Bike Suggestion for Newbie

[buggles]

I’m looking for bike suggestion for a newbie to MTB. I’m rather short (5’4”) female with short arms and legs. I’m looking to do mostly trail riding without the mid to bigger drops (don’t want to aggravate an old injury).

[jabberwocky]

Welcome to MORE!

The first question we need to know is a rough budget. As you will shortly find out, you can spend a tremendous amount of money on a mountainbike if you want. :) Also, a "beginner" or "budget" bike can mean many things to different people. For me, an entry level bike would be around 500-600 dollars, but that might not be the same for you.

Some general comments to start you off, though:

As a first time bike buyer, you will want to be shopping for a good bike shop more than an actual bike. Find a shop thats willing to take time to fit you correctly, and explain all your questions to you. Bikewise, you will want to look for a good entry level hardtail (meaning front suspension but no rear suspension). Note that in the 500-600 dollar range, there isn't much difference between the various brands bikes. You will want to test ride a bunch and find one that really feels like it fits well.

Your height puts you at the bottom of what "typical" bikes are built to accommodate (I'm only 5'-5 1/2" so I know). That said, you should be able to find an off-the-shelf bike that fits. You will want to be looking at small sized frames, which will be in the 14"-16" range.

I'm at work so I can't type any more now, but that should get you started.

[mabagal]

... you will want to be shopping for a good bike shop more than an actual bike.
I agree with Chris, go to a good shop, on that will take your measurements, talk to you about the right fit (very impt, so that you are comfortable when you are riding), and let you test ride different bikes. Sounds like you've ridden a bit, so you probably have a sense of what you are looking for, so have fun trying different things.

Depending on where you live, there are lots of great shops, with knowledgeable staff... Northern VA - The Bike Lane; Family Bikes in Crofton, MD; College Park Bikes, near UMD; The Bicycle Escape, Fredrick, MD. I'm sure there are lots more that others will recommend.

One thing that you do need to keep in mind is the type of riding that you want to do and the type of bike you buy. For instance, if you want to do casual trail biking, then you may not need a downhill bike. If you like the super fast downhills and want to fly over rocks and logs, etc. then consider getting a full suspension, not a hybrid. Also, definitely consider a Women Specific Design (WSD) -- more and more frames are coming out specifically for women.

I'm super-short, under 5, so I started riding a girls 13" frame, which was ok in the beginning, for casual rides around Accotink. But with 24" wheels and no suspension, it was no fun on bumpy trails :)) For the past 8-9 years, I've been riding a custom Curtlo, which has definitely been worth it. (How long do frames last anyway? I think it may be time for a new frame... hmmmm.)

Have fun and when you get your ride on, come out to join us on the Ride Like a Girl (http://ridelikeagirl.org/) rides.

[Squirrel Girl]

For the past 8-9 years, I've been riding a custom Curtlo, which has definitely been worth it. I was thinking about a Curtlo. I guess you like yours? What model are you riding? <sorry about the thread hijack>
http://forums.caves.org/images/smiles/hijack.gif

[DMarchy1]

Buggles, If you are 5'4" with short arms and Legs, then you likely have a longish torso. The Gary Fisher Genisis or Genisister design Might work very well for you. If you live in Northern Virginia, Talk to Anne Madder, She is an Owner of the Bike Lane on Old keene mill road in Springfield/ Burke area. She will steer you in the right direction. If you live in Maryland, and are interested in the Gary fisher line. Bike doctor is a good Shop. I Know some of the guys at Fredrick quite well, and Chris Richardson at Bike doctor in Waldorf Maryland can be exceptionaly helpful with proper fit. City Bikes in Chevy chase has the Specialized full Line including Women specific designs. Proteus Bikes in college Park Md is Owned and operated by a woman who is also on the shorter side and she can definitly fit you properly to a bike. Family Bikes in Crofton Md carries the full Giant Line as well as many others. Jonathan is the owner and will give you exceptional personal service. Much more important than cost or components is proper fit. the best bike in the world that fits you poorly will not be fun or even pleasant to ride. A low cost bike with perfect fit will be fun, Safe, and very enjoyable to ride. Which will encourage you to ride more often and progress at a safe and steady pace. Take your Time, Test ride lots of bikes, but choose a shop that cares enough make certain the bike fits you and your desires. Dave Marchyshyn.

[treeskier]

This spring my wife decided it was time for her to get a properly fitted bike. All the stats and numbers appeared equal. However, sitting on them, each felt different - longer, higher, heavier, lighter, etc..

In the end she made her choice by feel. "Snappy" and "easy" standover clearance.

So, test and ride as many as you can find.

The shops are there to help you. Make the most of the shopping experience.

[mabagal]

I was thinking about a Curtlo. I guess you like yours? What model are you riding? <sorry about the thread hijack>
http://forums.caves.org/images/smiles/hijack.gif
I really like my bike, check out the frame (http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?p=78598#poststop). See how the top bar is really low, this allows me to have the clearance that I need, something that I wasn't getting in off the shelf bikes.

[Squirrel Girl]

I really like my bike, check out the frame (http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?p=78598#poststop). See how the top bar is really low, this allows me to have the clearance that I need, something that I wasn't getting in off the shelf bikes.Hokey Smokes!!! I like having a good standover, too, but I haven't had to go quite that extreme. I'm tall, but my height isn't in my legs. But it's good to know that you are happy with your bike. I'm thinking of getting a COTS bike to try a 29er, then if I'm happy, I might order a Curtlo.

Thanks!