newbie needs bike advice

[ldgary]

I am wanting to get into mountain biking.

Let me tell you a little about myself. I'm 47, 5' 5.5", and weigh 250+ (yes I said how much I weigh ). I live in the eastern part of Texas. Not may very technical trails, but some.

I'm looking at several different bikes and wondered if I'm headed in the right direction. I've been to three local shops and the sales folks seem sincere, but I can't help but wonder how much is commission driven.

I'm looking at the following bikes:

1. Trek Marlin 29er (17.5")
2. Trek Wahoo (17.5")
3. Felt Nine Trail (17.5")
4. Redline D660 (17")
5. Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc (17.5)

I really like the 29er's and how they feel underneath me. Just wondering if the ladies out there consider these good bikes for a new rider.

Thanks in advance.

[jessmarimba]

Are you able to demo any of those bikes - take them out on the trails and see how they will really feel? That'd be my first suggestion. Then you'd know for yourself if you "love" the bike or you're being influenced by the salespeople...

[ldgary]

I rode all the bikes on some small areas next to the shops. Not trails by any stretch of the imagination, just a grassy area next to the shops.

I did find that I liked the 29ers better than the 26 Wahoo. They all very close in price range except for the Redline.

[jessmarimba]

In all honesty - and you may just have an exceptionally long torso and really long arms - the sizes of those bikes sound like they are on the verge of too big. If the top tube/effective top tube is too long, you won't be able to get your weight behind the seat on downhills to avoid going over the handlebars. In addition, particularly with the 29er frames, if your legs aren't long enough you won't be able to get the seat high enough and still reach the pedals.

Have you tried any of the bikes a size smaller? That may leave you more leeway for adjustments to make the bike fit better.

I'm 5'7" with long arms, long legs, and a long torso, and I prefer a "small" frame for most unisex 29ers. I'm on the verge of too stretched out on my 17" Cannondale 26er frame - I would prefer a top tube about a half inch or so shorter.

I do love a 29er! And your bikes are in the same price range as my original purchase. I wanted a new one pretty quickly though

[ldgary]

I really don't long arms or a long torso. I am pretty much average, just rounder than most women.

I relied on the the bike shop person to tell me what size. I probably should go back and look at a small. I just assumed that I was given that size due to my weight. One of the shops kept saying I was right on the borderline. I guess between small and medium.

thanks for the information. I'll go back to the different shops and see what they have and try to ride them.

[jessmarimba]

I'm not sure about the situation where you live, but many of the shops around here don't have a huge selection of mountain bikes right now. They may have just had you try those because they had them in stock. Not to say that you couldn't make those bikes fit, but if you have to make a number of adjustments you'll have more flexibility if you're closer to the middle of the bike's size range.

It would suck if you ended up with a bike that you never felt comfortable on and missed out on something as fun as mountain biking

[Becky]

I'm 5'4" and ride Small/16" - 17" frames usually. It sounds big but, if I go any smaller, my weight ends up being too far forward to feel balanced. So it's not unheard of that you might need that size....arm, torso, and leg lengths will all play into it, as well as overall flexibility. I would try riding a smaller bike, just for giggles, and see how it feels.

I like my 29er rigid, and I like my 26 full suspension...horses for courses If the 29ers fit well and feel good, then why not?

[hebe]

hello!

I'm the same height as you, new to mountain biking (well all cycling) too, and my mountain bike is the Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc. which I have in the 15.5 frame size. If you look at the sizing guide, I think this frame size is suggested for up to about 5ft 7. I adore it, the bike just feels a perfect size and so much fun. I found that this was a better fit for me than the equivalent Myka. It's worth trying a Myka too, or similar, in case you're more comfortable with the shorter handlebar.