Hi one of my friends is wanting a MTB (she has a hybrid at the mo) she has £500 to spend and she is small 5ft 4" she wont be doing anything to big and bumpy ( local tracks, trails, sherwood pines blue(one day red) around ladybower not up the sides etc ) I dont know enough to advise her, I have told her to stick to a hard tail, but she would like discs, have you got ant thoughts on which ones may be good
thanks
If you don't want to go 2nd hand then check http://paulscycles.co.uk - they have a few 2010/2011 hardtails on there in 15/16" frames for under 500 quid. eg.
http://paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p2458/GT-AVALANCHE-1-0-DISC-2010
http://paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p3694/CANNONDALE-TRAIL-SL-3-2011
Maybe something like [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=95407 ]this[/url]
This is exactly the situation where a trip to the LBS and an open mind about the brand is a good idea instead of buying online.
Go down there, explain budget and intended use, and see what they have in stock, try a few out and remember that at that price the spec will probably be very similar between brands so the thing you're looking for above all else is a bike that [b]fits properly[/b], and they should be able to help with that, and will be able to help change bar/stem/saddle etc if required.
A slightly lower specc'd rear mech/chainset etc will not make one iota of difference to her riding enjoyment or motivation to ride, but a badly fitting bike will.
All the big players (Trek, Spesh, Giant, Kona...and more) have decent womens ranges now, as do some of the smaller ones and you should be able to find something suitable within budget. Don't be afraid of last years model, it'll likely be 99% the same but avaialble cheaper.
Thanks for the ideas 🙂
Is second hand not an option? Get a great second hand bike for that money.
I think it could be,
Vix, there's a very nice 15" Spesh Rockhopper (pre-Myka) taking up space in my garage. It's had practically no off-road use, and deserves more than the occasional trip to the shops 🙁 Email in profile, if you want more details.
Esme ygm
That Kona is a brilliant deal. No suntour, hydraulic brakes. Think they won't be around long.
If she doesn't have to have womens specific geometry then this would be a very good shout:
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p2458/GT-AVALANCHE-1-0-DISC-2010
Remember usual pitfalls with buying online. Warranty is with the shop, no free tune-ups from LBS, will need a once over on arrival etc.
hmm i have a myka specialized thats been sitting around for ages..added lots of extras myself....including better forks than the originals..new brakes, etc...but then im only 5ft small and my specialized myka is a 13 inch frame, so duno if thats to small for your friend..frame like new no majour falls or scratches or dents....rode it alot then moved onto full suss.... its just sitting here now feeling sorry for itself...lol
[url= http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-80-mountain-bike-orange-black-id_8206681.html ]Decathlon do one for £429 with hydro discs[/url]
Which comes in a size S
They used to do one with slightly better spec including rockshox forks for £499 but can't see that in the website currently.
She is 5ft 4" may be a bit small elaine anne she is nottingham way are you miles away
Thanks for all the ideas, she has found a bike today 🙂