From Roadie to SuperMTBker :P

[Caroline]

... I bought myself a MTB, it's a 13.5 Specialized Rockhopper Comp disc. I thought I might just be the World's Greastest Mountainbiker awating to be unleashed ...

Seriously, I just thought I would get a MTB and give it a go, It rains a lot in Ireland and last winter I broke bones on the icy roads so I though off roads on wet/icy days could be a good idea. Now I've no idea what I am supposed to look like on a MTB. I guess I can still wear lycra under baggies? or is lycra acceptable for a woman? I have a proper MTB helmet, shoes ... but i am absolutely clueless about the rest. Can you ladies recomment me ...?

Thanks

[Irulan]

... I bought myself a MTB, it's a 13.5 Specialized Rockhopper Comp disc. I thought I might just be the World's Greastest Mountainbiker awating to be unleashed ...

Seriously, I just thought I would get a MTB and give it a go, It rains a lot in Ireland and last winter I broke bones on the icy roads so I though off roads on wet/icy days could be a good idea. Now I've no idea what I am supposed to look like on a MTB. I guess I can still wear lycra under baggies? or is lycra acceptable for a woman? I have a proper MTB helmet, shoes ... but i am absolutely clueless about the rest. Can you ladies recomment me ...?

Thanks

LOL there are no rules.
Some people get all worked up regarding the lycra vs baggies thing, usually it's guys though.

I wear lycra when it's hot. If I'm doing lift served, coaching, highly technical riding or hanging out with the free riders I wear baggies with lycra under them.

[bluebug32]

Lycra is good because I feel like I'm always catching my baggies on things or that they are bunching. But, in wet conditions I like the extra layer and they also add some more protection from thorns, etc. Either way is fine; just focus on having fun!

[sundial]

Caroline, congratulations on that Rockhopper. My first modern mtb was a Rockhopper and I originally intended to use it on days I couldn't use the road bike. Then it morphed into my primary bike. Don't be surprised at the versatility of this bike and how much fun it is on the trail.

Like Irulan said, (competitive) men are more concerned about the function of lycra. As for me, I do wear lycra capris in the fall, baggy shorts in the summer. I use platform pedals and wear Specialized Tahoes to mtb in since I also stop and hike to photograph interesting subjects. I have ridden clipless but prefer my shin eater BMX platform pedals.

You know we like pictures of new toys so post away.

[Aggie_Ama]

I would say here the majority of riders wear lycra. There have been some colorful debates about whether or not it is appropriate but I don't own a single pair of baggies. I do have an adorable Novara wrap skirt I throw over my lycra for post ride outings. I have never found a pair of baggies that comfortably fit my hourglass shape. Wear what you like and have fun doing it is my motto.

[sundial]

I have never found a pair of baggies that comfortably fit my hourglass shape.

Have you tried Sugoi? I bought the Gusta short a couple of seasons ago from TE and I really like them. This year TE is selling the Greta short.

The chamois is really nice (reminds me of extra soft flannel) and the overall fit of the short compliments my hourglass figure well.

[Irulan]

I would say here the majority of riders wear lycra. There have been some colorful debates about whether or not it is appropriate but I don't own a single pair of baggies. I do have an adorable Novara wrap skirt I throw over my lycra for post ride outings. I have never found a pair of baggies that comfortably fit my hourglass shape. Wear what you like and have fun doing it is my motto.

It's about 1/2 and 1/2 around here. I see that lots of women wear some sort of baggy as finding Lycra that doesn't promote the sausage casing look can be an issue for some.

[Caroline]

It does lokk like a 29er, but the frame is just very small

[indigoiis]

I just bought the same bike in the 07 version. I love it!
And like you, I want to become an awesome mountain biker. I am still in the screechy skeered stage. But this bike can do a lot, don't you think? I was amazed last night when, at the direction of a fellow rider, I pushed down and then pulled up to get over a 6 inch log, and this bike just breezed it.

[kenyonchris]

I am thin, and baggies fall off me, but I get too much crap for wearing Lycra so baggies it is for MTBing. I wear lycra on the road, of course.
Have fun, don't try going clipless until you are a little more comfortable, then make sure you adjust your clipless so that you can get in and out much easier than on a road bike.
If you ride twisty popular out and backs make sure you have a little bell. I broke mine in a fall and now have to yell, "CA-CAW, CA-CAW" when I go around a blind turn. We have a pretty popular (and crowded) trail that attracts hikers, bikers of all levels due to the technical bits, and new trail parts that result in general mayhem. The bell really helps.
And go Camelbak. Most MTB frames only allow for one bottle at best.

[kenyonchris]

[QUOTE=Caroline;446226...., It rains a lot in Ireland and last winter I broke bones on the icy roads so I though off roads on wet/icy days could be a good idea.

Thanks[/QUOTE]

PS...I travel to Ireland fairly frequently (or I used to before the Euro went nuts) to buy horses and import them... I always think what great roadbiking....until I go around a corner and encounter a farm tractor or whatever and fear for my life in the CAR. I LOVE my trips to Ireland, the people are so incredibly nice and funny and always willing to buy me a drink (sometimes at 8am) and have such nice horses...but you do really have to acclimate to the Irish driving technique. Bicycling seems like it might be hazardous!
And, a few years ago, it snowed on me while I was out on the Curragh.

[Aggie_Ama]

+1 on a bell, I am going to get a different one today. They are also helpful if you see an animal (dog, deer, squirrel) ahead so you don't startle them. I feel bad "belling" the animals but I have seen a few people who wrecked after startling a poor animal. They also felt terrible for hurting the creature.