Women specific bikes, just go for a small size?
Hi
My other half is just coming round to the idea that MTBing is actually quite fun and a great way to get fit and see some countryside.
We're both going on a skills weekend down at Forest Freeride in a couple of weeks. She's going to rent a bike from them for the weekend. (BTW... is a 2 day course a good idea, or would a day's course be sufficient and then spend the next day at one of the trail centres?)
And... assuming she really gets the bug what would people recommend as a good starter bike?
Budget from £300 - £600. Will also consider 2nd hand as that's where the bargains are (albeit in smaller numbers than blokes bikes).
She's 5' 3" and has previously tried a rented 13" Trek which seemed to suit her ok.
Have looked online at the Carreras for £299 which seem reasonably specced for the money. And come in women's sizes.
My other half is just coming round to the idea that MTBing is actually quite fun and a great way to get fit and see some countryside.
We're both going on a skills weekend down at Forest Freeride in a couple of weeks. She's going to rent a bike from them for the weekend. (BTW... is a 2 day course a good idea, or would a day's course be sufficient and then spend the next day at one of the trail centres?)
And... assuming she really gets the bug what would people recommend as a good starter bike?
Budget from £300 - £600. Will also consider 2nd hand as that's where the bargains are (albeit in smaller numbers than blokes bikes).
She's 5' 3" and has previously tried a rented 13" Trek which seemed to suit her ok.
Have looked online at the Carreras for £299 which seem reasonably specced for the money. And come in women's sizes.
Cool, retro and sometimes downright rude MTB and cycling themed T shirts. Just MTFU.
By day: http://www.mtfu.co.uk
By day: http://www.mtfu.co.uk
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to answer the question in the heading.
maybe. it all comes down to fit and averages."Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
Parktools :?:SheldonBrown0 -
From talking to people shorter more girly shaped ladies do well with womens bikes.
I am 5ft 9 with long arms and find womens bikes feel cramped, so ride a mans bike. (plus I hate pink!)
I would think for your OH a female specific bike would be best, and suggest trying as many as possible to find the right geometry as different makes are very different.
The specialized Myka Sports are in the price range and get good reviews as do Marin Bear Valley WFG, and Gary Fisher Marlin Disc GS.
Good luck!
If you find a good deal on an Orange Diva they are meant to be amazing, but new are around £800Wheeze..... Gasp..... Ruddy hills.......0 -
get her to try both, of a few different bands of both, pick the best fit. It's exactly the same advice as you'd give to anyone else.
TBH, i'd say 2 days in a row is a bit too much for a total newbie with no or very little experience. Personally, i'd go out for small rides before you go, then just do one day and use the 2nd day to do some rides if she feels like it.0 -
mea00csf wrote:get her to try both, of a few different bands of both, pick the best fit. It's exactly the same advice as you'd give to anyone else.
TBH, i'd say 2 days in a row is a bit too much for a total newbie with no or very little experience. Personally, i'd go out for small rides before you go, then just do one day and use the 2nd day to do some rides if she feels like it.
Cheers. Am thinking 2 days may be a little OTT. However it will be one to one so it'll be totally at her pace.Cool, retro and sometimes downright rude MTB and cycling themed T shirts. Just MTFU.
By day: http://www.mtfu.co.uk0 -
Hi mac man,
I did a 2 day Forest Freeride skills course a few weeks ago and your wife will be fine.... The course is run completely at the pace of those taking part, and it's more technique than blasting about so fitness etc doesn't come into it. If you already have the 2 days booked I certainly wouldn't worry about it
Enjoy!Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the number of moments that take your breath away....
Riding a gorgeous ano orange Turner Burner!
Sponsor the CC2CC at http://www.justgiving.com/cc2cc0 -
Hello. I'm also a pint sized lady. I've been thinking of selling one of my bikes as it just doesn't get used enough and I can't justify keeping it. I’m 5’2 and have got on well with the bike the few times I have used it. It’s a 2008 Marin Juniper Trail in size 13”. I’m after around £350 for it.
Here’s a link to the to the bike and spec - http://www.marin.co.uk/2008/bikedetail.php?ModNo=3849
If you are interested I will send you some pics of the actual bike.
All the best with finding the right bike, I remember how much I struggled when I was searching
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Rachel24 wrote:Hello. I'm also a pint sized lady. I've been thinking of selling one of my bikes as it just doesn't get used enough and I can't justify keeping it. I’m 5’2 and have got on well with the bike the few times I have used it. It’s a 2008 Marin Juniper Trail in size 13”. I’m after around £350 for it.
Here’s a link to the to the bike and spec - http://www.marin.co.uk/2008/bikedetail.php?ModNo=3849
If you are interested I will send you some pics of the actual bike.
All the best with finding the right bike, I remember how much I struggled when I was searching
Yes please send some pics. Am guessing we'd have to do via PM. Am sure what the regs are about selling stuff outside the confines of the classifieds. Some forums I frequent are really strict on conducting sales over the regular forum pages.
Where are you based?Cool, retro and sometimes downright rude MTB and cycling themed T shirts. Just MTFU.
By day: http://www.mtfu.co.uk0 -
OK my other half bought me a Gary Fisher Marlin, which is a mens bike but it had a smaller frame which is perfect for women. It was the 15.5 inch frame and had the dik brakes etc. Its the 2010 model and was £600 but reduced to £350, plus the guy in the shop added a few extras, like a seat of my choice, better grips, and better pedals.
Take a look at the link in my signature, this is the bike i got 0
