Any mountain bike reccommendations

[AbbyBurkle]

Hello! I'd really like to get into mountain biking but have NO idea where to even begin in terms of bikes. I'm hoping to spend under $700 and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for a women's bike. I am not an experienced rider what so ever so maybe something basic?

 

[phsycle]

Without knowing what kind of riding you'll be doing and what you're looking for in a bike, I'll just throw out some general suggestions.

I'm assuming you'll be doing easy trails and/or paved roads. I'd recommend going with a hardtail (front suspension only). Specialized has a women-specific model called the Myka. I'd recommend going with at least the Disc model, or the Sport Disc, which is right under your price range. Take a gander at one at your local shop. Make sure you're fitted properly.

You will also notice that this bike also comes in a 29" wheel size. It's been gaining quite a bit of popularity over the last several years. I ride one, but my wife, who is 5'6", doesn't like them. She prefers her 26" wheels. So they're not for everyone. You will have to ride a few and decide.

Also, remember to take into consideration that you'll need extra money for a helmet, gloves and bike shorts. Hope that helps.

 

[AbbyBurkle]

This is extremely helpful and gives me somewhere to start. I will definitely have to do a lot of research on this to find the right fit for me. Thanks again!

 

[MattScott]

She'll be riding all over Prescott as we're moving out there in November - Anyone have any suggestions for a good LBS?

 

[raven1911]

A good local bike shop in Prescott?? High Gear on Sheldon St. or Manzanita Outdoors are both good. Both have knowledgeable staff and are very nice. Welcome to the area!!

 

[Christophe Noel]

She'll be riding all over Prescott as we're moving out there in November - Anyone have any suggestions for a good LBS?

I'm biased. I'm the buyer at Manzanita Outdoor. Steve is our ace mechanic. Between the two of us we've been in the bike biz for 42 years. We're also very active in the local mountain bike scene if you'd like to be connected to other riders of your riding level. That's a great way to find trails, amigos, and learn some new skills.

 

[MattScott]

I'm biased. I'm the buyer at Manzanita Outdoor. Steve is our ace mechanic. Between the two of us we've been in the bike biz for 42 years. We're also very active in the local mountain bike scene if you'd like to be connected to other riders of your riding level. That's a great way to find trails, amigos, and learn some new skills.

Maybe we can all go riding sometime in Prescott, I'll be in town after Nov 10th. Abby should be there by then too.

Is there good riding in the area?

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

Maybe we can all go riding sometime in Prescott, I'll be in town after Nov 10th. Abby should be there by then too.

Is there good riding in the area?

Apparently you haven't heard that Prescott is becoming one of the primo riding spots in the southwest.....shhhhhhhh. :bike_rider:

 

[MattScott]

apparently you haven't heard that prescott is becoming one of the primo riding spots in the southwest.....shhhhhhhh. :bike_rider:

score!

 

[Christophe Noel]

Maybe we can all go riding sometime in Prescott, I'll be in town after Nov 10th. Abby should be there by then too.

Is there good riding in the area?

Is there good riding? :sombrero:
Our trail system contains roughly 325 miles of flowy trail all accessible from downtown. The better news - it's a work in progress. Our riding just 15 years ago was pretty poor. Now it's fantastic and getting better every week, literally. Thanks to support from the FS, and encouragement from the city, our trail system grows by roughly 50-75 feet PER WEEK.

We have a growing calendar of events and a new mtb club that is doing a lot of fun things.

As it relates to your bike search, our terrain is perfect for 29er hardtails. For our shop, we sell roughly 70% of our bikes in that format. This isn't really the best full suspension terrain as the majority of our trails are fast, flowy and pretty smooth. A 29er full sus would be the ideal full sus bike for around here.

And....I never pass up a chance to show anyone some of our trails!

 

[raven1911]

Is there good riding? :sombrero:
Our trail system contains roughly 325 miles of flowy trail all accessible from downtown. The better news - it's a work in progress. Our riding just 15 years ago was pretty poor. Now it's fantastic and getting better every week, literally. Thanks to support from the FS, and encouragement from the city, our trail system grows by roughly 50-75 feet PER WEEK.

We have a growing calendar of events and a new mtb club that is doing a lot of fun things.

As it relates to your bike search, our terrain is perfect for 29er hardtails. For our shop, we sell roughly 70% of our bikes in that format. This isn't really the best full suspension terrain as the majority of our trails are fast, flowy and pretty smooth. A 29er full sus would be the ideal full sus bike for around here.

And....I never pass up a chance to show anyone some of our trails!

Flounder, I didn't know you were assoc with Manzanita! Awesome! I need to get a mountain bike as I am a former road racer but the road cycling out here sucks. I have almost got creamed by cars about 3 times already. The drivers out here really don't like road cyclists.

 

[Christophe Noel]

Flounder, I didn't know you were assoc with Manzanita! Awesome! I need to get a mountain bike as I am a former road racer but the road cycling out here sucks. I have almost got creamed by cars about 3 times already. The drivers out here really don't like road cyclists.

I am, on the inside, a roadie. I've road raced for 25 seasons, although not much in the last three. I've logged at least 60,000 miles on the roads around Prescott. I've never had any bad confrontations, although I did lose my training/racing buddy Steve Walters to an accident on Willow Springs Rd. I still love to road ride and race as a Cat 2/M35 rider, but the dirt around here is just the way to go. So much trail.

Swing in to the store and say howdy. We'll be getting our 2012 Felts and 2012 Rocky Mountain bikes in very soon. We have a couple great deals on '11 bikes.

Maybe we'll do a big ExPo bike ride in Prescott next spring!

 

[raven1911]

Flounder, pm me your name if you don't want to say on the thread and I will ask for you directly. Definitely looking at getting a hardtail 29er soon!

 

[Christophe Noel]

Flounder, pm me your name if you don't want to say on the thread and I will ask for you directly. Definitely looking at getting a hardtail 29er soon!

Christophe Noel

If we don't have what you're looking for, my friends at the other shops can help you find something. That goes for you too, Abby!

 

[AbbyBurkle]

Thanks! I will need all the help I can get!