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Hi everyone,
I have been tasked with finding a mountain bike for someone starting out, have tried normal sites but keep coming up blank.
She is 5 foot 3 and not fit at the moment but we all gotta start somewhere, do not want to spend loads but saying that would rather spend a bit more now to save in long run on changing again is she enjoys it etc.
Suggestions please.
I had an XS Giant Talon 1W 26” HT with decent high end parts for son2. When he out grew it, I sold it to a work colleague who was the same size. She absolutely loves it as a first MTB. So I’d say an XS hard tail Giant. They don’t make many XS frames and they sell fast. And buy used as she may not take to it and then won’t lose money.
Will be used as I agree she might not take to it, over the years got rid of things that would have been great just so happens I cannot find anything now, typical.
My wife is the same size. She rides a Giant XS too.
My wife is 5' and is loving her Radley mmmbop. If you look at the other PSA thread, CRC are doing them for crazy money!
You'd have to build it up though....
I've also just bought a Whyte compact from Evans that was a bit of a bargain (CTW).
I'd recommend both Whyte and Ragley 🙂
Always a challenge as if you spend too little you might end up with a bike that puts her off as it doesn't ride well, yet too much and she doesn't actually like it and you've spent a load of money.
I built bikes from my spares bin and bought frames / forks second hand for my wife and daughters as they fancied a go. Luckily both took to riding and have now upgraded substantially, however the first bikes were still capable and good quality, just second hand in the main.
That been said, the wife doesn't ride her mtb's much at all now, instead preferring tarmac ... doh.
following on from an earlier thread, islabike MTBs are now half price https://www.islabikes.co.uk/products/creig
dare i say, designed for the smaller person
Oh & is say 5'3" is a small, rather than an xs?
The Whyte compact may be better suited as it's a bit more 'sit up' than the Ragley.
ButtonMoonFull Member
Oh & is say 5’3″ is a small, rather than an xs?
My OH is 5 foot 2" and rides XS Santa Cruz hard tail and FS, both on 29" wheels.
That said, it's probably best to get to a shop and sit on a few to gauge sizing before going too deep into it.
Here's the Whyte compact deal:
50% off RRP, so £629.
Wife ask me about getting her a bike for riding on the canal / work so i Just sorted her a x-small coyote £30 ebay came with hydraulic brakes {clarks} Alloy wheels so replaced all the steel parts for alloy stuff made it a 1 x 9 ( parts bin) got her a new seat she loves it at the moment ....... we will see come winter
Small Ragley Marley, half price at £700. Just needs a dropper added so another £100ish for a Brand X. Boom. Size chart says from 160cm/5'3 up.
https://www.wiggle.com/p/ragley-marley-2-0-hardtail-bike-red
But that Whyte looks a brilliant bike also.
Friend of mine is 5ft. Tried to start cheap - Trek Marlin - hated it. Too stiff, those unbutted alu, small triangle bikes can be very solid feeling. Was an XS (14" I think) and even though it was a 650b had problems with front wheel/toe clearance. So whatever is chosen needs to be tried for size first (especially if a 29er!). My friend much preferred riding my old Gary Fisher 26" full susser, frame was just a bit too big though.
My Wife is 5-4 and rides an XS BMC FourStroke - the 100mm Reverb is almost at it's lowest possible position.
Even better we picked it up for a song (£300) from a friend.
Whyte do make a nice looking hardtail frame, eh?
Some great suggestions here, I'd just say that while a Recon fork is fine for a beginner on smoother trails, it's still probably worth spending a little more to get something a bit more refined with nicer damping.
These look nice and seem low-slung enough (but not too reachy)...
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/p/ragley-piglet-hardtail-bike-orange
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/p/ragley-mmmbop-2-0-hardtail-bike-silver
Or if she wants something cheaper and women's specific...
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/p/vitus-nucleus-27-vrw-womens-mountain-bike
Ring round all the bike rental places, they usually change their fleet at this time of year so there should be bargains to be found. I know Beics Brenin (Coed Y Brenin shop) have/had a load of Trek Marlins in various sizes for sale a week or so ago, think they were around the £350 mark.
Buy my wife's 15" Stumpy FSR carbon full suss thing.
I'll tell you what not to buy, something with small tyres and cheap fork that will rattle her teeth out on put her off ever mountain biking again. Think what's the minimum you'd be happy riding on the trails you enjoy - make sure it has a decent air fork + dropper.
I think all the Whyte compact frames are the same, but I bought this:
https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/whyte/806-compact-mountain-bike-910519#colcode=91051912
It's only available in xs now though.
Whyte sizes say small is 5"1' to 5'5". I would agree with Whyte.
Definately get her to sit on a few things.
Having just bought mrs_oab, a lofty 5'1", a new bike recently you cannot trust geometry charts or what a friend rides. When you are short, millimetres make a difference!
Edit: and of course colour is important...
Another vote for the Whyte 806 or whatever the current equivalent is. A nice, pretty light, well thought through machine.
Just make sure that the geometry isn’t massively old and the suspension isn’t crap. So many friends have tried to get partners riding and then wonder why GF doesn’t enjoy the rattle mid 2000s hardtail that doesn’t fit while they shoot along next to her on their £££ carbon gnarpoon or feather lite XC bike.
Sounds like you’re starting in the right place by looking for the right sized bike. But try to get her something suitable for the riding she’s going to be doing with you guys.
The Canyon Grand canyon w7 is a well specced bike for the money and comes in X's and xxs. My partner has had one for six months or so and loves it.