what is more important for climbing?

[alleyoop]

Also, if you can, rent a like-bike to the ones you are considering and take it on a trail for a day. I know that I get really nervous when I am shopping and can't really get a feel for the bike while being watched. It was TOTALLY worth it to me to rent 3 bikes on 3 consecutive weekends and take them on the same trails to find out what kind I really wanted. At $30 a day, it was an expensive investigation, but saved me from buying a bike that I wouldn't have been happy with.

Apart from that, a hardtail is a great choice, but only TITS (time in the saddle) will tell.

[Irulan]

Also, if you can, rent a like-bike to the ones you are considering and take it on a trail for a day. I know that I get really nervous when I am shopping and can't really get a feel for the bike while being watched. It was TOTALLY worth it to me to rent 3 bikes on 3 consecutive weekends and take them on the same trails to find out what kind I really wanted. At $30 a day, it was an expensive investigation, but saved me from buying a bike that I wouldn't have been happy with.

Apart from that, a hardtail is a great choice, but only TITS (time in the saddle) will tell.

Wow you are lucky to have had shops that rent out nice mtbs in your area!!! I could hardly find my size to testride when I got my first one, much less rent. I've done the best with trading bikes on rides with my riding sistahs.


Back to the OP -- why the weight on climbability of the bike? That is just one component of your ride. Even the most diehard XC rider goes down as much as they go up.

[alleyoop]

Yes, I am lucky! We have a great shop that rents good bikes... and I am 5'8" and proportioned more like a man, so fitting isn't such an issue. I know that most aren't as lucky.

[Gertruda]

Hello all!

I went to other bike shop - I tried this weekend Trek 4300 WSD - I liked it... Surprisingly it was not so light (if I compare it with K2 Ridgeline). Still, very nice. Will check a store with Specialized ones this week or weekend. Then will decide...

And funny thing - they do have a lifetime basic tune-ups; and REI has only first and second tune-ups (after 100-200 miles) free.

[vinbek]

If you are going to be climbing alot and in the mountains, I would recommend a hard tail. I seem to have more control with a hard tail and less slipping from the rear wheel. If you are riding off road - I think its a must to have front suspension or your arms will feel like you've got stinging bees all over them when you stop riding those bumpy roads! Center of gravity is key when riding over varied terrain. You want to feel comfortable off the seat as well as on it for shifting your weight. I am only on my second mountain bike in 25 years! I had a Raleigh and now have a Cannondale. I bought the Raleigh as "new old stock". I don't put that many miles on my mtb anymore. More of a roadie. Bekki

[Gertruda]

Finally I got Specialized Myka Comp HT 09.

Looking forward to getting started...

[fatbottomedgurl]

Congratulations! Have fun, and ride safe!

[Tabby]

How 'bout two more cents worth ! I was a total newbie hadn't been on a bike in 20 years. I found the more people I asked suggestions from I got more replies that only ended up overloading my feeble mind. I posted on local mtb forum for woman (with experience) teach me to ride. Fortunately, this woman had more than one mtb (we're same size). She took me out, showed me, watched me, let me ride her different bikes and she made a suggestion for Trek 6000 (not a brand she had) based on how I rode and she continues to teach me new/more advanced skills. For me, I decided to just take the advice of this one woman to learn my basic skill set, trust her guidance til I felt comfortable and I could make informed decisions on my own with base knowledge.

Like I said just my two cents worth. Good luck and let us know how things end up.

[CCinSC]

Hello all!

I went to other bike shop - I tried this weekend Trek 4300 WSD - I liked it... Surprisingly it was not so light (if I compare it with K2 Ridgeline). Still, very nice. Will check a store with Specialized ones this week or weekend. Then will decide...

And funny thing - they do have a lifetime basic tune-ups; and REI has only first and second tune-ups (after 100-200 miles) free.

I have the Trek 4300 and LOVE it! And I'm fortunate enough to have a great LBS that takes great care of me. They love to answer any questions, no matter how novice.