womens bikes

calis

Hi

I've been looking for a mountain bike (used for commuting and off road) and am quite confused at the womens choice. Has anyone any comments re what to go for. Have been advised that a womens specific would be good because of my build i.e. 5'2 size 8/10, however all the womens bikes I've looked at have flowers or butterflies on - why? (admit I'm a bit of a tomboy!) Looked at Scott Contessa 20 and Specialized Myka Elite and Myka Expert but wonder whether any other bike would be suitable (without flowers etc)!

lunaeventer

I've got a Myka Pro - first MTB & haven't had time to put it through it's paces much since getting it unfortunately! Really like the light weight & fact that forks actually give compared to the men's bike I had been using on hire previously.

Know exactly what you mean about the butterflies, they are definitely off putting - I'm just ignoring them!! Got to get fairly close to see what they are & when on the move they won't be noticeable. At least they are not pink!!!!

Don't know if that helps you any......

prophet_1000

Hi calis

Kona Lisa, Trek 6500 womens, Titus, GT Avalanche 1.0 Disc Womens Gary Fisher Marlin GS womens, Giant Terrago Disc OR Yukon, Cannondale F5 Fem,

There is probably loads more out there?

these are around the £300-650 price

Hope this helps?

supersonic

Do try mens bikes too - as with womens, they vary, and you might find one model suits you better.

calis

Thanks very much for replies. will have a look at all the recommends!

miss notax

Hello

I'm only 5'4" (size 8) and I ride a small framed mens bike which suits me perfectly. The only thing I had to tweak was to swap the stem to bring the handlebars back slightly.

I would try lots - both mens and women specific - and see which actually feels right for you.

Good luck!

Sarah

wrongway

hi! i have the myka sport disc. and agree that i dnt really like the ghey butturflys!! just make sure it gets muddy enough when ur out that know one can see them! i tryed a few bikes including some mens ones but found that the spesh fitted the best.... if ur looking at the myka range tho deffinatly go for the highest model u can afford, mine is kinda heavy n the forks rnt amazing

batch78

If you find a mens bike that fits you could always change the spring or adjust the air pressure accordingly for your weight in the fork.

Pants

I think the womens specific frames are good. Mostly because of the softer spring, shorter reach and narrower bars. There are usually some other touches like grips and seat to help with comfort too. With the amount of women specific bikes out there now I don;t really see a reason to get a mens.

Agreed about the flowers though! My sister has a Spech Myka with butterflies etc, not really needed!

My girlfriend has a nice little womens Spech Hardrock which looks more tough and purposeful than the Myka. No flowers in sight. But it's on ebay now, because...

She has just bought a beautiful little 13" Marin Juniper Trail. I'm so jealous it's such a tasty little bike! And that doesn't have any flowers on it either!!!

I need an upgrade now, can't have her showing me up...

jbford

My fiancee has just decided that she's going to get an Orange 5 Diva.

After trying the female specific offerings from Spesh, Trek, Marin and Sana Cruz she felt the Orange was the most sorted and confidence inspiring!

Definately look at the mens offerings though, as some subtle changes can make them suitable to the female build.

Marek-Mex

I've got to my wife a ClaudButer ''Cape Wrath D2'' 18'' and suit her perfect, easy to ride, strong frame, very, very good mud clearance!!! Black!!! no too much logos (cause, also she does not like that stuff like me), in a few words, very reliable bike, the unique things I set up (obviously) the seat post, the handbars moved lightly fordwars, and the shifter/brakes levers possition. 8)

beccalily

I have a kona four lisa and i love her dearly.

Get on it.

x

nicchick

I have the 2008 trek 6500 and LOVE IT!!! I feel so much more confident riding it than my previous Kona Scrap. It isnt too girlie a pattern but does have some pink and purpley bits on it.

I tried a number of bikes both men and womens (including the spec myka pro) but the trek just felt totally right. Being 5'4 and on the light side the female specific bikes certainly fitted me better than the mens bikes... I felt they were more comfortable and I could handle them better. Being a bit girlie I quite like the feminine decals (my helmet is pink! ) but I would seriously recommend ignoring the paint work and picking a bike that fits right. You can always customise the frame a bit by adding some stickers.

Good luck....