Whats Good For a Lady?!

fran79
fran79 Posts: 13
edited September 2009 in MTB buying advice
Hi
I am a lass who needs a good bike,
Im 5.3 so my thinking is that i cant have a mens bike?
I've saved up my pennies and im looking to upgrade my old bike for a new one!!
Im looking for a light responsive XC hardtail for no more than about £850 I ride about 15/16 inch frame.

I've been on the lookout for a 07 or 08 Kona Kula Lisa 16" but i've given up
I would really appreciate any recommendations??

many thanks

Francesca

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Try a few out - men's and women's - and go on what fits you best. Of course with a man's you will probably need a new saddle, and don't be afraid to ask the shop to swap parts.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • biw
    biw Posts: 17
    Is a 15/16 not a bit big? My wife is 5'2 and has always ridden 13 inch frames.
  • mea00csf
    mea00csf Posts: 558
    Konas ride quite small, or so i've found. I used to ride a 16" mens Kona (there is no difference between Konas mens and ladies frames) and i now ride an on-one 14". If your looking for 16" as that's your size for Konas, i'd def try the next size down for other makes.

    apparently konas heavily favoured by female riders before womens specific became commonplace as the top tubes are a little on the short side
    http://www.bicycletourist.weebly.com
  • stubs
    stubs Posts: 5,001
    A lady in my evening class asked me the same question she is about your size I pointed her at this 15 inch frame with a shortish top tube

    http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/custom-mountain-bikes/merlin-mountain-bikes/merlin-malt-2-09.html
    She tried it but in the end went for the Rock Lobster steel frame because it was Red a bit more expensive but the same frame size and shortish top tube.
    http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/custom-mountain-bikes/rock-lobster-mountain-bikes/rock-lobster-tig-team-853-09.html
    Only problem if your not in the North West you wont be able to try for size.[/url]
    Fig rolls: proof that god loves cyclists and that she wants us to do another lap
  • bomberesque
    bomberesque Posts: 1,701
    I'm 5'8" and ride a 16". I'd look at smaller frames (13-14")

    as SS says; Try some out men's and women's. The main geometrical difference in the frames afaik is a lightly shorter top tube on lady specific frames but that really depends on your own proportions. Some have smaller sizes available than the "guys'" ranges. Mrs B is 5'1" and rides an XS Yeti 575 and (i think) a 14" Cannondale. The trouble you're likely to come up against (certainly the problem that Mrs B had) is that many shops don't stock smaller sizes so getting a test ride can be difficult.
    Everything in moderation ... except beer
    Beer in moderation ... is a waste of beer

    If riding an XC race bike is like touching the trail,
    then riding a rigid singlespeed is like licking it
    ... or being punched by it, depending on the day
  • fran79
    fran79 Posts: 13
    Thank you for your advice.

    I liked the size of the 16 Kona, it felt really good but like bomberesque says it has been hard to find a 14 to try to see if thats better. I had thought of trying the mens version out so i will go and look

    Stubs - Good Idea I had forgotten all about Merlin but I live in Lancashire so I will head up there in Thursday.

    Thank you guys...I am going bike hunting now...
  • tricky_dicky
    tricky_dicky Posts: 211
    have you tried leisurelakes? have a few stores in the north and they have womens marin, scott, trek, specialized and cannondale for your budget...

Categories