Bike a a present for my wife

brasso

My wife wants to get into MTBing so I'm going to get her a machine as a present. She wants to do trial/xc riding nothing major to start with. Not got a massive budget say £500 but can be reasonably flexible if it’s worth spending a little more I might be able to double it if I put in a few weeks of extra shifts. She's looked at a few specialised bikes. Is it worth spending that much to start with? and whats the best sort of bike of look at.

I know a supprise isn't a good idea as its better for her to do some tryouts but some assistance/ advice would be great.

supersonic

Yep, have to agree, much better to try out, you are shooting in the dark a little here!

As a WSD bike is more likey to fit better (but not always) I would take a look at a few of these. The Spesh Rockhopper womens designs are very good as are the treks. Don't forget to budget for helmet, shorts etc.

brasso

Would you recommend full sus or a hard tail. I'm currently a road rider so its all new to me.

supersonic

Hardtail without a doubt. Full suss at this price is generally heavier and less well specced and a big compromise. It really does sound like you'd both be better off visiting a decent shop together.

Markmjh

You can't go wrong with the spesh bikes really, and if she likes it then you have a frame that is worth upgrading and if she don't like it, you've not spent too much money and have a bike that can be sold on easily.

I've just got my GF a RockHopper Pro second hand for £260 and she loves it. Been out on a few off-road rides now and I'm out this weekend going over decending, starting on steps and a couple of very small(1-2ft) drops.
She's already looking at various upgrade options!!!!