I've been tasked with finding a 16/17" mountain bike for my sister to use for fireroad/commuting and green/blue/occasional red runs this summer. The criteria is nothing too heavy and ideally a half decent frame to hang slighly better stuff from. What should I be looking at so far i've found a Kona Shred (bit heavy?) and a few rockhoppers. Ideally need to spend around £130
my wife has a Kona Shred, its not to heavy but I wouldn't want to commute on it.
Second hand?
No idea what the choice is but check hubs, transmission etc aren't worn out.
Scott's womens mtb frames are quite light from memory, try ebay.
I can't see you finding anything new for that money.It'll have to be second hand. But like cynic-al says, you'll need to check for worn components, otherwise she'll soon have a bill for new parts.
I can't help feeling that spending a few more £s now would be a better option.
How about a [url= http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p4935/GIANT-REVEL-2-2013 ]Giant Revel 2[/url] from Pauls Cycles for just under £300?
Sorry should have said second hand is what im looking at. I do pretty much all my work my self so im happy to buy something that needs a few hours in the stand and a few parts from the spares box if it saves her a chunk. I'm not bothered about WSD frames in particular as shes quite tall and fits a gents 17ish frame pretty well. Maybe I'll look into the Kona a bit more, she'd only be commuting 2 miles tops and shop trips etc.
One of these?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-vee-1-city-bike-2014/rp-prod80999 - £239.
...I had the [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-vee-29-city-bike-2014/rp-prod81000 ]29er version[/url], and it took some right dog's abuse with no complaints.
My old Hardrock is possibly worth about that (has upgraded Marzocchi 80m forks on it). Its used as a loner to mates and by my son-in-law for his commute. Something similar would work, get scouring the second hand ads.
I be looking at something like this little [url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RALEIGH-ACTIVATOR-21-FRAMED-FULL-SUSPENSION-MOUNTAIN-CYCLE-BIKE-18-GEARS-/111364919584?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item19edddd120 ]beauty[/url]
then spend the remainder on some santa cruz decals, wider bars, and perhaps a dropper post
😉
My wife also has a Kona Shred (14", she's pretty small...) upgraded from an old Raleigh Activator
It's a really fun bike, but not something I would want to commute on. She describes it as a teenage boys bike, and that's why she likes it.
When I've ridden it (usually on a 17" frame) I find it's really chuckable, sturdy and a great laugh.
Thanks for the replies, do you have any idea of the weight and which year is yours? I'm looking at a Medium which is 16". She's coming to the alps with us this year and has shown a interest in the likes of Les Gets green and well as pottering about town so I'd rather buy something a little stronger and confidence inspiring which i'll probably then sell when shes back and buy something more suited to this country.
On facebook - in a group called bicycles for sale in Cornwall & devon there is a merlin (the northern shop not exotic ti) that is £200 & looks pretty tidy
Hi Ross, sent you an email. I'm actually selling a 16" Carerra Kraken with upgraded forks and shifters. Details in the ad mate

