Bikes/Mountain/Hardtail/Alpha_Aluminum/4500_WSD/index.php

Specalized Womens Hardrock $350
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=05WomensBikesHardrock

Specalized Womens RockHopper $500
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=05WomensBikesRockhopper

The women's design have:
different geometry for more comfort
wider seat to comfort hips
thinner grips for smaller hands
shorter handlebars for less broad shoulders
shorter crank arms for better acceleration

Are there bike shops in London that do fittings on women specific frames? It might be worth the trip.
I own a Terry hybrid that's my commuter/truck, it has schwalbe tires, because I ride on pavement
more then off road, a rack, full fenders, lights etc. I don't have a full supension because I don't need it.
Are you riding on lots of cobblestones? Is that why you'll need the full suspension? A women specific
frame is essential for some one our size (I'm 5 feet 2 inches also, 118 lbs.)

I am in the US right now (in San Jose), hoping to save some £ by buying it here (the cost difference is unbelievable). I don't need full suspension, just front suspension as I will be riding on bridle paths and gravel roads...

I think I am leaning toward the Specialized. I can get the Hardrock here for $319 and in the UK it would cost the equivalent of about $700. Rockhopper up the road is $449.95.

My husband just bought a Specialized FSR XC with full suspension, but he's more daring that I could ever hope tope to be. :)

Karie

Get the Rockhopper for sure

Women generally have shorter torsoes and long legs. The WSD's bike are designed for this and as a result may not fit "every" woman.

Since you are in CA, there are a lot of shops in a small geographic area. Try to test ride some WSD bikes and some regular smaller sized bikes. Call around to save driving time. You'll find that a 15" frame with a shorter stem (have the shop swap it) might be prefferred over a WSD bike.

I test rode the Hard Rock and the Rockhopper today and DEFINITELY preferred the Rockhopper. Going to make the purchase tomorrow...Good price - $449.00. Nice bike. I appreciate all your advice, peeps! Can't wait to ride, but I have to have it boxed up to take back to my lovely home in London. :)

By the way, I definitely feel the difference between men's and women's bikes. ;)

HI Kblue,

Check out REI in the San Jose area, and look at their womens bikes, my wife rides the Piedra 12", and there is higher model (a little better components, disc brakes). And can be had for under $400.