Ladies MTB

[BikealarmBlair]

First post in the section so hello!

My better half is in need of a new bike after her cheapy scaracen's rear arm bent on the tow path.

She's after a bike to use 2-3 a week doing 6-10 miles a time 70% tow path 30% road some of the tow path is really bumpy, I'm using a giant with full sus but that's prob over kill? I'm guessing she's looking at front sus only?

Don't really have a budget but the cheaper the better or even s/h??

Blair

[Roman]

This:
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/custom-mountain-bike...

Absolute bargain and a business with a strong reputation.

For another £100 they also sell the version with discs (in red) but they aren't really needed for the riding you describe.

[mxrossi]

Roman said:

This:
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/custom-mountain-bike...

Absolute bargain and a business with a strong reputation.

For another £100 they also sell the version with discs (in red) but they aren't really needed for the riding you describe.

I was looking at getting the men's combi disc until I realised they were out of stock!

[Roman]

mxrossi said:

Roman said:

This:
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/custom-mountain-bike...

Absolute bargain and a business with a strong reputation.

For another £100 they also sell the version with discs (in red) but they aren't really needed for the riding you describe.

I was looking at getting the men's combi disc until I realised they were out of stock!

Darn it!

[zasker]

Or something like this depending on what size you require. It is Woman Specific

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/trek-4300-wsd-item1...

[anonymous-user]

scott do a good range of ladies bikes, worth a look. the commie is a great bike, sounds ideal for the job. i cant see the need for discs personally given the type of riding it will be. i use cantis on my road bike in all weathers on hte road tand they do the job fine with a little weekly tlc....

[BikealarmBlair]

these look to be the current short list from looking on net, I'm going to try a couple of LBS's so they'll prob want twice as much for the same bikes....

[BikealarmBlair]

Been to a few LBS this morn & they all recomend Hibrid bikes I've looked at some & they simply look way to weedy to me & I'd not want to ride the rutted tow paths with zero suspension!

Halfords have a carrera @ £459 with disk brakes which are ott for what she will use it for

one LBS offered me a trek £450 http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/4500-2009...

& another a Dawes http://www.dawescycles.com/p-14-xc11-ladies.aspx @ £250

So many choices!

I think this could be where my money lands

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/my...

or

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gt/avalanche-3...

[gbbird]

If your OH is keen on a womens specific, why not try these - http://www.summerbicycles.com/

Seem to get decent kit on their models, plus they come in lovely colours too

[CatherineJ]

Does she have to have a woman specific bike?

I've ordered a Rockhopper which will hopefully come next week. I'm probably going to change the saddle on collection to a womans one, as well as cutting down the seat post, but I had no problems getting my leg over (pardon the expression) the cross bar.

Edited by CatherineJ on Saturday 3rd October 21:43

[BikealarmBlair]

gbbird said:

If your OH is keen on a womens specific, why not try these - http://www.summerbicycles.com/

Seem to get decent kit on their models, plus they come in lovely colours too

lol

[RickIV]

Had the same issue last year with my other half. We looked at womens specific bikes and there just isnt the choice available so ended up going with a GT avalanche 2 mens bike with a small frame & swapped the saddle out for a womens. Does the job perfectly - think it worked out about £400. Its worth being cheeky and asking the shop to throw a ladies saddle in as if you dont ask you dont get

[LRdriver II]

the womens specific stuff is a stupid rip off..all the same frames, thus overly heavy for a woman, just silly frilly pink graphics and cheesey paintjobs to hopefuly entice woman. I buildt up my girlfriend a hardtail frame in black, with XTR and some gold bits for the bling. Womans saddle, narrow XC-flatbars and shorter and higher rise stem. Works a treat, is lighter and more flickable than a poxy heavyweight female bike with stupid wide riser bars.

Dont believe the hype... (unless she wants the pink crap)

[Mr_C]

Mrs has got a Scott Contessa and she loves it

[gbbird]

LRdriver II said:

the womens specific stuff is a stupid rip off..

Not sure thats true, because AFAIKT womens specific bikes are the same price as their male counterparts.

Edited by gbbird on Monday 5th October 16:32