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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: stlbrah on May 19, 2015, 10:30:45 AM

Title: Mountain bike suggestion for a friend
Post by: stlbrah on May 19, 2015, 10:30:45 AM

A friend wants to start riding some trails with me. She is 5 ft 2. The trails around here are more scenic than anything, but there are some boulders here and there. We don't really have mountains.

I have a 29 inch specialized, but I bought it from a shop pre-mustache so I haven't really shopped much before. This is the best deal I could find locally. There probably isn't much for sale since its May.

Comments appreciated!

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/5027551860.html

Title: Re: Mountain bike suggestion for a friend
Post by: hdatontodo on May 19, 2015, 11:44:31 AM

5 years back, I had a Walmart mountain bike with suspension and it worked fine.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/26-Havoc-Inspire-Women-s-Mountain-Bike-Blue/34417066

I just put knobby tires on my hybrid. My wife just bought a $3K used Giant Lust Advanced (and she is normally not spendy--her prior bike is like 20 years old)

Title: Re: Mountain bike suggestion for a friend
Post by: HenryDavid on May 19, 2015, 02:54:18 PM

Quality bike for the trails you describe. Make sure it fits!

Title: Re: Mountain bike suggestion for a friend
Post by: WiscDave on May 19, 2015, 03:02:15 PM

I agree with HenryDavid -- that's a decent bike to start out with at a very fair price.

Title: Re: Mountain bike suggestion for a friend
Post by: stlbrah on May 19, 2015, 03:50:21 PM

thanks guys. Does it look like a size that would work for someone 5,2?

Title: Re: Mountain bike suggestion for a friend
Post by: Jeremy E. on May 19, 2015, 05:22:12 PM

I would ask the owner of the bike if they think it would fit someone that was 5'2, and if so, have your friend go test ride the bike. Most likely since the ad doesn't say it's a small frame, it probably will be to big for her. Good Luck!

Title: Re: Mountain bike suggestion for a friend
Post by: otter on May 21, 2015, 10:10:31 AM

Quote from: stlbrah on May 19, 2015, 03:50:21 PM

thanks guys. Does it look like a size that would work for someone 5,2?

Hard to tell, but it looks like it would fit her but be a bit on the big side. Probably OK as long as she doesn't mind having the bars rather higher than the seat.

Title: Re: Mountain bike suggestion for a friend
Post by: snogirl on May 21, 2015, 10:57:57 AM

I'm 5'4" & ride a 16.5 Trek.  It is not a women's specific bike.
The geometry of each mfg & model is slightly different.
You may want to find something 16 or a high end kids bike.
My suggestion is to have your friend try out the bike prior to purchase.
Her experience will possibly be swayed if she is not comfortable or gets fatigued easily because of the sizing.
Also it could be a huge safety factor. 
I trail ride quite a bit here in VT (even did the Senior Games what a trip) and it is very important to like your bike!
Is there any shops locally (grass root organizations) that sell bikes that have been gone through?
There reason I say that is I am leary with used private bikes. I mean my life depends on the frame etc.
Just my two cents. 
I am glad your friend wants to start, it is great exercise & fun.