Women's mtb

NotAGolf · 18 Apr 2011 at 09:28

My gf is looking to get a mountain bike so we can go out riding together. I bought a Specialized Hardrock '09 for £250 about a year ago now and that's been fine for me. So I'm thinking something along those lines.

Her budget is as cheap as possible really, without being something rubbish. I'd say between £150 and £200 really. It'll be casual riding so it doesn't need to be able to cope with a proper pounding, but she doesn't want something that will fall apart after a few weeks. I don't think 2nd hand would be a great idea as I don't know enough about bikes and what to look for and would rather be able to take it back if it all breaks within a few months.

Any advice on what to look for? I've got no idea about women's bikes. Are they any different or should she just go for a men's bike in a small frame? She's about 5'4. Any good shops/sites to look at?

**Edit** - I'm thinking a possible way to keep the cost down is maybe to go with past year models rather than buying the 2011 stuff. Are there any shops that offer older models?

Thanks for any advice.

Supercow · 18 Apr 2011 at 10:16

mpledge52 said:
My gf is looking to get a proper pounding.

lol... couldn't help myself

Look to get her the same bike as you have, just with a more feminine colour.
There's no real distinction between a woman's bike and a man's mountain bike... apart from the BSOs the sell at Halfords

Jonny ///M · 19 Apr 2011 at 08:31

They should have a shorter/more compact toptube,shorter/wider saddle and probably a narrower bar.

The mongoose switchback sport is within this budget and has a girly option.

Supercow · 19 Apr 2011 at 08:55

Jonny ///M said:
They should have a shorter/more compact toptube,shorter/wider saddle and probably a narrower bar.

The mongoose switchback sport is within this budget and has a girly option.

Smaller frame, narrow bars and wider saddle doesn't make a "woman's mtb", it's a bike that fits a smaller rider.

mast3r · 19 Apr 2011 at 09:02

Get to Decathlon mate.

Supercow · 19 Apr 2011 at 09:04

mast3r said:
Get to Decathlon mate.

And get what there exactly?!

Jonny ///M · 19 Apr 2011 at 13:10

Supercow said:
Smaller frame, narrow bars and wider saddle doesn't make a "woman's mtb", it's a bike that fits a smaller rider.

What are women,usually, when compared to men?

Women either want a really really girly bike so go for the womens model or just want a bike and go for the bog standard model.

Darryl_1983 · 19 Apr 2011 at 13:35

Recently got my GF a Men's GT Aggressor XC3 ('09) for £280 from halfords. The smallest size (16") was perfect. Had to change the seat and the bars are a little wide for her (need to trim these down), but other than that it's perfect.

Supercow · 19 Apr 2011 at 14:07

Jonny ///M said:
What are women,usually, when compared to men?

I ride a size small DH bike, by your classification it's a woman's bike then - good to know, I'll make sure my buddies don't find out!
My point stands, that there's no such thing as a woman specific bike, get something that fits the rider, and in the colour they prefer.

Jonny ///M · 19 Apr 2011 at 18:23

Supercow said:
I ride a size small DH bike, by your classification it's a woman's bike then - good to know, I'll make sure my buddies don't find out!
My point stands, that there's no such thing as a woman specific bike, get something that fits the rider, and in the colour they prefer.

Hardly the same thing comparing a downhill bike with a standard mountain bike is it?

I agree with buying what fits the rider but it might well be the combination of the womens tweaks make it a better fit than it would a normal model. Lower standover,shorter reach,wider arse to the saddle and other small changes are made and the companies do it for fun?