Mountain Biking - best woman mtb for $150

what is up,
This is my first time on, just registered. I am looking for a bike that will be good on easy trails for my wife. I am wanting to spend 125-$175. Should I just go to WalMart, or is there some better bikes for this price range. I would appreciate any guidance and nice to be a new member. spencer

i hope i am doing this right

Well, yes you are doing this right. Second, for your budget you are not going to find too much and less of decent quality. Thirdly, WSD or Women Specific Designs usually start about the "entry Race" level quality bikes which puts you in the $500 range.

You CAN however find a lot of good deals on closeouts on smaller sizes. To determine what your wife needs, you really need to visit a reputable shop and get fitted. This can be as basic as throwing a leg over a couple bikes and going for short test rides or as detailed as have a "Fit Kit" where all your measurements (inseam, arm length, torsoe length) are recorded and input to determine your recommended bike size.

With your budget, you'll probably go the "throw a leg over" routine.

I recommend two things. 1) Consider increasing your budget to $300. This is the "entry level" at most bike shops. You'll get a much better quality bike, assembled by qualified mechanics, and you'll get a bike that's available in several sizes to fit your wife better.

2) Consider used bikes. You can find decent $300 and $500 bikes used for $150 to $250.

"X" Mart bikes are usually VERY heavy. Made with cheap grade steel. Are adorned with inferior suspension that works poorly. And most importantly usually only come in 1 size!

L8R

I would go to a mechanic orianted bike store and find a nice used bike.

You should try to get a few more dollars, say 200, a bike is a serious piece of sports equiptment and a good bike is a dream, a lousy bike usually ends up dusty and rusty.

Many 500$ bikes are traded in on new bikes, sold of for low cash, like everything, once you drive it off the lot, it devalues.

Bike Forums can be great for informed choices, have a look around, take note on the bikes you are looking @, Parts names, size, company, state of components and post the ' Is this a good bike question?'

I'm shure you'll get lots of informed help as to your purchase.

G-luck->jef.

Here's the deal: Woman are finicky mountain bikers. Seriously, we need to be "babied" in the beginning. Get her a crappy bike, stick her on singletrack, and she may never ride again, ever.

OTOH, spend the $$$ and get her a solid bike that's 1. Lighter, 2. Easier to shift, 3. More fun to ride, and 4. Fits well; and she'll probably ride with you more, if you're patient with her.

thanks everybody for the advise. it was extremely helpful. i think i am going to try and get a used bike off of ebay. i am looking at lower end trek, fuji, and a couple of other brands. i might ask for some more help when I narrow down my search. thanks again everybody. spencer

look for Terry bicycles also they started the whole WSD trend.