what mtb for a beginner who is short?
I am 4'11" and just a beginner. I went mtn biking a couple of times but the bikes I borrowed (from friends) were too big so it was not really fun but I would still go again.
I tried the Trek Lush SL WSD with the 26" wheels. It has FS but everyone tells me to get a hardtail because I am a beginner but I can't seem to find one that would fit. I would like to get a mtn bike so I could go with friends and switch it up from riding road.
Is the FS overkill for a beginner?
Can I actually find something my size?
What do you suggest?
I work at a bike shop an employee recommended it because it is the best that I would get. But then another employee kind of had a kick out of it and laughed and said I would ruin the bike because I won't learn anything from a FS.
Re: what mtb for a beginner who is short?
I'd ignore those people. We bought entry level 26" hardtails, had them a month and a half when we traded them in for full suspension.
Go for what is most comfortable for you and ignore what others say. There is no wrong choice and saying you won't learn anything on a FS is just bs.
I got a bike that was far above my ability level, but because of that I was willing to try things that I wouldn't even consider on the other bike.
what mtb for a beginner who is short?
Well, you won't ruin the bike. That was a really lame thing to say. And, if you never bother to learn any MTB skills, (clinics etc) learning on a FS can make you a lazy rider, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. You should just be aware that it takes a little more effort to learn to use your full body as its own suspension in concert with the bikes suspension.
MTBR.com's Women's Lounge has some really excellent, extensive threads on bikes for small women. You might pop in there and read up on more options.
I just helped a friend who is 5-2" pick out a bike. Really I just hung out while she test rode. You need to make sure that you have enough stand over room, and that the cockpit isn't too long. You will understand this by trying several bikes.
what mtb for a beginner who is short?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
amyp
I've been told a 650b would be too big for me. I had ok clearance. It was up higher because of the travel? I don't know a lot of mtb lingo. I guess I should have rode it up the curb too and get a feel for it but it was only in the parkig lot
It might have felt bigger due to the wheels but there are any number of factors that affect the size. Wheel size (26, 650 which is the same as 27.5, 29) has nothing to do with "travel". Travel is the amount of movement you get in the suspension on on the bike when you activate the front and rear suspension. Fit come down primarily to the frame geometry which means the various angles that are used in designing the frame.
It sounds like you may want to learn a little more before you plunk down money on a bike. You want it to be the right one! Do you know someone who is an experienced mountain biker that could help you shop? Hint- not the person that told you that a beginner on a F'S would break the bike...