Womens Bike under £500

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19749870#p19749870]Dan-Coll[/url] wrote:

Hi all,

I am currently looking at getting my girlfriend a bike for chistmas and was just going to run it by here to see what your opinions are.

I have been looking at these two bikes but don't think there is much between them, what do you guys think?
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/carrera-vulcan-womens-mountain-bike-2015
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/voodoo-soukri-womens-mountain-bike?cm_re=banner-_-cycling+Pages-_-tradeuptext

Thanks for any help

First question, assuming she is not intending to ride in a long skirt, does she actually need a women's bike ? If not that opens up the market somewhat

Second, what is she going to be doing with it, is it canal/cycle paths and a forest trail or two, or is she going to be getting down and dirty with the boys

I ask, because the voodoo is quite a good bit better, but a 100 quid dearer and would be a bit wasted if its the former and she may as well get the cheap one

She may prefer the look of the Calibre two.two (cheaper and better than the Kraken) or the relevant priced Rockrider 500 (likweise).

You tend to pay a premium for a 'womens' bike which often isnt justified when you could use a mans bike with a saddle and possible grip swap for less money.