My GF wants to get a mountain bike. It'll be used for a range of riding, from gentle summer afternoon rides to (hopefully!) decent longer offroad stuff - Derbyshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, etc.
She wants to spend ~£500. My gut feel is that a hardtail would be best at this price point. It needs to be light enough to be enjoyable, have nice stable geometry, and look good enough for a fashion-aware rider!
I've never looked at women's bikes before. Is it worth going for a 'lady-specific' bike, or just get one of the right size and add a ladies' seat?
Any suggestions for hardtails for around £500? 🙂
[url= http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12765855 ]this[/url] was on bikeradar forum t'other day. not ladies specific, but its a bit of a bargain. buy some pink bits with the money saved to keep her happy 😆
Right size is the most important thing, whether women's specific or not.
Women's specific often have lighter springs in the forks if they are coil. Air forks might allow you to get them tuned better.
Friend of mine has got some air Reba's on her marin FS and only needs to run something like 60psi in them (she is teeny).
If you buy a 'blokes' bike, ask if the shop will swap the saddle for you and do a deal on it.
My other half has got a Spesh Myka Sport (I think it was £550 reduced to £450) and it's a really nice bike. She loves it.
Halfords are knocking out the 2010 laydeez Boardman's for £599 at the mo. Might be worth a look even though I have completely ignored your remit 😉