Scott Contessa 40 – opinions please

looking at getting a bike for MrsSwoosh but she doesnt want to spend a lot as she doesnt know how much she will use the bike yet. I have come to the conclusion that second hand or at least ex hire will provide the best value for money in her budget of £200 (yes i know it’s not a lot but she hasn’t been on a bike since she was 5 or something so is a newby).

I have seen this bike: http://www.rutlandcycling.com/11540/Scott-Bikes-2008-Ex-Hire-Contessa-40-(Womens).html for £220. what do people think of it? i think it would be a good place to start from with the possibilty of upgrading if and when she wants to.

no one got anything to say about the Scott Contessa’s then? good/bad/ugly etc?

My partner went to Rutand cycling to get her bike and we nearly got her that Contessa. I reckon it is fine for general mtb duties, but she wanted something a bit snazzier and they had a Spesh Myka from £550 to £450 so she went for that.

To be honest I reckon the Contessa would be great for her requirements and Rutland said they were flying out the door.

I got a contessa for my daughter, cant remember which model but its fine for a newbie bike, the frame is pretty decent and has disk tabs so upgrading is easily possible. Oh and its got nice flowers on 🙂