MORC Ladies: Your opinion on bike choices wanted

[Tomg]

A woman I work wants to give mountain biking a try and is thinking about buying a new bike. She's currently a ride the paved trails around the lake type. I've already offered to let her borrow my daughters Rockhopper to give it a try. Assuming she likes the sport what would you suggest for a starter bike. My initial thoughts are a good mid-range hardtail like the Rockhopper.

Thoughts... comments???

[Hathor]

A woman I work wants to give mountain biking a try and is thinking about buying a new bike. She's currently a ride the paved trails around the lake type. I've already offered to let her borrow my daughters Rockhopper to give it a try. Assuming she likes the sport what would you suggest for a starter bike. My initial thoughts are a good mid-range hardtail like the Rockhopper.

Thoughts... comments???

I would just recommend that she try a couple different brands of bikes to really get the idea of how feel can vary. Seems like espcially for women, if she is going to get a men's bike, there is a severe difference in what seems comfortable as far as cockpit size, etc. Specialized never worked for me in this regard. Trek has some not-too-expensive hardtail Women's Specific bikes like the 3700 and 3900. Trying the Rockhopper is a good idea, though. Then she should call around to shops, see what they have in, and ride 'em all!

[Nickel]

I am a big fan of Giant's bikes. I rode a Trek 4300 as my intro HT and I would rather go with the Giant Rincon. I think the fork and the rear D are slightly better and you can probably pay a bit less. But the 4300 worked great for me as well. The fork tends to stiffen up a lot during the cold weather though.

[Leslie]

I love my Specialiezed Hardrock and love the fit (it's the men's style). I have tried the women's specific and they didn't work for me. I agree with Liz - go to a LBS and try out many different mountain bikes to see what you are comfortable on. That's the most important thing!

[BKocka]

depends on how much she wants to spend, but i would go for any middle of the road Gary Fisher or Trek. You will however get more bang for your buck with a Giant. If your co-worker really wants to get into the nitty gritty get her on the forums and have her PM me, I'd be happy to help her shop around (i've worked at 3 bike shops).

[destrago]

I'm not a woman, but my Fiance tried every mtb under $1k and ended up getting a Giant. She ended up turning into more of a roadie, but the Giant was definitely best bang for the $$. It doesn't compare to a nice women's specific Trek or Gary Fisher in performance, or in price, but let her get a feel for the sport. (Saddly she learned it was not for her). I'd agree with Liz, she should go try a variety of brands as even those with 'women's specific' geometry bikes have a different definition of what that should mean and one company's may be better for her than another's.

-Tony

[Wolfchimp]

(i've worked at 3 bike shops).

Three bike shops for a total of how many years Brianna? ;)(j/k) I know you have a good grasp on what is out there for quality bikes.

[flutterbyes]

yeah, it all depends on the woman. I tested the trek fuel in both the mens and the wsd before I bought it. I bought the men's version because it fit me better, but I know it all depends on the bike and size of the rider. My road bike is WSD but it is a LeMond. She just needs to test ride a bunch of bikes and find one that fits.

Once she is on her new ride, be sure to have her hook up with us!

[Nita]

I think the Jamis Dakar line of full suspension bikes are awesome for beginners. Also, check this thread out....

http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=21012

[BKocka]

Three bike shops for a total of how many years Brianna? ;)(j/k) I know you have a good grasp on what is out there for quality bikes.

hater. ;)

1234

[Tomg]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I will suggest she tries a lot of bikes for fit before making a selection. Also thanks for the bike per buck input.

I was kind of steering her away from full suspension for a starter bike. Seems like just that many more service issues and adjustments to deal with when you focusing on learning the sport. Although I'll make sure she at least tries a full suspension rig, since I'm definitely in the FS camp... except when I'm riding rigid and fixed ;-)

I'll also point her in the direction of the MORC forums for more info. Thanks for the offer to help Brianna. I may send her your way.

[Heuy]

yeah, it all depends on the woman. I tested the trek fuel in both the mens and the wsd before I bought it. I bought the men's version because it fit me better, but I know it all depends on the bike and size of the rider. My road bike is WSD but it is a LeMond. She just needs to test ride a bunch of bikes and find one that fits.



This is what I saw when I was selling bikes too. Some women liked the WSD and some didn't. Much to my frustration almost none liked the flowers, purple and pink used in the paint. I have no idea where the focus group the marketing departments used came from.

The physiological differences between men and women that are relevant to bike desing are the following:

1. Women tend to have smaller hands, so, brake levers with a closer reach and thinner grips work better.

2. Women tend to have shorter arms than a man of equal height, this means shorter cockpit. However, this is less true at the higher end of the height spectrum.

3. Women are lighter than a guy of equal hieght. Some WSD bikes with elastomer or coil sprung forks are sprung lighter from the factory. WSD Rockhopper for instance.