Bike Classified- your opinions, please!

OK, I am an idiot, so I am asking for TE opinions please. This was posted at my BFs company online bulletin board, and I am wondering I this is a good deal, and also strictly a mountain bike, or a hybrid or what?

I am 5’5’’, with short “piano legs”, as my mother used to say, so it may just fit. We also live on the edge of 12,000 acres of undeveloped watershed property, with miles and miles of logging trails, etc, so I can just go out my driveway and take off. It is a little too rugged for my Terry Susan B hybrid.

What do you ladies think- should I take up mountain biking? I am definitely going to get a road bike next spring, but this could be fun! (whoo hoo, my heart is beating faster just thinking about it, and is certainly not the dry-as-dust business requirements document I have been yawning over all afternoon).


WOMAN'S BIKE - '01 - Giant "Upland", 21 speed women's trail/road bike - excellent, near new condition - ridden less than 20 miles, dry basement storage. Frame size is 14.5 cm, will fit girls/women up to 5' - 4". CroMoly frame, Color: violet w/white lettering, 25 lbs, Shimano drive train and rapid-fire shifters, kickstand, water bottle cage, no shock absorbers - could install front shock absorber, if so requested. smooth shifting, good brakes, comfort riding position, solid bike. Paid $269 new, $135. go to: www.mountainbikereview.com for reviews. (11/30)

if the bike is in good condition and the price is right, why not?
have fun. if it helps to keep you riding more, it's a great idea!

I'm with Mimi. For 135.. there's isn't much risk really. Worst case aybe you'll just have commuter bike/bad weather bike too if you don't take to mtn biking.

Sounds like you have the perfect place for mountain biking! I love zipping around on the trails and gravel roads around my property and neighborhood!

This particular bike might be a little small for you, though. Would you be able to take it on a test ride to make sure it fits before purchasing? Also, how wide a tire does it take? You don't want a road bike for unpaved roads/trails. And bear in mind that a 21-speed drivetrain is going to be restricted in parts available. However, it might be decent enough to see if you really like mountain biking. Then you'll be wanting something better and more $$!

I can't imagine living without my front shock (and the rear shock is great too - I upgraded from a hardtail to a full-suspension mtb this summer), but it all depends on conditions. If the trails/roads around your house are relatively smooth, you'll probably do fine, and the weight is nice and light. For comparison, my REI Novara hardtail weighs about 32 lbs -- a lot to lug up hills!

Let us know what you do!

Emily

Ditto to what DOG said - for $135 its hard to go wrong. If you can afford it and it would save your Terry from abuse and give you that much more of riding options..... I too have a very nice road bike, and an older mtn bike that can "take a lickin'".... comes in handy.

Sopunds like an awesome deal. Are you able to test ride it?